September brings with it a bitter sweetness. Although the weather may yet be lovely for weeks, the end of summer is tangible with an autumnal sharpness in the mornings and shorter evenings. As a teenager, I used to be filled with dread at the first signs that the glaucous blue-grey sedums in the garden were beginning to change colour.

Now I’m older, I appreciate that autumn is also about new beginnings and opportunities, whether it’s settling into a new school, the excitement of leaving home for the first time or starting a new job or project. But if I hear a certain song* on the radio though I’m right back feeling sentimental again.

Once the summer holidays are over and the weather cools, we settle into old or new routines and our focus begins to turn inward, shifting from the light and brightness of summer to a more cooling and deep autumnal style.

We think about slowing down and spending quality time surrounded by things and people we love. By using colour that makes you feel good, you can create reassuring, nurturing spaces which can become an antidote to uncertainty.

As a self-confessed colour junkie, I admit I do get rather excited when Farrow & Ball announce that they are releasing new colours. This month they are adding nine new colours to their palette. I find it fun to think about what colours they could possibly add and where they will be slotted into the colour card. On the flip side of that, which of the existing colours will be archived?  We needn’t worry too much about that though, as archive colours are just that and always remain available.

Always aware of their heritage, as well as interior trends, F&B carefully consider which new shades to add to their palette of 132 colours. In general, we are feeling much braver about using deep, dramatic tones in our homes and there are several fabulous new colours to satisfy, but those who prefer uncomplicated neutrals will not be disappointed either.

So well known for their quirky and off-beat choice of names, some of the new colours have an exotic, international feel. Ranging from relaxed and uplifting neutrals and soft romantic shades to strong and vital tones, which are deeply fashionable yet give a nod to history, the new colours are perfect additions to the colour card. Even though I have been a F&B devotee for longer than I care to admit, I absolutely love the infinite variety of schemes you can create with their paints.

So, whether you have returned home full of exotic inspiration from far off lands or are feeling more nostalgic and longing for something comforting and familiar, if you really fall in love with a colour it is highly unlikely that you’ll go off it in a couple of months. Even if you do though, it’s only paint. Whilst trends come and go, design should be about living with what you love and creating your own style.

*Don Henley “Boys of Summer”