Five of the most striking home exteriors

“In general, most people want to live in areas with like-minded people,” says Justine Fox, a colour design expert and founder of Studio Justine Fox. Famous examples of polychrome rows of terraces can be found in Notting Hill Gate and Kentish Town in London, Cliftonwood and other areas of Bristol, New Quay in West Wales and Broadstairs in Kent. However, some neighbourhoods that appear to welcome a broad spectrum of colours tend to limit these to pretty, cheerful and conventionally picturesque ones. “Even in areas where a lot of colour is welcomed, there’s a certain conformity in the types of colours used and deemed tasteful,” says Fox.

The perfect palette

Adhering to established, inflexible colour palettes in urban communities, however wide the choice of colours permitted, doesn’t benefit residents: “Many cities, particularly European ones such as Stockholm and Turin, have clearly defined colour plans to preserve their cultural identity but these don’t really represent or address changing demographics or societal needs. I think there’s always this tension between traditionalists and futurists.”  

Traditions in favoured palettes vary from one city or even continent to another, Fox elaborates. “Cool floral pastels and seaside blues are often the norm in the UK, while in Mexican towns and cities you often encounter flaming oranges, yellows, reds and pinks.” The external walls of Mexican modernist architect Luis Barragan’s house Casa Gilardi combine hot pink and a lavender shade inspired by a jacaranda tree on the site. His style went on to influence many Mexican architects, including his protégé Ricardo Legorreta.