My Secret Globetrotting Address Book

Self-confessed ‘colour geek’ and queen of tones at Farrow & Ball, Joa Studholme, shares her trends and travels

Style trend you’d like to bring back?

I’m thrilled to say that the style trend that I adore is also one that is very much en vogue - the use of stronger, bolder colours in our homes. When the world is in a bit of turmoil, we tend to yearn for a richer palette that nourishes our souls as well as our homes, colours like Sulking Room Pink that’s the perfect mix of rose and grey. It feels like it’s like giving you a great big, comforting hug.

Tropical beach or chalet chic?

Chalet chic. There’s nothing more comforting than returning from the crisp light of the slopes into a cosy chalet painted in a deep intimate colour like Preference Red. It’s great to end the day in an enveloping comforting environment, with a roaring fire and candle light bouncing off richly coloured walls.

Bright lights, big city or countryside Karma?

They both have a huge pull, and I feel incredibly lucky to be able to experience them most weeks. As someone who is so passionate about colour, it’s fantastic to be able to use different palettes in my two boltholes. Softer tones like School House White, Jitney and Treron create that ‘karmic countryside’ feel, while my house in the city has more adventurous tones like Paean Black.

Bucket list No. 1?

Although I consider myself to be fairly well travelled, indeed I spent a whole year exploring Asia, I have never been to Rome.  We discuss going for every significant birthday and anniversary but somehow, we’re always saving up for an even more important moment. The Colosseum, Trevi Frountain, will always be there, but I’m now waiting for the opening of the much-anticipated Hotel de la Ville!

Best global getaway for design inspiration?

Without doubt India is the most magical place in the world for me. There’s nowhere I feel more comfortable. It’s so vibrant and full of life.  There’s colour inspiration around every corner. One of Farrow & Ball’s new colours Rangwali was inspired by the exotic pink powder which is thrown around with such joyous abandon at the Hindu festival of Holi which I’ve had the joy of experiencing in northern India.

Best colour advice for elegant home design?

If possible, think about colours for the house as a whole – it makes it easier to achieve a cohesive flow. The colour on trim and ceilings is just as important as what you choose to put on the walls. Consider if you even want a contrast between walls and trim, or would you prefer the trim to be darker than the walls to make rooms feel bigger? The key is to stick to your own style and choice of colour, choose shades that you feel comfortable with. The world would be a much duller place if we all used the same colours.