Ammonite and Hague Blue are among Farrow & Ball's most popular paint colours*, so what exactly is the best way to decorate with this understated grey and deep blue hue in the home?
With a subtle grey tone, Ammonite is named after the treasured fossils often found on the Dorset coast, while the deep and dramatic Hague Blue takes its name from the coloured woodwork much used by the Dutch.
There's a reason why these two colours keep topping any and every ranking for interior colours in the home. In fact, Hague Blue was recently crowned the UK's most popular paint colour for the kitchen, living room and bedroom. Here we speak to Joa Studholme, Farrow & Ball's Colour Curator, about how to decorate with Ammonite and Hague Blue – and how we can use these timeless colours together in our living spaces.
'As we adapt to the idea of spending more time at home, most of us prefer to be in lighter rooms during the day and darker spaces in the evening, subconsciously working with the natural light,' Joa tells House Beautiful UK.
'Ammonite and Hague Blue are the perfect pairings to create spaces that feel radically different, giving you more structure to your day and a greater sense of wellbeing. The change from light to dark follows the natural rhythm of the day and will enhance our sleeping.'
The love for versatile grey shows no signs of waning and it's become a firm favourite across homes in the UK.
'Ammonite is one of our most popular greys and for good reason as it works in virtually any light conditions, becoming a little silverer at the end of the day in east-facing rooms but generally retaining a slight warmth,' says Joa. 'Ammonite is part of a group of greys that are so relaxed and easy to live with you barley notice they are there. It has a gossamer appearance so is perfect for those who prefer understated decoration which does not challenge us but provides versatility.'
So where in the home is best to use this colour? Ammonite will work great in kitchens or rooms that you use during daylight hours, and it can be taken over the wall, ceilings, and woodwork for a chic but minimal feel, explains Joa. Better still, you can add Hague Blue on kitchen units or just on an island with Purbeck Stone units to create a nostalgic look.
It may seem like navy has been having a 'moment' for a while now, but it's become the go-to choice in many homes for those wanting to create a bold, dramatic and timeless look.
'Hague Blue oozes period grandeur and creates a dramatic, glamorous feel,’ says Joa. 'It has increased in popularity as an alternative to charcoal grey in living rooms or rooms that you end up in at the end of the day when you are no longer concerned with daylight. With its timeless appeal, Hague Blue creates spaces that are both comforting and restorative even in the smallest of rooms, particularly when used on both the walls and the woodwork.’
However, Joa warns, if you prefer to have a contrast between your walls and woodwork, it’s best to avoid a bright white with rich colours like Hague Blue. 'Instead, use a soft grey like Ammonite which will provide a softer more considered look.'
*Based on the average number of monthly searches over a 12-month period [via SEMrush].
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15 of the best indoor plant pot stands
Give your houseplants a leg up with Dunelm's bamboo and wooden plant stand. With a geometric design and smart black colourway, it will pair well with all interior schemes.
Add some glamour to your interiors with this affordable muted gold planter. Sitting on sleek black legs, it's the perfect choice to bring style and sophistication to your home.
Make a style statement with M&S' ceramic plant pot stand. It boasts classic wooden legs to create a little extra height for display and is ideal for medium-sized plants.
This rattan-effect plant stand from John Lewis' affordable ANYDAY range is one of our favourites. Available to buy for just £22, it's the perfect accessory for those forgotten corners.
We think trailing spider plants would look great in this mint green floor planter from John Lewis. Its clean shape and simple design will spruce up any living room, bedroom or hallway.
Looking for rattan indoor plant pot stands? Designed in beautiful outdoor-inspired shades of brown, each planter sits on a tripod to elevate plants from the floor.
Show off your green thumb in style with these classic metal standing planters. Sold in a set of two, we love the slim sturdy legs which will raise your favourite plants off the ground.
If you want to bring a pop of colour into your interiors, then choose Oliver Bonas' green glass standing planter for a luxe finishing touch.
Add a touch of colour and character to your living space with this vibrant metal plant stand. Choose from pink and rust red.
This nickel-plated pot and brass finish stand is a winning combination – and it's a best-seller. Perfect for contemporary spaces, this plant stand can be stood either way up, so you can choose to have the pot rise above the top of the stilts, or be fully surrounded by them.
Industrial meets contemporary with this gold scalloped planter. We love the beautiful textural grooved detailing, which adds an extra layer of intrigue.
Showing off your favourite houseplants just got easier with Garden Trading's Mayfair plant stand. Mixing two styles of natural rattan, it has space for one plant at the top and another at the bottom.
Sleek, luxe and functional, this plant pot stand boasts slim sage green legs with removable copper trays. Pop a trailing plant on the tallest tray, and a small potted plant or succulent on the lower two.
This standing planter table set from The Little Botanical at John Lewis is perfect for enhancing your greenery. It has a mango wood base, copper effect tray with a mango wood insert, and black metal legs.
