Last week, on March 21st the world celebrated International Colour Day. There are so many ways to celebrate it daily, as colour is all around us: in our clothing, our artworks, and at home in our décor items... The interiors of our homes are easily enlivened and transformed with colourful décor, and many of us enjoy this allowing us to personalise our spaces. But when it comes to choosing the finishes for the exteriors of our homes, most seem to be afraid of Colour and choose to play it safe, sticking with neutral or earthy tones. This is a safer choice, true, one that may last longer against our ever changing tastes, and ultimately might make it easier when it comes to selling. BUT, There are ways to add colour to our exteriors without venturing into bold and loud choices, and it easier than you think. Let's have a look at a few examples I have found in the PGH Bricks archives.
This apartment block shown below, features a striking façade achieved by using three basic but different colours in irregular, off-set horizontal lines. The resulting building gives both a wink and a clear reference to the Australian classic red-bricks-block, but despite an apparent squarish appearance this unusual use of classic red, cleverly contrasted with white and dark bricks results in the achievement of an exciting residential landmark with strong artistic quality.
The strong looks of the façade in the image below are achieved both by the use of differing colours and materials. The charcoal grey finishes in the roofing and vertical cladding work beautifully with the subdued colour of the bricks resulting in a pleasant contrast, where the materials enhance each-other. Despite the use of a classic dry pressed brick, this choice offers a fresh look, and works to highlight the architecture of the building creating a home that is both contemporary yet sits in it's suburban site with a grounded way, sympathetic to the existing streetscape.
And then there is this inspiring, fun and bold yet elegant use of colour on brick. Just perfect!
But if it's Bright Colour that you're considering, there are bricks on the market that will surprise and excite you with their vibrant possibilities. Vibrant Reds, Citrus Yellows, Deep Blues and Olive Greens... Being open to the possibilities be it as a feature wall, a contrasting rim, OR a whole façade, inviting colour onto your home, may just be the ticket to elevate it to the extraordinary. Make your property striking, let it be an extension of you and your personality, allow it to be unique and a tasteful standout by adding Colour to it, not only inside but outside too.
Exciting, Uh? Every day should be, and can be a Colour Day.
James Treble is an ambassador for Planet Ark and firmly believes in sensible purchasing, recycling and creative re-purposing. James has three decades of accumulated experience in the Building Industry, Real Estate and Interior Design and regularly shares his knowledge and experience in adding value to properties through effective design & styling. Watch his free videos on YouTube, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram for more free information.
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