Charlotte Cosby, the Woman Behind Some of Farrow & Ball's Most Iconic Paint Shades, Shares a Few of Her Favorite Things

February 14, 2020
Credit: Courtesy of Charlotte Cosby

Her home decorating and style mottos are the same: Paint and dress with comfort in mind.

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Credit: Courtesy of Charlotte Cosby

In the sea of paint chips out there, it's nothing short of a miracle to create not one (Elephant's Breath), but multiple colors with cult followings. Therein lies the magic of English paint and wallpaper company Farrow & Ball, where Charlotte Cosby, Head of Creative, has lent her vision for the past 13 years. (A recent SNL skit further proved the love is real.)

The Bournemouth-raised mom—of two kids and a tortoise named Julian—finds inspiration in Dorset's coastal beauty, travel, and historic British homes and books: A recent collaboration with London's Natural History Museum, for example, is "a mixture of bright jewel tones, enveloping shades, and enduringly popular neutrals" plucked from the color-classification system Darwin used in his writings.

Cosby's own restrained look ranges, she says, "from French exchange student to accountant." Her philosophy: "I'm a strong believer in following what you like rather than trends, for both fashion and interiors. If you like something, you'll feel comfortable and confident in it."

Ahead, the creative shares a few of her favorite things—from the barely-there beauty products that help her achieve her signature natural look to the bag that carries everything she brings along for the (colorful) ride. Pieces, like a cozy mustard wrap scarf,  flattering high-waisted jeans, and a streamlined poplin button-up, from her go-to uniform (a mix of contemporary and vintage) are also included, as are the pencils she uses for designing and note-taking. Her must-haves help her live exactly how she creates—comfortably collected. The goal, in other words: Breathe easy.

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Fresh Fragrance

Credit: Peter Ardito

"Ten years ago, my mother and I decided I needed a new scent. After weeks of looking, this was the winner. It's delicate and fresh."

Shop Now: Chanel Chance Eau Fraîche, from $62, chanel.com.

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Cozy Scarf

Credit: Courtesy of Toast

"It's big enough to use as a throw when I'm curled up on the sofa, and keeps out the chill when I'm out."

Shop Now: Toast Cashmere-Wool Wrap Scarf, $235, toa.st/us.

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Classic Blouse

Credit: Courtesy of Cos

"For work, I wear a lot of pieces from the brand mixed with vintage."

Shop Now: Cos Covered Placket Blouse, $115, cosstores.com.

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Flamingo Motif

Credit: Courtesy of Charlotte Cosby

"I saw this at a trade show and couldn't get it out of my head, so I bit the bullet and ordered it. It’s now in my bathroom."

Shop Now: Surface View Greater Flamingo Tiles, from $1,195, surfaceview.co.uk.

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Petal-Soft Sheets

Credit: Peter Ardito

"They're so soft and come in so many gorgeous colors. I either use one shade or mix up light and dark ones."

Shop Now: Hawkins New York Linen Sheets in Blush and Petal, from $198 each, hawkinsnewyork.com.

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Pencils

Credit: Peter Ardito

"I like them for taking notes and sketching ideas. They're great quality and lovely to hold, and never smudge."

Shop Now: Blackwing 602 Palomino Pencils, $25 for 12, blackwing602.com.

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Flattering Jeans

Credit: Peter Ardito

"These tapered, high-rise jeans are effortless and flattering."

Shop Now: Isabel Marant Étoile "Corsyj" Jeans, $290, net-a-porter.com.

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Comfortable Kicks

Credit: Courtesy of Veja

"I spend a lot of time on my feet, so a comfortable trainer is essential."

Shop Now: Veja Esplar Emeraude White Leather Sneakers, $120, veja-store.com.

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Rose Balm

Credit: Courtesy of Glossier

"I tend to stick to a natural, barely-there look, and wear plain or tinted lip balms."

Shop Now: Glossier Balm Dotcom in Rose, $12, glossier.com.

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Carry-Everything Bag

Credit: Courtesy of Coach

"It holds my laptop, phone, notebook, pencil case, lip balm, wallet, and reusable water bottle."

Shop Now: Coach Charlie Bucket bag in Saddle, $375, coach.com.

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Alcohol-Free Aperatif

Credit: Peter Ardito

"It reminds me of the countryside. I mix it with tonic."

Shop Now: Seedlip Garden 108 Alcohol-Free Spirit, $30 for 23.7 fl. oz., seedlipdrinks.com.

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Signature Paints

Credit: Peter Ardito

"I have Pavilion Blue on the walls in my bathroom. Peignoir is one of my favorites for its soothing, restful nature."

Shop Now: Farrow & Ball Paints, price dependent on selection, farrow-ball.com.

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True Coverage

Credit: Peter Ardito

"It's difficult to find one that matches my skin tone, but this one is spot-on!"

Shop Now: MAC Mineralize Concealer in NW20, $25, maccosmetics.com.

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