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Experts use colours to evoke certain emotions. Colour is heavily used by marketing and branding specialists, but the principles apply just as much to property developments. We get some invaluable advice from South Africa’s paint experts.
Colour selection is a science
Tarryn Casteller, head of enterprise development at Universal Paints explains that choosing paint colours is not as simple as it sounds. ‘It isn’t about merely choosing colours you like or that look good. There is a science behind the selection of paint colour, and it must be done with care and intentionality,’ she says.
She suggests that developers begin by giving careful thought to the image or lifestyle they wish the development to portray, and what makes it stand out from others in the area. ‘Things like the lifestyle, target homeowner and ability to blend into the surrounding area should all be considered when selecting paint colours.
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‘A development can emphasise its strong link to nature by incorporating different shades of green for example, while a development that takes pride in its sophisticated urban character could add splashes of deep grey,’ she continues.
A clever use of paint can also help bring focus to unique architectural features or make smaller spaces looks bigger and brighter.
Stick to what works
Colour can influence harmony. Rosanne de Castro, design director at Interior Design Workroom explains: ‘In a country as diverse as South Africa it is important to choose colours that bring people together rather than separate.
‘The clubhouse is usually central to an estate and a wide range of guests frequent it so tones of fresh greens, yellows or oranges will help create a comfortable yet clean setting that encourages cheerful socialising and stimulates appetite,’ she says.
Casteller goes onto explain that paint colour selection in the sales office or front of house is incredibly important, but it will depend on the target buyers. Although a development intended for families will have a different colour palette to one that is geared towards to young professional, there are still some basic rules, the biggest of which is avoiding harsh whites or colours that are in vogue now, as this can date a development.
‘Neutral off whites, creams and soft greys are always a good choice because they don’t create any visual noise. These are also colours that are appealing for most people. Blue is a good choice for a sales office if the aim is to impart a sense of trustworthiness and assuredness, while touches of compelling reds speaks of power, and can even be a call to action,’ she says.
Perhaps the best place for bright colour is in a gym or children’s play area, but again one should tread with caution. While bright colours can create energy and vigour, when two or more strong shades are placed together, they can sometimes create too much chaos.
‘Colours even affect us physiologically with shades of deep red known to raise blood pressure and heart rate, while blues can reduce it, which is something to consider in gyms and children’s play areas,’ says Casteller.
A different rulebook for retirement estates
We experience colour differently as we age. As our eyesight deteriorates as we get older, it becomes difficult to distinguish between certain colours. ‘Greens and blues become especially hard to see and are often mistaken as shades of grey, while pale colours come across as off-whites,’ explains Casteller.
For developers of retirement estates, the best options are warm shades of reds and oranges in a matt finish, as these work best for the elderly who may be sensitive to glare. Bright and contrasting colours can also help the elderly deal with failing depth perception which can actively contribute to their quality of life.’
