What Should I Paint On

If you have recently installed a shed in your garden - or fancy jazzing up an existing one - what is the most fashionable colour to paint it?

We speak to interior designers Alexander James to find out. It provided a list of specific colours from suppliers such as Little Greene and Farrow & Ball.

It has picked paint colours that sit within a palette of greens, greys, neutrals, and blues - and has even included a pink.

Garden sheds can often be neglected but it is possible to transform them into a stylish garden feature by painting them

Rachel Clark, of Alexander James Interiors, said: 'Garden sheds can often be neglected as many appreciate them for practical use only. But by painting them, you can really make it a stylish feature of your garden.

'Many want to camouflage their shed, in which case opt for a shade that blends well with surrounding areas such as fence colours or greenery.

'For those looking to add a splash of colour and vibrancy to their garden, opt for a fresh, bright accent colour to create a focal point of your outdoor space.'

Alexander James has recommended some oil-based paints, which have historically been used on sheds, as they were considered more hard wearing.

However, there have been huge advances in water-based paints in recent years, which means they are much more appealing today.

Property makeover expert - and the first ever winner of Big Brother - Craig Phillip said: 'I'm often asked about whether to use oil or water-based paint on sheds. If I was asked this question 20 years ago, I would've always answered an oil-based paint for outside use because, at that time, oil-based paints would last longer.'

But the technical side of paint manufacturing has 'come on in leaps and bounds' during the past decade, according to Craig.

He said: 'The industry has now developed water-based paint far better than they used to make, which can last as long as the old oil-based paints we used in the 90s.'

Here is the list of shed paint recommendations...

Greens

Sage Green No.80 by Little Greene

PIctured: Sage green by Little Greene is a traditional colour for the garden

Sage green is a traditional garden colour, aimed at capturing the classic feel of nature, according to Ms Clark.

She said: 'It is not too bright a shade to look out of place in the winter, but also illuminated in the summer sunshine, it is the perfect relaxing shade for classic-style gardens all year round.'

Kitchen Green by Little Greene

Pictured: Kitchen Green by Little Greene is a more contemporary shade of green

Kitchen Green is a brighter, more contemporary shade of green. 'It is of the perfect vibrancy to brighten up a garden, and can easily be continued from the inside to the outside of a home - bringing feelings of energy and happiness from the inside, out,' Ms Clark said.

Greys

French Grey Mid no.162 by Little Greene

Pictured: French Grey from Little Greene is a neutral tone that is easy to co-ordinate

French Grey is a versatile colour that is easily compatible with other colours due to its neutral tone. This makes it easy to co-ordinate.

Ms Clark added: 'Taking inspiration from French decor used in the 19th century, it creates a relaxing living space.'

Grey Moss No.234 by Little Greene

Little Greene's Grey Moss colour (pictured) is a sophisticated grey with green tones

This dark colour is inspired by aged green moss, something many of us see in our gardens.

'It makes this colour a sophisticated grey with the green tones giving it a nod to the natural elements of a garden, evoking feelings of growth and freshness,' Ms Clark said.

Neutral

Stony Ground No.211 by Farrow & Ball

Pictured: Stony Ground is a classic stone colour created by Farrow & Ball

Stony Ground is a classic stone colour, with an underlying red tone for added warmth, creating a soft beige finish.

Ms Clark explained that it is ideal for a country-style garden and looks beautiful on exterior wood.

'This shade creates feelings of purity and ease, making it great for a relaxing garden space with simplicity,' she said.

Blues

Ultra Marine Blue No.w29 by Farrow & Ball

Pictured: Ultra Marine Blue is a new shade from Farrow & Ball's Colour by Nature range

Ultra Marine Blue is from Farrow & Ball's new Colour by Nature palette, created in collaboration with the Natural History Museum. The romantic blue tone aims to generate feelings of tranquillity in an outdoor space.

Inchrya Blue No.289 by Farrow & Ball

Pictured: The dark blue grey tone of Inchrya Blue is from Farrow & Ball

Inchrya Blue is a dark blue grey tone, which is inspired by the Scottish skies.

Ms Clark said: 'The moody hue can read more grey, blue or even green depending on the light making it a great alternative to charcoal. Dark blues evoke feelings of relaxation, while dark greys give a reflection of elegance to an outdoor space.'

Pink

Dorchester Pink no.213 by Little Greene

Pictured: Dorcester Pink by Little Greene is a good accent colour for a garden shed

And finally, Alexander James Interiors recommends this fun pink tone to add 'a gentle cuteness' to a garden.

Ms Clark said: 'The feminine shade reflects health and happiness and is the perfect accent tone to anyone looking to make a statement in their outdoor space, whether contemporary or country in style.'

For oil-based shed paint alternatives, Alexander James Interiors recommends Sage Green by Treatex, which it describes as a relaxing' shade, and Stygian by Treatex, which it says is a dark grey with a hint of dark green tones.

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