A Perfect Pairing: Transforming a Small Space

Posted in: Inspiration

A Perfect Pairing: Transforming a Small Space

13 October 2022

Welcome to the third instalment of our design series with Ann Sacks. So far in this series pairing paint and tile, we’ve covered how to add a modern twist to a traditional kitchen with Moly Singer and creating a spa-like shower space with Cortney Bishop. Today, we’re looking at how Keith Arnold, Vice President of Suzanne Kasler, artfully turned his poky powder room into a beautiful, statement space – or ‘jewellery box’ to use his words.

For this transformation, Keith chose Farrow & Ball favourite Down Pipe to add some drama to a small powder room. A dark, dramatic shade is a great choice in a space like this: small rooms with little natural light tend to feel darker anyway, so using a shade like Down Pipe celebrates that and incorporates it into the design. It also creates a beautiful contrast with the white bathroom fixtures and the graphic Benton Tryst Mosaic tile from Ann Sacks.

Meet Keith Arnold

How would you describe your design style? 

It’s modern, collected and handsome, and always with a little something unexpected.

What was your process when designing this space?

I wanted to embrace the small space and so I approached it like a jewellery box. Ultimately, I decided to paint the walls in a dark colour with a graphic tile for a bold statement.

I chose Down Pipe because I wanted a colour that not only complemented the tile, but showed it off!

How do you bring the idea of “small space, big impact" to life?

Making a statement in a small space means everything has to work harder because there’s less room for adding in extras. For example, in this powder room I used materials in an unexpected way, like using the tile on the floor as a border along the wall.

Do you have any tips for choosing tiles and paint colours together?

I like to choose colours that complement each other, so the paint and tile aren’t the exact same colour, but they’re similar in hue and saturation.

What are some of your favourite Farrow & Ball colours and why?

India Yellow is definitely a favourite. It’s so beautiful and such an interesting colour because it’s yellow but it’s also not. Another shade I love is Light Blue because it’s a sophisticated version of a light blue, with just the right amount of grey and plenty of depth.

See More Dark Shades

Explore our full range of deliciously dark colours, including Down Pipe, and add a touch of drama to your scheme.

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