Primer Red is a colour found in practically every culture, appearing in everything from Venetian palaces to Vietnamese temples, where red earths were plentiful and relatively easy to come by. Use it for rustic pieces or as a base for sophisticated colours

Versailles is a colour inspired by fine old French furniture and gilded doors. It is sophisticated and gentle, yet it works well with modern pieces too. This is a hue that picks up other colours well and changes character accordingly.

The neoclassical palette included this bright green, sometimes pure and sometimes lightened with white. The colour is also found on rustic country furniture from Ireland and the south of France – a look which is beautifully achieved with Dark Chalk Paint®

Paloma is made from mixing purple and yellow complementaries with white to make a soft warm neutral taupe grey. It is both a modern contemporary colour and a classic colour that was used when a range of purples first became possible.

This vivacious, modern orange is based on the colour used copiously by the Impressionists, in early advertisements and in 1960's decoration. Such a brilliant orange was not available until the early 20th century. With Black Chalk Paint® Wax, it becomes bu

This rich, deep yellow was inspired by the town of Arles in the south of France where a wide range of earthy yellow ochres are dug straight from the ground. It’s a natural rustic colour as well as a modern colour.

Scandinavian Pink was inspired by the traditional colours found in much Swedish furniture. It looks great underneath pale neutrals like Old Ochre or Old White. It also works beautifully as a colour for the interior of cupboards and drawers.

Like deep Parma violets or blue lavender, Old Violet is a wonderful 18th Century colour inspired by the colours of ancient Rome. Beautiful on its own or paired with red for a little Parisian boho.

This traditional green is found in fine classically painted and lacquered furniture, as well as rustic country pieces.

Throughout the Mediterranean, Greek Blue can be found on rustic doors, shutters and furniture often faded and distressed. It’s also a colour that works well in a neoclassical interior deepened a little with dark wax.

Florence is a sophisticated grand colour found in neoclassical Italian and French interiors and on painted furniture. The colour originates from copper green minerals and malachite. It’s also a great modern 20th Century colour.

Inspired by the warm pigment, Burnt Umber, this is a classic colour that has long been used in decorative work. Use Coco on its own or as a neutral.