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At DCO, we love nothing more than a deep dive into colour, so who better to chat with than Joa Studholme, Farrow & Ball’s legendary Colour Curator, and Charlie Cosby, their brilliant Creative Director? Between them, they’ve spent years shaping the iconic Farrow & Ball palette, creating colours that have transformed homes worldwide.
If you’ve ever painted a room in Joa’s White, you already know a little about Joa—her namesake shade is a warm, timeless neutral that’s one of F&B’s most-loved colours. And if you’ve admired Charlotte’s Locks, that fiery, bold orange? That’s all thanks to Charlie’s iconic red hair!
Together, they’ve helped curate Farrow & Ball’s most exciting launch in years: 12 stunning new shades—including nine brand-new creations and three archive colours making their grand return. From smoky greens and warming terracottas to soft, nostalgic neutrals, this collection is all about celebrating the extraordinary ordinary—those understated yet meaningful colours that shape our daily lives.
And honestly? We’re obsessed. If I had to pick my absolute favourites, it would have to be Scallop, Dibber, and Marmelo—each one has such a beautiful depth and warmth that I can’t wait to see on people’s walls (and its only a matter of time before you see them on mine!).
So, grab a cuppa and settle in as we chat with Charlie & Joa about how these colours came to life, why some classics from the Archive are back for good, and which shades they can’t stop thinking about! And when you're done? Browse our website for more images, order your samples, and start planning how to bring this gorgeous collection into your own home.
Q1: If you could sum it up for us, what would you say is the theme behind the 2025 colour launch?
Joa: Over the last few years, we’ve really relished living with colour. It’s made us more aware of the shades that surround us every day—the colours we often overlook. This collection is about celebrating the ordinary—the unsung heroes of our fondest memories and those special touches that turn everyday moments into something special.
Charlie: Exactly. The colours in this palette feel deeply familiar—they’re drawn from the everyday objects, textures, and traditions that quietly shape our lives. From the buttery warmth of Marmelo, inspired by the quince that gave us marmalade, to Douter, a smoky green reminiscent of aged brass candle snuffers—each shade has a story to tell.
Q2: For the first time in Farrow and Ball’s history, you’re reintroducing three colours from the Farrow & Ball Archive. Why now?
Charlie: I love delving into our Archive, and there are some real treasures in there. Some colours just feel so right for now, and these three—Sap Green, Broccoli Brown, and Etruscan Red—deserve another moment in the spotlight.
Joa: We’ve noticed a real desire for warmth, depth, and heritage tones—colours that feel grounding and timeless, but also fresh and modern. Etruscan Red, for example, has this incredible depth—it’s an earthy, brown-based red that feels wonderfully sophisticated but still inviting. It’s perfect in dining rooms, where it takes on a beautiful glow in candlelight.
Q3: Naming Farrow & Ball colours has always been an art in itself. How do you come up with the names?
Joa: Every colour has a story. Some names come from historical references, some from nature, and others from everyday objects that inspire us. Take Douter, for example—it sits between Inchyra Blue and Green Smoke, but it was actually inspired by the tarnished brass of traditional candle snuffers.
Charlie: And then there’s Marmelo, which I think is one of the most evocative names in this collection. It’s a warm, spiced orange, inspired by the quince that gave us marmalade. The moment you hear it, you can almost smell buttered toast and hear breakfast-table chatter—it’s a colour that feels nostalgic, comforting, and familiar.
Joa: And then we have Kakelugn—now that’s a name that’ll stop people in their tracks! It comes from the beautiful folkloric fireplaces of Sweden, known for their elegant, tiled designs. The colour itself is a crisp, delicate blue that delivers stunning Scandinavian style, and I just know we’re going to hear some wonderfully creative pronunciations of it!
Q4: How did you decide on your final collection of colours? It must be a difficult job to narrow them down!
Charlie: Absolutely—it’s never easy! We wanted a collection that feels complete, covering everything from warming, earthy tones to crisp, cool shades that bring freshness and modernity. Take Farrow & Ball Scallop, for example—it’s a delicate, rosy neutral that sits perfectly between Setting Plaster and Jitney. It’s stunning on its own, but it also pairs effortlessly with earthy tones like Broccoli Brown or warm reds like Etruscan Red, making it incredibly versatile.
Joa: And then there’s Farrow & Ball Sap Green—an olive green that feels both fresh and steeped in tradition. It shows how green can be grounding and classic, but also feel clean and contemporary. It’s fantastic with Bancha for a tonal, nature-inspired scheme, but if you want something crisper and more modern, try it with Cook’s Blue for a striking, mid-century twist.
