All photos: J. Barclay
From coast to coast, color creates an impact in both historic architecture and in contemporary design.
Inspiration from Landscape
Color is typically an aesthetic choice but it can also be a specific choice that is an outcome of the local environment. In New Mexico, color is symbolic of the beautiful southwest. The terra-cotta pink of typical structures is a color representative of the earthen landscape and the aqua blue trim typically seen on window and door frames is representative of the vast blue sky. This is a very historically thematic color combination that is indigenous to the land and is influential everywhere (including in my own home, far away from New Mexico).
Color & Societal Trends
Wealth has been symbolized by color as well. Historic palettes specifically in the Victorian era were very expensive and the more color displayed on the exterior of a home, the better in terms of a show of stature in society. An entire exterior and all trim details could be different colors, highlighting details of craftsmanship as well as rich color combinations, and some can be whimsical artistic expressions. We’ve all seen the quirky side of this creativity but some can be marvelously beautiful!
Beautification of Landmarks
Rainbow Row in Charleston, South Carolina is famously colorful. The rainbow palette is a beautiful display of pastels along historic Bay Street. These are much softer hues than the deeper Victorian pigments but collectively, have distinct vibrancy. This pretty row of homes is a celebration of beautiful vernacular architecture of creamy yellows, powder blues, and cotton candy pinks.
Color Expressed through the Decades
In later decades color has been an ongoing display of creativity and adventure too. Doors of mid-century modern ranch-style homes have pops of very vibrant color giving an otherwise clean-line, minimalist design a bit of a kick, as featured on #AtomicDoors.
Both residential and commercial properties use color as a dramatic lift. Various businesses and storefronts make their mark with color and murals or frescos adorn city buildings, adding a punch of creativity to an urban landscape.
Color Expressed in New Buildings
In contemporary architecture color is a distinct feature used for dramatic impact. Architect, Frank Ghery decided to slap a shimmering rainbow on the ultra-modern Museum of Pop Culture structure in Seattle, Washington. There isn’t any one color that could be representative of all the color of the exhibits inside, so bright metallic hues across the entire structure was the perfect choice!
Whether color is a trend, a need or simply an aesthetic statement – it’s had its place as long as pigments have been available.
Easton, PA
Santa Fe, NM
New York, NY
Charleston, SC
Atomic Doors of Instagram #AtomicDoors
Seattle, WA
