Farrow and Ball's Elephant's Breath 229 is a chic and versatile color that falls under the taupe spectrum with its subtle blend of earthy tones. The RGB composition of 204, 191, 179 results in a warm and inviting hue that can adapt beautifully to various interior settings, providing a neutral backdrop that complements both contemporary and traditional decor styles. This color not only evokes a sense of timeless elegance but also enhances the soothing ambiance of any room it graces.
Farrow and Ball Elephant's Breath No. 229
Color Description
Farrow and Ball Elephant's Breath No. 229 is a warm and contemporary grey paint color. It appears as an uplifting mid-grey with a hint of magenta, and can take on a slightly lilac tone in cooler light, such as in west-facing rooms. It is also described as a beige or light grey shade, depending on the lighting conditions.
Undertones
The undertones of Elephant's Breath can be described as having a subtle red or magenta hue, and in some cases, a very subtle purple undertone, especially noticeable in cooler light.
Color Values
- HEX value:
#CCBFB3 - RGB code:
204, 191, 179
Usage
This color is highly versatile and can be used in various rooms such as bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms. It pairs well with neutrals like ivory, taupe, and softer whites like Farrow & Ball Strong White No. 2001. For a bolder look, it can be combined with deep navy or charcoal gray, and it also works well with other Farrow & Ball colors like Charleston Gray and London Clay.
Atmosphere
Elephant's Breath creates a sense of sophistication and tranquility. It evokes a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it suitable for creating a calm and elegant aesthetic in any room. The color's ability to shift with the light adds depth and nuance, enhancing the overall ambiance of the space.
Farrow and Ball Elephant's Breath 229 Color Alternative
Farrow and Ball Elephant's Breath 229 presents a unique option in any design setting, and its distinct hue can be mirrored and adapted with thoughtful alternatives. Color alternative for Farrow and Ball Elephant's Breath 229 are: Tikkurila Empress X477, Tikkurila Muscovite X484, Tikkurila Castle J484, each offering a slightly different character while maintaining the original's sophisticated appeal. By using these alternatives, designers can achieve a harmonious blend and variation that meets both aesthetic vision and practical requirements.
Bathroom
For a bathroom, Farrow and Ball's Elephant's Breath 229 is best used with the Modern Emulsion finish. This water-based paint has a low sheen that makes it fully wipeable and washable—key properties for a space prone to condensation and moisture.
The Modern Emulsion is designed to withstand the rigors of a bathroom environment, offering durability and resistance to fading, peeling, or flaking after repeated cleaning. It is also scuff-proof and mould-resistant, ensuring a long-lasting, low-maintenance finish for busy household areas.
Bedroom
In this bedroom, Elephant's Breath 229 lays the foundation for a serene atmosphere, pairing well with richer hues like Charleston Gray and London Clay to evoke an inviting, earthy feel. Softer whites such as Strong White or School House White enhance the calm, providing a seamless transition between the bold base and the lighter accents.
Introducing mid-tone blues on details like lower cabinets and wainscoting adds visual interest, while warmish white on windows, molding, and ceilings helps brighten the space. For dramatic flair, touches of bold colors like Hague Blue or Eating Room Red offer depth, and the incorporation of natural textures further reinforces the inviting and harmonious design.
Kitchen
For a kitchen color scheme, Elephant's Breath establishes a warm and inviting foundation when applied on cabinets or the kitchen island. When paired with a soft wall tone, it creates a soothing, monochromatic palette that works beautifully in both traditional and open-plan layouts. Complementary touches such as a bright, crisp finish on window trim, ceiling, or cabinet interiors help elevate the overall look, creating a light and airy space.
Additional layers of warmth and contrast can be achieved with thoughtful accents. Incorporating a rich green as a highlight on lower cabinets or other key elements adds a refreshing pop, while replacing some elements with a sunny yellow can infuse the space with warmth. Enhancing the design with natural wood tones and organic textures further amplifies the beauty and comfort of the kitchen.
Living Room
Farrow and Ball Elephant's Breath 229 makes a striking living room color, blending classic neutrals with subtle complexity. It pairs beautifully with hues like ivory and taupe to create a timeless and elegant backdrop, while deeper shades such as navy or charcoal gray lend a modern, bold touch to the space.
The color also harmonizes with earthy tones for an inviting ambiance and works well alongside softer whites to emphasize a calming neutrality. In different lighting conditions—especially in west-facing rooms—it can reveal gentle undertones, adding depth and interest to the overall design.
Outdoor
For a distinctive home exterior backdrop, Elephant's Breath 229 provides an intriguing starting point when exploring related options from Farrow & Ball's exterior collections. While Elephant's Breath 229 itself is intended for indoor settings, its aesthetic can be mirrored outdoors by selecting products from specialized exterior ranges.
For surfaces like brick, render, or concrete, the Exterior Masonry finish delivers a water-resistant, breathable solution that guards against fungi and algae while maintaining durability for up to 15 years. In contrast, for wood or metal elements, the Exterior Eggshell finish offers a flexible, breathable coat designed to resist flaking, peeling, and fading over a six-year period.
