Our Go-To Paint Colours (and Why They Work)
Choosing paint seems simple until the colour on your wall looks nothing like it did in the tin. Light, undertones and paint quality all play their part, which is why we’re often asked which paints we actually use. Over the years we’ve tested most brands and shades, and these are the colours that consistently perform well in real homes (not just in the showroom).
A few of Our trusted colours
Benjamin Moore – Inner Balance (1522): a soft green-beige that works beautifully in almost any light. It brings warmth without heaviness and pairs easily with stone, wood or painted finishes.
Paint & Paper Library – Wattle II: a gentle green-putty tone that feels right at home in the Cotswolds. The Architectural range (shades I to V) is excellent for layering colour; using two steps apart (for example II with IV, or III with V) gives subtle definition between walls, joinery and ceilings.
Little Greene – Slaked Lime Range: a series of versatile neutrals that adapt gracefully to changing light and work equally well in both contemporary and period homes. (Slaked Lime Mid is shown here).
Why we choose these brands
We’ve tried most paints on the market and there are real differences in quality. Farrow & Ball colours are lovely, but the paint itself isn’t as consistent as it once was (as one decorator put it, “it’s like painting milk on the walls”) which means you’ll need 3 coats to get the best depth of colour and quality finish.
Little Greene, Benjamin Moore and Paint & Paper Library offer much better opacity and depth, which means fewer coats and a smoother finish.
Dulux and Mylands have their place, but we find their colours lose saturation under electric light, so we prefer the so-called designer formulations for richer, more reliable results.
A few practical tips
- Paint two coats on a generous 60 cm square sample and move it around the room.
- Look at the colour morning, afternoon and evening before deciding.
- Keep notes on how each sample behaves in different light.
- Choose paint after you’ve finalised fabrics and finishes, not before because paint is usually the cheapest component, and it’s far easier to find a paint colour to tone with a piece of fabric than the other way around.
Paint sets the mood, but it’s the light, materials and layout around it that make the colour look it’s best.
As part of our design services we will always find the right colour palette for your home.
