One of the questions we get asked most often is all about choosing the right paint color and sheen for a home. Today, we’re diving into everything you need to know, from primers to finishes, and sharing why we love using Farrow & Ball paint in our projects.
Why We Love Farrow & Ball
What sets Farrow & Ball apart is the depth of their color. They use more pigments than most paints, which creates layers that give each color a richness that shifts beautifully with natural light throughout the day.
Farrow & Ball paint is water-based, low-odor, and environmentally friendly, making it a safer choice for families and pets. Beyond that, it’s just a pleasure to live with. For us, investing in high-quality paint is about creating lasting, elevated spaces. And with such a curated palette, it’s much easier to choose colors that feel right for your home.
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Choosing the Right Primer
Before we even talk about paint, it’s essential to start with primer. The finish of your paint is only as good as the foundation underneath it.
Farrow & Ball primers are formulated specifically to work with their paints, which helps ensure color accuracy and durability.
- Interior Primer & Undercoat is the go-to for most walls and ceilings, including drywall and plaster. It helps the color sit evenly and ensures that depth and richness Farrow & Ball is known for comes through.
- Primer Tones: Primers come in different tones, light, mid, dark, and red, so it’s important to match your primer tone to the paint color you choose. Farrow & Ball makes it easy by recommending the right primer for each color.
- Specialty Primers: There are also primers designed for wood, masonry, or metal, so make sure you’re using the right one for the surface you’re painting.
Understanding Sheen & Finish
The sheen of a paint refers to how much light reflects off a surface. Farrow & Ball offers six finishes, each suited for different areas of the home:
- Dead Flat (2% sheen) – Velvety, soft, and dramatic. Perfect for walls and ceilings when you want a matte finish that still resists scuffs.
- Estate Emulsion (2% sheen) – Chalky and timeless. Ideal for low-traffic rooms like bedrooms or ceilings for a dreamy, elegant look.
- Modern Emulsion (7% sheen) – Matte but durable, making it wash- and scrub-ready. Great for kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, and kids’ rooms.
- Modern Eggshell (40% sheen) – Tough and elevated. Perfect for kitchen cabinets or floors that need extra resilience.
- Full Gloss (95% sheen) – Highly reflective and dramatic. Works beautifully on front doors or architectural details you want to spotlight.
- Flat Eggshell (20% sheen) – A soft satin finish ideal for trim, woodwork, and radiators. It highlights detail without overpowering it.
Choosing Colors
Color is where the fun begins. We think in Farrow & Ball and know most of their shades by heart. Their rich, curated palette allows you to go bold with confidence. Our advice: don’t be afraid to color wash a room in a deep shade or to experiment with creamier whites for a fresh, layered look.
Check out our favorite Farrow & Ball colors!
Choosing paint is about more than picking a color, it’s about selecting the right primer and finish to bring that color to life. That’s what makes Farrow & Ball so special: it’s a combination of depth, quality, and thoughtful formulation.
