There’s something wonderfully bold about choosing a deep, dramatic colour for your kitchen spaces – and when that colour is Farrow & Ball’s Brinjal, the results can be absolutely stunning. We recently completed a beautiful bespoke pantry project for a client in Lancashire, and it’s a perfect example of how the right colour choice can transform a practical storage space into something truly special.
Why Brinjal Works in Pantry Spaces
Farrow & Ball’s Brinjal is a sophisticated deep aubergine with complex undertones that shift beautifully depending on the light. It’s rich without being overpowering, dramatic without feeling heavy, and brings a sense of luxury that lighter colours simply can’t achieve.
Pantries are often windowless or have limited natural light, which might make you think pale colours are the only option. Actually, deep colours like Brinjal work brilliantly in these spaces. They create an enveloping, jewel-box feel that makes the space feel intentional and designed rather than just functional. The richness adds instant sophistication and makes even a modest-sized pantry feel special.
Practical Benefits of Deep Colours
Beyond aesthetics, Brinjal’s rich tone is far more forgiving than white or pale colours when it comes to scuffs and marks – perfect for a hardworking pantry where you’re constantly reaching for items and moving things around. Farrow & Ball’s Estate Eggshell finish provides a subtle sheen that’s easy to wipe clean whilst looking elegant, giving you durability and beauty in one.
Where to Use Bold Colours Like Brinjal
Perfect Spaces for Dramatic Shades:
- Pantries and larders: Create that luxurious, enveloping feel whilst being practical for daily use
- Utility rooms and boot rooms: Deep colours hide wear beautifully and add sophistication to hardworking spaces
- Powder rooms and cloakrooms: Small spaces can handle bold colour without overwhelming
- Alcoves and nooks: Add depth and character to architectural features
- Behind open shelving: Create dramatic contrast in kitchens whilst keeping main cabinetry lighter
How to Use Brinjal Successfully:
Pair it with natural materials like oak or walnut – the warmth of wood tones beautifully complements Brinjal’s purple-brown undertones. In our client’s pantry, oak shelving creates a stunning contrast against the deep walls.
Lighting is crucial with deep colours. LED strip lighting under shelves ensures practicality whilst highlighting the paint’s beautiful richness and complex tones. Without good lighting, you lose the sophistication that makes Brinjal so special.
Consider your ceiling colour carefully. Keeping ceilings white or a very pale neutral prevents the space feeling too enclosed whilst allowing the drama of Brinjal to shine on the walls.
Bespoke Storage in a Statement Colour
Of course, beautiful colour is just the starting point. This Brinjal pantry combines stunning aesthetics with intelligent, bespoke storage designed specifically for how our client uses the space.
Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry crafted to exact dimensions means every inch works hard. Pull-out shelving makes accessing items at the back effortless. Adjustable shelves adapt as storage needs change. Soft-close mechanisms on all doors and drawers add that quality feel with every use.
The combination of dramatic colour and thoughtful design creates a pantry that’s genuinely pleasurable to use. Our client told us she actually enjoys spending time in there – which might sound daft, but these small moments of pleasure in daily routines genuinely contribute to how much you enjoy your home.
Finding Your Colour Confidence
If you’re drawn to dramatic colours like Brinjal but feeling hesitant, pantries and utility spaces are perfect for experimenting with bolder choices. These semi-private spaces mean you get to enjoy the colour daily without it being on constant display like your main kitchen.
Other Farrow & Ball Colours Worth Considering:
- Railings: Deep blue-grey that works beautifully in boot rooms and utility spaces
- Hague Blue: Rich, inky blue perfect for creating drama
- Down Pipe: Sophisticated charcoal that’s surprisingly versatile
- Studio Green: Deep olive that brings warmth and elegance
- Mahogany: Rich, earthy red-brown for a cosy, enveloping feel
At Kitchen Flair, our design team can guide you through colour choices, showing you samples in your actual lighting conditions and helping you understand how different shades will work with your cabinetry materials. The right guidance makes bold choices feel exciting rather than scary.
Beyond the Kitchen
This project reinforces something we believe strongly at Kitchen Flair – the rooms adjacent to your kitchen deserve just as much design attention and quality craftsmanship as the kitchen itself. Whether it’s a Brinjal pantry, a beautifully organised boot room, or fitted bedroom furniture, we bring the same attention to detail and bespoke approach to every space we create.
Each piece is made to order in our Preston workshop with the same Italian-influenced craftsmanship that’s defined Kitchen Flair since the early 1990s. The same quality materials, precise construction, and commitment to creating something uniquely yours – whether it’s a complete kitchen or a single storage space.
Ready to explore bold colour choices for your own home? Visit our showrooms in Preston or Leyland to see examples of our work and discuss how bespoke fitted furniture in beautiful colours can transform your spaces.