Our Sulking Room Pink (Farrow & Ball) Home Office

I’ve been absolutely bursting to share this home office transformation with you all because honestly, I’m still slightly obsessed with how it turned out. When I first mentioned to other people that I was painting our home office in Farrow & Ball’s Sulking Room Pink (No 295), I had some negativity from people I told.

“Pink? In your office? Really?”

But here we are, and I’m constantly battling over workspace ownership and usage with my husband because it’s become the cosiest room in our South East London house!

Why I Chose Sulking Room Pink for Our Home Office

Let me paint you a picture (pun absolutely intended). I’d been working from a makeshift desk in our bedroom for months when we first moved into our home in 2019 – you know how it is when you’re juggling three kids, a husband, and trying to run a business. 

I finally claimed this small spare room as my sanctuary, but it was bland as anything. Magnolia walls and literal office blinds AKA no personality whatsoever. I needed something that would make me actually want to spend time in there, something that felt grown-up but still had warmth. That’s when I stumbled across Sulking Room Pink online – described by Farrow & Ball as a ‘muted rose’ – and I knew I’d found my colour.

The name alone sold it to me. I mean, how perfect is that for a mum’s office? Some days I am absolutely sulking in there, hiding from the chaos!

What Colours Go With Sulking Room Pink?

This was my biggest worry initially. Pink can be tricky, can’t it? Too bright and it’s overwhelming, too pastel and it feels like a nursery. But Sulking Room Pink is different – it has a dusty quality that gives it a sophisticated edge and works beautifully with so many colours.

Here’s what I discovered works brilliantly:

Neutrals that sing with Sulking Room Pink:

• Soft greys 
• Creams and warm whites (our office furniture is white at the moment, although I may change to wood soon once budget allows)
• Natural linen tones
• Mushroom browns

Bold companions that create drama:

• Deep forest greens (absolutely stunning combination)
• Navy blue (very sophisticated)
• Charcoal grey for a modern twist
• Rich burgundy for a cosy evening vibe
• Yellow for a bold contrast

I went with mostly neutrals in my space because, let’s be honest, I needed it to feel calm rather than stimulating. The pink provides enough interest on its own. I added touches of brass through my desk lamp and picture frames, which brings out those warm undertones beautifully. The only ‘pop’ of colour as an accent to the Sulking Room Pink that I’ve added has been the yellow desk chair.

How Many Coats of Sulking Room Pink Did We Need?

Now let’s talk about the practical stuff because this is what everyone actually wants to know, isn’t it?

I’ll be completely honest with you, we needed three coats to get the coverage just right. Now, Farrow & Ball will tell you two coats should do it, and maybe it would have if we’d been painting over a similar tone. But we were going from boring magnolia to this gorgeous dusky rose, so it needed that extra layer, as I found it was still a little patchy after two:

• First coat: You could definitely see the colour change, but it looked patchy and the magnolia was still showing through
• Second coat: Much better coverage, but still a bit streaky in places, especially around the window area
• Third coat: Perfection! Rich, even coverage that looked exactly like the colour card

We did most of the painting ourselves whilst taking it in turns to keep the kids occupied. Top tip: if you’re doing this yourself, don’t try to rush it. Each coat needs to dry properly – we left it overnight between coats. And invest in proper brushes! We used a Purdy brush and it made such a difference to the finish.

The total coverage worked out to about 2.5 litres for my 2m x 3m office.

Is Sulking Room Pink Too Dark for a Room?

This was my husband’s main concern, and I’ll admit, I had moments of panic too. The office isn’t huge, and it only has one window, however that faces South so it’s generally quite a bright space. But would it feel like a cave?

The short answer: absolutely not.

Here’s why it works:

Natural Light: This paint colour lends itself to cozy, layered interiors, so it can make a great colour choice if you’re looking for a wall colour that adds depth and warmth. In the morning light, it has this gorgeous soft glow. Even on those typically dreary London afternoons, it doesn’t feel oppressive.

Artificial Light: This is where Sulking Room Pink really shines (literally). Under my warm LED desk lamp, it becomes incredibly cosy and inviting. I actually prefer working in here in the evenings now because the atmosphere is so lovely.

Size Matters: If you’ve got a truly tiny space, you might want to consider it carefully. But for anything this office-sized and above, it’s absolutely beautiful.

The Transformation

The difference is honestly night and day. Before, it was a room I’d dash into, grab what I needed, and leave. Now? I genuinely look forward to starting work each day. The kids have even started calling it “Mum’s pink palace”.

Styling Tips for Your Sulking Room Pink Space

If you’re thinking about taking the plunge, here are my top tips:

1. Embrace the mood: This isn’t a colour that wants to be ignored. Let it be the star and keep other elements more subdued.
2. Add texture: Velvet cushions, woven baskets, wooden accessories – they all look gorgeous against this backdrop.
3. Don’t forget the lighting: Warm white LEDs are your friend. Harsh cool lighting will make it look muddy.
4. Consider the finish: We used Estate Emulsion, but I’m tempted to try Modern Emulsion in the en-suite bathroom because it’s more washable.
5. Test it properly: Get a sample pot and live with it for at least a week. The colour changes throughout the day and you need to love it in all lights.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sulking Room Pink

Q: Is Sulking Room Pink suitable for north-facing rooms? Yes, but with caveats. It works beautifully in north-facing spaces, but you might want to ensure you have good artificial lighting. The colour becomes richer and more dramatic in lower light, which can be gorgeous if that’s the vibe you’re after.

Q: What’s the difference between Sulking Room Pink and other F&B pinks? Sulking Room Pink is much more muted than Dead Salmon or Setting Plaster. It has brown undertones that make it feel more sophisticated and less traditionally ‘girly’.

Q: Can I use it in a child’s bedroom? Absolutely! It’s sophisticated enough that it won’t feel babyish as they grow up, but soft enough to be soothing for little ones. If I hadn’t of used it in this office, I would’ve considered it for my daughter’s room when she was younger.

Q: Does it work with white furniture? Beautifully! White furniture looks crisp and fresh against it as our Ikea Alex desk and drawers show.

Q: What about resale value? Honestly? I think it adds character and interest. It’s not so bold that it would put buyers off, but it’s memorable enough to make your home stand out. You could also easily paint over it.

The Verdict

I’m still completely in love with this colour choice. It’s sophisticated without being stuffy, warm without being overwhelming, and distinctive without being trendy in a way that’ll date quickly.

The kids have embraced it, and even skeptical husband admits it was a brilliant choice, though getting that admission took several months and a lot of “I told you so” looks from me.

If you’re on the fence about taking the plunge with this gorgeous colour, my advice is simple: get that sample pot, live with it, and trust your instincts. Sometimes the best design decisions are the ones that make you slightly nervous at first.

What do you think? Are you tempted to add a touch of sophisticated pink to your home? Let me know in the comments – I’d love to hear about your own decorating adventures!

See more of my home renovation posts here!

Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.