By Leslie Linsley

Author of “Nantucket Island Living” (Monicelli)

And you’re hearing it here first!  A recent Wall Street Journal, Elle article announced, “This year it’s all about dramatic paint colors to make rooms feel special.” Farrow & Ball, the cutting-edge British paint maker has it covered! They just introduced 11 new colors already trending with top designers and homeowners “in the know.” These colors are absolutely perfect for an elegant Nantucket home, reflecting the island’s natural beauty and seamlessly connecting the interior to the environment. 

Not ready to give up gray, a favorite in Nantucket homes for several years, try Farrow & Ball’s Eddy for a contemporary face lift.  It’s a rich, but subtle gray with a hint of green. Stirabout is a warmer gray. Use it to create coziness in a family room. It will wrap you in a sumptuous hug.  I use my powder room as an art gallery, filling the walls with an eclectic mix of local art and old black and white family photographs. I love the deep gray called Kittiwake - great background for artwork. It adds drama to a larger room, when used on one wall.

Tailor Tack is a blush of rouge, and Templeton Pink is a sophisticated darker shade that infuses a bedroom with a touch of luxury and romance. Use shades of this color in accessories like pillows and artwork. Introduce the color sparingly in other rooms for cohesiveness. Fresh pink flowers for example, on a living or dining room table are all you need.  Marine can tint any Farrow & Ball colour.

Tips for fall accessories:

1. Bunch pots of chrysanthemums in a wicker or lightship basket and place in a corner of the room.

2. Fill a container with dried hydrangeas and place on top of an armoire or dresser. The soft dried-out colors provide a new look for these favorite summer blossoms. 

3. Fill a wooden bowl with polished green and red apples, or lemons and limes. Add cinnamon sticks for scent.

4. Create a “tablescape” with things you love, like framed photos, a pretty vase, and a small stack of books.

5. Paint small pumpkins colonial blue, mustard, barn red, and cream. Coat them with a walnut wood stain for an antique look that will last all autumn.

6. Experiment with different furniture arrangements to cozy up for fall and winter.