In decorating as in life, it is always good to study the classics. Paint trends may come and go, but these signature hues have remained bestsellers for a reason. Discover the colours that transcend seasons to remain perennially cool.
Andy Greenall, head of design, Paint & Paper Library
‘For me, our signature colour would be “Blue Blood” (pictured top) – a hue from our original collection that makes a real statement. Paint & Paper Library is synonymous with strong, confident shades used in sartorial and architecturally sympathetic ways. This is perhaps typified by this image; a truly timeless hallway decorated years before the concept of colour drenching was coined, and yet it still so perfectly sums up how a single, strong shade can be used over every surface to transform the experience of a space.’ £62 for 2.5l, paintandpaperlibrary.com
Ruth Mottershead, creative director, Little Greene
‘Softer than a true black, “Obsidian Green” [in the “Colours of England” collection] is synonymous with Little Greene and can act as an easy alternative to stronger blacks, giving structure without harshness. Indoors, it acts as a darker neutral, adding definition, while outside it works in harmony with planting, enriching its setting rather than competing with it.’ From £70 for 2.5l, littlegreene.com
Dominic Myland, CEO, Mylands
‘Named after the home of Mylands, “Rothschild Street” [the location of the brand’s first shop, opened in 1884] is one of our classic shades and has deep meaning for us as a brand. A rich red with notable depth, it reflects more than a century of colour-making expertise, and has the ability to make a space feel more expansive by acting as a focal point, or creating an intimate atmosphere.’ £68 for 2.5l, mylands.com
Marianne Shillingford, creative director & colour expert, Dulux
‘Soft, warm and versatile, “Egyptian Cotton” has stood the test of time and is our most requested colour. Earthy neutrals are having a moment, as people move towards more grounding palettes, and this hue sits perfectly in that space; it’s sophisticated without being cold, and warm without being overpowering. Sales of it rose 22 per cent in the first three weeks of January. It’s on trend, yet timeless.’ £25.50 for 2.5l, dulux.co.uk
Tricia Guild, founder & creative director, Designers Guild
‘Our ultimate classic is “TG Blue” [its name is literally taken from Guild’s initials – with the only other shade that can claim that honour, the lime-tinged “TG Green”, being equally legendary]. It is the paint colour that’s most closely associated with the brand – a versatile blue-grey that serves as a perfect foil for brights and brings effortless elegance to any scheme.’ £59 for 2.5l, designersguild.com
Joa Studholme, colour curator, Farrow & Ball
‘A firm favourite for the past 30 years, the grey-brown classic “Mouse’s Back” takes its name from the fawny colour of the British fieldmouse and, like its namesake, is quiet in nature. Much used in boot rooms, particularly on floors, it has a muted feel that is favoured in modern homes for a cosy look, reflecting our yearning for heritage tones and the spirit of craftsmanship.’ £64 for 2.5l, farrow-ball.com
Helen Shaw, director of marketing, Benjamin Moore
‘From more than 3,500 colours, a few have risen to icon status. Inky-blue “Hale Navy” may be most recognisable, but for enduring appeal, “White Dove” and “Simply White” come to mind. With perfectly balanced undertones, neither too warm nor too cool, the former works in period and contemporary spaces, while the latter is famed for remaining soft rather than stark.’ £67 for 3.79l, benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk
