Hidden Paint Gems: Farrow & Ball Archive Colours
New year, new colour? Take a journey with us through the hidden gems of Farrow & Ball. Colours that are hidden are more treasured, hues that offer unique charm and character and add an unexpected twist to your interior design. Farrow & Ball is a go-to for stunning, high-quality paints. They have been designing and making paint for over 70 years, using only the finest ingredients to transform spaces into beautiful retreats. Explore these hidden paint gems with us, each with its own distinct personality. We are proud to hand-paint our handmade kitchens in Farrow & Ball.
A Note on These Farrow & Ball Colours
Since Farrow & Ball refreshed its palette in 2025, all nine of these shades now sit in the brand's Archive. That makes them true hidden gems: they are no longer on the standard colour card, but every one is still available made to order, and because we hand-paint our kitchens, we can finish your cabinetry in any of them. Below is each colour, with its Farrow & Ball number.
Coppice Blue (No. G9)
Taken from the garden paintwork at Gloucestershire's Snowshill Manor, this rich, deep teal is the perfect choice for where you want to create a peaceful retreat. Being seen for over 100 years in the outdoors, its lush green undertones have paired perfectly with the warmth of the golden Cotswold stone. Today, Coppice Blue pairs beautifully with natural wood and soft furnishings and can create dramatic spaces.
Clunch (No. 2009)
Clunch is a hidden gem named after the chalkstone used in the off-white building blocks of many East Anglian buildings. Its soft chalk-white hue becomes a perfect backdrop for contemporary and classic interiors, and its gentle creaminess (yellow base) complements a wide range of colours and materials.
Fruit Fool (No. 9911)
Brighten up your space with this mouthwatering pink. The cheerful and playful Fruit Fool is inspired by the classic British dessert, adding a touch of whimsy and warmth to any room. Fruit Fool is sweet enough but not too sweet due to its underlying blue tone.
Duck Green (No. W55)
Duck Green is a wonderful reminder of the exquisite colours of nature, where you see this beautiful smart deep green on the plumage of a Mallard. A colour that is strong but subdued, Duck Green offers a contemporary alternative to charcoal shades, making a warm and welcoming space for modern homes.
Blazer (No. 212)
Blazer is made to grab your attention just like the sports blazers worn at St John's College, Cambridge, after which it was named. It's a vibrant red that exudes confidence and energy. Choose this rich hue for a regal and charming modern space!
Fake Tan (No. 9912)
Filled with a retro charm, Fake Tan is named after the ubiquitous tanning products of the 1980s. Its stonier tone works well in both modern and vintage-inspired spaces, bringing a warm and playful character. Fake Tan particularly shines in south-facing spaces.
Tar (No. CC1)
Bring to your space the ultimate statement colour. Tar is a soft off-black but with a restrained neutral which is soft enough to envelop a whole room. If you want to create a cosy, cocoon-like atmosphere, choose Tar.
Double Cream (No. 9907)
Add a sense of luxury to your home with Double Cream. Its richer and creamier tone offers warmth and depth without feeling heavy. It will shine well in north-facing rooms, where it counteracts the perceived green light.
Dinnerware (No. 9820)
From the pattern of 18th-century chinaware, Dinnerware is a clean, lively blue that will bring home an impactful colour. This hidden gem is beautiful for adding a touch of sophistication to any space.
Farrow & Ball Archive Colour FAQs
Are these Farrow & Ball colours still available?
Yes. Since the 2025 palette refresh, all nine of these shades sit in Farrow & Ball's Archive. They are no longer on the standard colour card, but each one is still available made to order, and you can sample them online before you commit.
What is a Farrow & Ball Archive colour?
An Archive colour is a shade that has been retired from Farrow & Ball's current colour card but kept in its Archive. Archive colours are made to order specially for you, which means they are non-returnable, and not every finish may be available for every shade.
Can I have my kitchen hand-painted in a Farrow & Ball Archive colour?
Yes. Because we hand-paint our bespoke kitchens on site, we can finish your cabinetry in any Farrow & Ball colour, including Archive shades like these. It is one of the easiest ways to give a kitchen a genuinely distinctive, hard-to-find colour.
Which of these hidden gems suit a kitchen?
For a dramatic kitchen, Duck Green, Coppice Blue and Tar make wonderful statement shades on cabinetry or an island. Clunch and Double Cream are soft, versatile neutrals for a whole kitchen, while Blazer, Fruit Fool and Fake Tan work beautifully as bolder accents.
Where does Handmade Kitchen Company hand-paint kitchens?
We hand-paint our bespoke kitchens from our workshop in Essex, for clients across Essex, Hertfordshire and North London, in any Farrow & Ball colour you choose. Related Blogs:
New Farrow & Ball Colours: The 2025 Collection
Pinks From Farrow & Ball Offer a Versatile Palette
Introducing Neutrals in the Kitchen from Farrow & Ball
Introducing a Blue Hue in the Kitchen from Farrow & Ball
Introducing a Yellow Hue from Farrow & Ball into the Kitchen
With this range of shades, the drama, playful charm and warm sophistication portrayed by these colours are waiting to transform your space. A hidden Archive palette by Farrow & Ball offers a world of possibilities for those looking to add character and personality to their home. Create a bespoke space with The Handmade Kitchen Company and incorporate one of these colours into your home. Our team are ready to bring your dreams to reality. We look forward to hearing from you.
