Frances Tophill, known for her expertise on Love Your Garden, has shared her preference for black-painted sheds and fences, stirring debate by dismissing pastel hues and soft greens in favour of bold, dark tones that enhance plant beauty.
- Frances Tophill prefers black over pastel for fences and sheds.
- Dark colours highlight plants and add a premium look.
- Lighter colours suit smaller gardens by making spaces feel bigger.
What happened
Frances Tophill recently weighed in on the often-debated topic of fence and shed colours, expressing a preference for black paint over the traditionally favoured pastels and soft greens. Sharing her views on social media, she noted that while pastel colours have their uses, the boldness of black offers a stunning contrast that brings plants to the forefront of garden design.
To emphasize her point, she highlighted practical benefits, such as the use of water-repellent timber treatments like Protek Royal Exterior Wood Finish, which protects wood surfaces while providing a sleek, dark finish. Her stance has sparked conversations around garden aesthetics, balancing style with functionality.
Why it feels good
Black and other dark paints, according to Frances and garden lighting experts, add a luxurious and cosy atmosphere to outdoor spaces. The darkness allows for warm lighting to shine with a richer glow, creating an inviting environment often found in high-end garden terraces and restaurants.
Moreover, dark backdrops make the vibrant colours of flowers and foliage stand out more vividly, turning plants into the natural stars of the show. This approach can enhance plant appreciation and the overall garden experience, providing a harmonious and striking visual effect.
What to enjoy or watch next
For gardeners with smaller spaces, exploring lighter shades such as soft sage, off-white, or light grey may still be the best choice, as these colours reflect light and create an illusion of greater openness. Pairing these lighter tones with plants that have deeper or pastel foliage can create equally eye-catching garden aesthetics.
Garden enthusiasts interested in updating their outdoor look might consider experimenting with dark-toned paints to see how they can transform their own spaces. Watching Frances Tophill’s gardening insights and following updates on garden colour trends can inspire fresh, contemporary approaches to garden styling.