Farrow and Ball Parma Gray: Colour Study

Remember this dresser from this Victorian conversion I shared a while back?

{As if you could forget...}

It's painted in Farrow and Ball's Parma Gray.

Farrow and Ball Parma Gray dresser

Yes, once again, the English company have, in their wisdom,  chosen to spell their greys the American way....

If you're shying away from all the greys and neutrals that have been flying around then Farrow and Ball's Parma Gray, despite its name, is definitely a paint to consider.

Farrow and Ball Parma Gray looking particularly blue!

Be aware that Parma Gray is one of the biggest culprits, in my opinion, for having images that don't do it justice - sure, they look pretty, but if you buy a tin of paint based on images like this front door....

A misleading image of Farrow and Ball Parma Gray front door

...then you're going to be disappointed. The lighting of the camera has made the image distort a little. This is what you should expect with Farrow and Ball Parma Gray on a front door...

Farrow and Ball Parma Gray front door

It's listed in the blue spectrum by Farrow and Ball because in most lights, this shade most definitely shows up as a colour. Yes, it's gentle; yes, it's sophisticated. But don't go this route if it's a grey you're looking for.

Soothink and elegant! - Farrow and Ball Parma Gray

And, if you can get your head around this idea, Farrow and Ball Parma Gray is a paint colour that gives the same feeling as a grey. I know that sounds odd but it gives the same elegant, restful vibe.

Farrow and Ball Parma Gray coordinating with the table football!

The only way that Parma Gray will look grey is if there is very strong, white light that will drown out the blue tones: for example, halogen lighting....

Farrow and Ball Parma Gray looking rather grey under the strong white light

...or from strong natural light that's still cool....

Farrow and Ball Parma Gray looking greyer with the cool natural light

...or a large flat surface, such as a floor...

Floor painted in Farrow and Ball Parma Gray and Cook's Blue - plus a cupboard in Farrow and Ball Manor House Grey

...but, otherwise, expect the blue notes to shine out...

Farrow and Ball Parma Gray

...and to contrast beautifully with chalky whites...

Gorgeous roll top bath in Farrow and Ball Parma Gray

I think my favourite way to use Farrow and Ball Parma Gray is on furniture...

Dresser in Farrow and Ball Parma Gray

...such as this stunning chest of drawers painted in Parma Gray with the backdrop of Farrow and Ball Hague Blue on the walls...

Chest of drawers in Farrow and Ball Parma Gray

and specifically kitchen cabinets, where it contrasts stunningly with cooler white walls....

Farrow and Ball Parma Gray kitchen

{For information on my other Colour studies, click away...}

Farrow and Ball New White
Farrow and Ball Old White
Farrow and Ball White Tie
Farrow and Ball Blue Gray
Farrow and Ball Middleton Pink

Farrow and Ball Down Pipe

Farrow and Ball Pigeon

Farrow and Ball Hardwick White
Farrow and Ball Green Blue

Dulux Heritage Stone Green

Farrow and Ball Lamp Room Gray

Farrow and Ball French Gray (interiors)

Farrow and Ball French Gray (exteriors)
Farrow and Ball Mouse's Back

Earthborn Gregory's Den

Farrow and Ball Light Blue

Farrow and Ball Powder Blue

Farrow and Ball Hay

Farrow and Ball Parma Gray kitchen

Farrow and Ball Parma Gray is a firm blue: soft without being twee, and gentle while still making a statement. A perfect Modern Country paint colour!

Imagges via Period Living, Secrets D'atelier, Desing sponge, Cute Decor, Remodelista, unknown, We Bought A French House, Celia Bedialia, unknown, Farrow and Ball, unknown, Country Living, Country Homes and Interiors, Kyra Algazi, Landmark Kitchens, Peter Henderson Furntire,