Spring news! Farrow & Ball paint is, we say deservedly so, world-renowned for their purity and depth of colours. This British Paint God today introduced nine new colours to their palette. The 2011 colours range from neutrals to moody greys and takes on a mild and serene scheme. When the muted shades come together they are like earthy subdued pastels.

Alongside the warm nude-honey Oxford Stone (no.264) – a nice addition to the range of “New Wall-Whites” -  I think Plummett (no.272) and Mizzle (no.266) are the most interesting news.

Dark grey Plummett is a lighter version of the “amazing grey Down Pipe“. I can imagine this lead-grey doing wonders in a glossy finish. And matte alike. Mizzle is a pale greeny-grey, or as described: a ‘soft blue grey’ that got its name from very British combination of mist and drizzle. This is one of those mysteriously balanced hues that change according to weather and scene. The 2011 news also include Manor House Gray, Dove Tale, Cabbage White, Calluna, Brassica and – this one deserves its own topic later – Charlotte’s Locks. In the neutral/moody palette there’s locks from a very special redhead! Pippi Was Here. She told F&B to introduce a fierce 50′s inspired orange.

| pic via Italian magazine Bravacasa 11/2010 |

There is no doubt whatsoever dark walls are the far most trendy right now. From blueish greys to different versions of black mainly. With the skirtings painted the same dark colour nota bene. I’m certainly very fond of what this can do to a room, just look at all the dark painted walls posts! but still I want to strike a blow for the mild colours. Also. Why? They give the room such comfy atmosphere. Fresh soul and beauty with the cold ones and caring coziness with the warmer hues….

|pics via shootfactory, nordsjö idé och design & marie claire maison |

I’ve gone through and come out of my morbid desire for black walls in the bedroom actually, lo and behold!, think it has to do with this particular room’s features. I didn’t want the skirtings, closet door, etc to stay white towards the black, nor did I want to paint all those parts black. So, now I’ve set my mind on powdery pink / light apricot for the walls. This weekend we’ll have the experiment session, testing samples to find the right hue. To be continued :)

I am now back from my stay in Italy, quick-stopping at home before further travel to (even) colder latitudes in northern Sweden! The pretty seaside village we stayed in had those winding cobbled streets with those charmig pastel coloured houses that look just like a dream. Pastels in home decor is always rediscovered and revived in Springtime, like a fresh sunny greeting. But mild softish pastels, I like all year round. When it’s not too sweet, and preferably combined with rawer materials and well, unpolished. So this I bring back home, summer’s last gasp!

[ pics via trine thorsen & coastal living ]