Farrow & Ball just revived 3 of its archive paint colors – here's how to decorate with these beautifully complex shades according to a color expert

When Farrow & Ball say they are bringing a color out of their archives, we pay attention. While all these archive colors are technically available online, they are made to order, and when they welcome back colors from the archive, it just makes them more readily available, often more affordable, and you can shop them in-store too.

As part of their new collection, alongside the 9 totally new shades, they have also relaunched three beautiful shades from their archive collection. As expected, these shades have a historic feel, they are complex, rich, yet quiet shades that are sure to add character to any room you use them in.

Broccoli Brown, Sap Green, and Etruscan Red have been included in the new line and have clearly stood the test of time as they're all sophisticated yet contemporary. Here, the brand's ambassador and color expert, Patrick O'Donnell, talks us through these unctuous colors that will liven up any space as well as answers where best to use these Farrow & Ball paints in the home.

1. Broccoli Brown No. 198

Decorating with brown is all about bringing earthiness to a space that needs some warmth, and Broccoli Brown is the perfect shade to achieve this. Described as a 'lovely mid to dark brown', Patrick O'Donnell describes Broccoli Brown as a 'little bit stronger than Mouse's Back' but says it's still 'very useable with a lovely ease' that can be used in any room.

Broccoli Brown is the perfect shade when following brown room ideas as it will hug any room space with its rich, warm undertones and give it a luxurious yet cozy feel. Patrick suggests using the shade on kitchen cabinetry or on walls for a moody vibe.

2. Sap Green No. 199

Whether you're following the color trends and creating a green living room or going classic with green kitchen cabinetry, Sap Green is the answer.

Patrick describes the green hue as having 'a little more vibrancy and a little bit more edge but with a lovely, slightly sharp combination of olive and acid.' While the shade is bolder than your classic sage, it's nonetheless just as lasting and sophisticated.

Decorating with green can be a bit daunting, but if you start small you'll nail the look slowly but surely. For the neutral-lovers, painting a piece of furniture is a good place to start, or you could cover one wall in the shade. Patrick recommends Sap Green as a drawing room color as it is elegant and uplifting.

3. Etruscan Red No.56

There are many ways to decorate with Farrow & Ball's Etruscan Red, but Patrick says he first used the shade in his kitchen. While this combination may seem scary, it's in fact a pretty earthy shade with warm brown running through it.

He describes the shade as 'an oxblood red with lots of brown through it. It's really muted and restrained and gives you warmth and saturation of color without screaming too much red.'

Decorating with red can be a little loud, but with Etruscan Red 'there's no pillar box quality, it's much more restrained.' Like Patrick, you can opt for this shade on your kitchen cabinets or you can use it on the walls of your entryway for a sophisticated yet on-trend look.

Farrow & Ball's three archive shades draw upon the past yet feel current and refreshing. Falling somewhere on the earthy spectrum, they're the perfect paint choices that bring color and warmth into the home whilst retaining sophistication and elegance.