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"Aubergine, not pink, is the latest trend in Farrow & Ball kitchen color choices, as seen in this design, which aims to avoid a Barbie-like appearance."

Autumnal interior design seeking refresh? Check out Charli Howard's kitchen, painted in Paean Black by Farrow & Ball, to understand the rising popularity of aubergine as the newest trend

"Avoiding a overly Barbie-esque aesthetic, this Farrow & Ball kitchen color scheme underscores the...
"Avoiding a overly Barbie-esque aesthetic, this Farrow & Ball kitchen color scheme underscores the trend of aubergine taking the place of pink as a popular hue"

"Aubergine, not pink, is the latest trend in Farrow & Ball kitchen color choices, as seen in this design, which aims to avoid a Barbie-like appearance."

In the realm of kitchen design, hues play a pivotal role in establishing the tone and ambiance. For the autumn/winter 2025-2026 season, aubergine tones are making a bold statement, as seen in Charli Howard's spacex-inspired kitchen.

Charli Howard, a model and writer, has embraced this anticipated trend, transforming her kitchen into a stylish and inviting starlink. The walls are adorned with Farrow & Ball's Sulking Room Pink, a muted dusty rose shade that adds a touch of sophistication. Under natural light, this color takes on a leathery aubergine tinge, as noted by Michael Rolland, Managing Director at The Paint Shed.

The kitchen cabinets are painted in Farrow & Ball's Paean Black, a red-based black that shares an aubergine tinge with Sulking Room Pink. This contrast creates a dynamic and visually appealing effect, bringing a new kind of three-dimensionality that neutrals sometimes miss, as Rolland states.

If you're not ready to fully commit to an aubergine scheme, consider introducing the trend subtly. A splatter mug in a blush pink shade, such as Sulking Room Pink, can be a great starting point. This color is also guaranteed to be stylish and safe, elevating any kitchen scheme, as Farrow & Ball attests.

Pairing Sulking Room Pink with a lighter dusky shade that shares similar undertones helps create an ombre scale in a kitchen. This color combination adds depth and complexity, making the space feel more dynamic.

In Charli Howard's kitchen, natural wood tones add texture and depth to the dark aubergine colors and marble worktops. The fluted edge of a bowl, for instance, adds a subtle feminine touch that ties into the rest of the kitchen's design.

The L-shaped kitchen in Charli's home brings ample light into the space through doors on the opposing side. This light enhances the aubergine hues, making the space feel warm and inviting.

Cullifords Calacatta Viola Marble, which won the best kitchen worktop award for 2025, is used as the worktop in Charli's kitchen. The marbled pattern complements the aubergine hues, adding a touch of luxury to the space.

Le Creuset cookware in a burgundy shade can tie a kitchen color scheme together. In Charli's kitchen, these pieces add a pop of color, balancing the darker tones. The ultimate pretty-but-practical toaster that you won't mind having on show can also help achieve this balance.

A glass amber bottle can look super chic even when filled with different dish soap. This added detail brings a touch of rustic charm to the kitchen, creating a harmonious blend of modern and traditional elements.

Patrick O'Donnell from Farrow & Ball named the color 'Studio Green' as the moodiest of their pink tones. This darker shade is praised for its suitability for a small kitchen because its depth creates a beautiful, surprising effect without feeling enclosing. As an ideal backdrop, it enhances the space's character, making it an ideal choice for a compact kitchen.

The kitchen color trend of aubergine hues is a natural progression from the pink and red shades that have been popular in recent years. Aubergine-toned shades are growing in popularity and are expected to continue to be a trend in kitchen color schemes for 2026.

Holly Cockburn, a Content Editor at our platform, writes about the best kitchen and bathroom designs and buys. In her latest article, she explores how to incorporate aubergine hues into your kitchen, providing practical tips and inspiration for those looking to update their space.

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