Colour of the Month: Annie Sloan Chalk Paint™ in Arles – Sunshine for Your Home

There are some colours that instantly lift your mood, and Annie Sloan Chalk Paint™ in Arles is one of them. Inspired by the warm ochre tones of the picturesque French town of Arles, this rich golden yellow brings warmth, optimism and timeless character to furniture and interiors.

Whether you're introducing a cheerful accent into a neutral room or creating a striking statement piece, Arles has a unique ability to feel both vibrant and sophisticated. It captures the golden hues of late summer sunshine, rustic Mediterranean landscapes and vintage European interiors, making it a wonderfully versatile colour for every season.

Why We Love Arles

At Little Gems Interiors, Arles is one of those colours that continually surprises us. While many people think yellow can feel overpowering, Arles is beautifully balanced with earthy undertones that soften its brightness, creating a welcoming and comforting feel.

It works equally well in contemporary homes, traditional cottages and country kitchens, adding personality without overwhelming a space.

Perfect for:

• Kitchen dressers
• Sideboards
• Hall tables
• Children's furniture
• Vintage cupboards
• Garden furniture
• Decorative accessories

Styling with Arles

One of the reasons Arles is so popular is its ability to complement a wide range of colour palettes.

For a classic French country look, pair Arles with Old White and natural wood finishes.

For a dramatic contemporary scheme, combine it with Graphite or Athenian Black for striking contrast.

If you're looking for something softer, Arles works beautifully alongside Duck Egg Blue, French Linen, or Louis Blue, creating a relaxed, timeless interior inspired by nature.

Brass hardware, wicker baskets, linen fabrics and natural textures complete the look perfectly.

Distressing and Wax Finishes

As with all Annie Sloan Chalk Paint™, Arles distresses beautifully to reveal layers beneath and create authentic vintage character.

Finish with:

• Clear Chalk Paint™ Wax for a soft, classic finish.
• Dark Chalk Paint™ Wax to emphasise texture and create an aged, antique appearance.
• Black Chalk Paint Wax for added depth on rustic furniture.
• White Chalk Paint Wax for a gently weathered Scandinavian-inspired look.

Perfect for Beginners

One of the reasons so many people fall in love with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint™ is how easy it is to use.

Most furniture requires very little preparation—usually no sanding or priming—making it the ideal choice for first-time furniture painters as well as experienced upcyclers.

If you've been thinking about transforming an old piece of furniture, Arles is a wonderfully forgiving colour that delivers beautiful results.

Learn with Us

If you'd like to gain confidence using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint™, we'd love to welcome you to one of our furniture painting workshops at Little Gems Interiors in Long Melford.

Our workshops cover everything from preparation and painting techniques through to waxing, distressing and finishing, giving you the skills and inspiration to transform your own furniture at home.

Whether you're completely new to upcycling or looking to develop your creativity, there's always something new to learn.

Why Choose Annie Sloan Chalk Paint™?

Annie Sloan revolutionised decorative painting over 30 years ago with the creation of Chalk Paint™. Loved around the world, it offers exceptional coverage, beautiful pigments and endless creative possibilities.

Arles is a wonderful reminder that colour doesn't have to be bold to make an impact. It brings warmth, happiness and personality into any room, helping to create a home that feels both stylish and welcoming.

Visit Little Gems Interiors

As an Annie Sloan Stockist, we're always happy to help you choose the perfect colour, advise on finishes and recommend the right brushes, waxes and accessories for your next project.

Pop into our Long Melford showroom to see Arles in person, browse our Annie Sloan collection and discover how easy it is to fall in love with furniture painting.