Q5: There are quite a few greens in this collection—what is it about green that makes it such a great colour for the home?
Joa: Green is just such an instinctive colour to live with—it’s everywhere in nature, so it automatically makes us feel calm and balanced. It can be soft and nurturing, bold and dramatic, or deep and moody, depending on the shade. That’s why we’ve included so many different greens in this collection—they each bring something completely unique.
Charlie: Exactly. Take Dibber, which is the most down to earth of our new greens, sitting seamlessly with exteriors! And of course, Reduced Green is this wonderfully muted, brown-leaning green that feels timeless and comforting.
Joa: No matter which shade you choose, green just has this magical way of connecting a space to the outside world.
Q6: Some of the new colours, like Broccoli Brown and Douter, feel very grounded. Are we seeing a move away from cooler neutrals?
Charlie: We’re definitely embracing warmer, earthier tones that feel comforting and enveloping. Broccoli Brown is a fantastic example—it’s a deep, muted neutral with a red undertone, which keeps it warm in all lights rather than fading to grey.
Joa: Etruscan Red which we have brought back from our Archive is the perfect deep earthy red – it is strong but never overwhelming.
Q7: If you had to choose a favourite from this collection, which would it be?
Joa: That’s always the hardest question! I have a real soft spot for Douter—it’s just so atmospheric. I love that it was inspired by candle snuffers because candlelight adds something magical to every room, whether it’s a dinner party or a quiet evening in.
Charlie: I keep coming back to Marmelo. It’s spicy, warming, and completely comforting. I love how it sits between India Yellow and Cane, but it’s softer—perfect for kitchens, where it brings a nostalgic, homey feel.
Q8: What’s your advice for someone choosing a colour from this collection?
Joa: Always test it in your space—it’s the best way to understand how a colour will behave. Light changes everything, and what feels soft and muted in one room can feel much stronger or more vibrant in another. A great example is Farrow & Ball Kakelugn—a fresh, delicate blue that looks cooler and crisper in north-facing rooms but warmer and softer in south-facing spaces.
Also, think about how the light changes throughout the day. A shade like Douter, which has a smoky, grey-green quality, can feel moody and atmospheric in lower light, but in bright natural light, its green undertones become more prominent.
Charlie: And don’t just think about light—think about the mood you want to create. Colour isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about how you want a space to feel. If you want something restful and timeless, try Farrow & Ball Scallop or Broccoli Brown—both warm, grounding neutrals that instantly make a room feel calm and inviting.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for something bold and full of life, Sap Green or Marmelo are brilliant choices. Sap Green is fresh and energizing, great for home offices or kitchens, while Marmelo’s rich, spiced warmth makes it perfect for cosy, social spaces like living rooms and dining areas.
Joa: And don’t forget how colour combinations can completely change the feel of a space. Pairing Scallop with Broccoli Brown creates a relaxed, heritage-inspired look, while Marmelo with Etruscan Red feels dramatic and cocooning. If you want a modern contrast, try pairing Sap Green with Cook’s Blue—it’s unexpected but works beautifully.
Charlie: The best part? There’s no right or wrong—it’s all about what makes you feel good in your home. So, experiment, test samples, and have fun with it!
Thank you both so much, ladies! It’s been absolutely fascinating to hear the inspiration behind this collection, how you’d use these colours in the home, and of course, where those iconic Farrow & Ball names come from! We’ve loved getting this exclusive behind-the-scenes insight, and we know our DCO community will be just as excited to explore these beautiful new shades in their own spaces.
A final note from Helen: Bringing Colour Home
With this latest collection, Farrow & Ball has embraced the colours that quietly shape our everyday lives, turning the familiar into something truly extraordinary. From the deep, aged warmth of Etruscan Red to the nostalgic softness of Scallop, or the smoky intrigue of Douter, these shades are designed to bring comfort, personality, and timeless beauty to any space.
Each colour in this collection tells a story—whether it’s the rich, sunbaked terracotta of Marmelo, inspired by the quince that gave us marmalade, or the grounded elegance of Reduced Green, a deep neutral that shifts beautifully with the light. There’s something here for every home, whether you’re looking to create a cosy retreat, a bold statement, or a fresh, modern space filled with warmth and depth.
Now it’s your turn to bring these stunning shades to life. Head over to our website to see how they pair together, browse the new colours with beautiful real-home inspiration, and order your tester pots to experience them in your own space. With colours this special, the only question is—which one will you fall in love with first?
Helen xx
