Farrow and Ball's Cromarty 285 is a distinctive color that goes beyond the simplistic label of beige, offering a subtler blend of sophistication and serenity. The nuanced mix of RGB values—207, 206, and 192—creates a gentle hue that captures a classic elegance, perfect for creating a calming atmosphere in interior spaces. Often perceived as a muted green-gray, Cromarty has the versatility to complement various design styles, adding both warmth and refinement to any room.
Color Description
Farrow & Ball Cromarty 285 is a pale, soft green-gray neutral color. It is described as a very light green-grey that brings a muted softness to any room, creating an easy-to-use finish that is neither too green nor too grey.
Undertones
Cromarty has strong green undertones, making it more green than grey. Despite being classified as a gray, it is technically a warm gray with significant green undertones. The green undertones are prominent and give the color a unique and calming effect.
Color Values
- LRV (Light Reflective Value): Approximately 60 (Farrow & Ball does not provide official LRV values).
- HEX Value: #CFCEC0
- RGB Code: 207, 206, 192
- Value and Chroma: Value 8.03 (rounded to 8.00) and Chroma 0.77 (rounded to 0.75)
Usage
Cromarty is versatile and can be used in various rooms such as bedrooms, living rooms, and bathrooms. It works well as a wall color and can also be used for trim and ceilings, especially in a monochromatic scheme. However, it is recommended to avoid using it as a whole-house color or in open-concept spaces due to its saturated nature.
Atmosphere
Cromarty creates a serene and calming atmosphere, evoking a sense of tranquility. The color is described as misty, warm, and cozy, making it ideal for spaces where a peaceful ambiance is desired. It changes appearance depending on the lighting and surrounding colors, adding to its unique charm.
Farrow and Ball Cromarty 285 Color Alternative
Farrow and Ball Cromarty 285 inspires designers looking for a striking yet refined alternative in various lighting contexts. Tikkurila Median X486, Tikkurila Shawl Y467, and Tikkurila Sea Smoke X447 each offer a unique twist while maintaining the cool, distinctive character associated with Cromarty 285. These alternatives provide versatility for both modern interiors and traditional spaces, ensuring that the sophisticated essence of the original color is preserved.
Bathroom
Farrow & Ball Cromarty No. 285 is an excellent bathroom paint choice, boasting practical and aesthetic qualities that are well-suited for a moist environment. Its specially formulated Modern Emulsion finish is water-based, fully wipeable, washable, and features a sheen level that lends durability when exposed to moisture and condensation.
Designed to withstand humidity, this formulation maintains its appearance over time in bathrooms with variable lighting. For the best results, it is recommended to use the Modern Emulsion finish exclusively and to test the paint with a sample pot before full application to ensure the desired outcome.
Bedroom
In the bedroom, Farrow and Ball Cromarty 285 offers a calming ambiance that works beautifully in different lighting situations, making it a great choice for both south- and north-facing rooms. Its distinctive hue introduces subtle interest to the space without overpowering it, striking a perfect balance between softness and depth.
This color creates a serene and inviting atmosphere that is both light and warm, lending small bedrooms an expanded feel. It pairs exceptionally well with warm neutrals and cool tones, enabling a refined and sophisticated palette ideal for a tranquil retreat.
Kitchen
For a kitchen color scheme, Farrow & Ball Cromarty 285 offers a unique alternative for painted kitchen cabinets, providing a distinctive neutral option that enhances warm white cabinetry and brings an elegant touch when used on a kitchen island. Its saturated quality makes it ideal for creating a focused, refined look in individual rooms.
Cromarty 285 pairs well with other neutral shades or cool blues, fostering a harmonious and sophisticated palette when complemented with carefully chosen accents. However, it is best avoided alongside earthy finishes to prevent a fluorescent clash, ensuring that its impactful presence is maintained without overwhelming open-layout spaces.
Living Room
Farrow and Ball Cromarty 285 brings a soft, muted tone to living rooms, infusing the space with a calm and inviting atmosphere. It pairs beautifully with warm neutrals like Skimming Stone and cool accents such as Parma Gray, creating a sophisticated and harmonious palette.
This gentle hue adapts elegantly to varying lighting conditions, making it an excellent choice for walls, trim, or furniture. With multiple finishes available, Cromarty 285 offers creative flexibility to achieve a serene and grounded environment.
Outdoor
Home outdoor color Cromarty 285 from Farrow & Ball offers an inviting option when aiming to harmonize indoor and outdoor aesthetics. Though designed primarily for interior applications, those wanting to echo this tone outside can opt for specialized exterior paint finishes to accommodate varying surface demands.
For brick, render, and concrete surfaces, an exterior masonry finish provides a water-resistant, breathable coat that guards against flaking, peeling, and fading for many years. Meanwhile, wood and metal cladding benefit from an exterior eggshell finish that delivers a flexible, breathable layer resistant to algae and fungi growth while offering reliable performance over time.
