How to choose paint

When it came to the all important paint colours for her flat, even a House & Garden editor of ten years came unstuck. Here's everything she learnt from a colour consultant

Do you prefer a 'does what it says on the tin’ approach, or something a little more evocative? We talk to the paint experts about what goes into the paint naming process

Nine paint colours worth copying

Ten paint colours worth copying

From ceiling to skirting board, there's a colour for everyone in this exciting new collection

This colour was found in an 18th century Georgian Hamstone farmhouse in Yeabridge, Somerset, when the original gun cupboard was removed. Although untouched for many years, it was still astonishingly reminiscent of the lush grass that surrounds the house. It has a little more yellow than Breakfast Room Green but a little less than Churlish Green.

Named after the indispensable dust sheets used by every decorator, Drop Cloth is a darker version of the new Shadow White, and the classic Shaded White; completing a trio of colours that work efortlessly together.

This colour brings to mind city suits made from the flat woven fabric Worsted, so named after the Norfolk village where the yarn was originally woven. It sits happily between the amazingly popular but lighter Purbeck stone, and the stronger Mole's Breath.

Taking its name from the soft tone created when bright whites are used in shaded areas, Shadow White is the perfect colour for devotees of lighter neutrals who want to steer clear of yellow-based whites.

This rich colour can be used to evoke a classic 19th-century feel, or as the perfect go-to 'chocolate' for a modern look, working as a dark accompaniment to both the yellow- and red-based neutrals.

This grey-pink has a romantic feel inspired by the chiffon gowns worn in old-fashioned boudoirs. Created by giving the softest of pinks a dose of black, this colour has the ability to feel traditional and modern at the same time.