Every city is a reflection of its own unique local culture as expressed through architecture and color. There are a number of cities with distinctive designs that particularly stand out to me, and they have inspired me to come up with color palettes for home painting ideas.
Read All Time Favorite Paint Colors for Home Exteriors.
Travel has always been a huge source of inspiration for me. Immersing myself in a foreign culture allows me to see and understand the world beyond what I already know and think outside the box. Being in an unfamiliar place can be a gift when you have a curious mind, as it challenges you to expand the boundaries of your thinking.
Take a look at these five beautiful cities for new painting ideas you can use at home.
Jodhpur, India
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Jodhpur is nicknamed India’s “blue city,” due to the sheer number of vivid blue buildings at the historic quarter. Towering over the city is the Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest and most elaborate forts in India with stunning views overlooking the sea of blue buildings. Jodhpur is a burst of color amidst the arid Thar Desert at the state of Rajasthan.
Jodhpur is characterized by the shades of indigo and blue standing in contrast to the reddish- brown fort and the dry desert. This palette serves as a painting idea to adventurers unafraid of taking risks and exploring something new.
Havana, Cuba
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La Habana Vieja, or “Old Havana,” takes visitors back in time to well-preserved colonial baroque buildings and vintage cars on the streets. The intricate architecture and colorful heritage homes have given Old Havana that uniqueness that earned it the distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Drive through Malecón and see the historic homes for painting ideas.
Havana’s heritage homes are splashed with colors of pinks, greens, yellows, and blues, painted in a monochromatic and subdued, yet striking, manner. This palette is for those who want to be playful yet elegant, opting for subtle touches of restrained colors that deliver huge impact.
Bergen, Norway
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Despite being the second largest city of Norway, Bergen still retains the charm of a quaint seaside town. The city looks straight out of a European fairy tale, with its charming multicolored houses set against fjords and mountains. Bergen is a UNESCO World Heritage City and a European City of Culture, thanks to its Scandinavian allure.
Stroll through the cobblestoned neighborhoods of Bergen and observe the pretty wooden houses for painting ideas. Notice the predominance of white, blue, and yellow, and how touches of red add depth to the light-toned palette.
Tunis, Tunisia
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Tunis is a dazzling city where diverse Mediterranean cultures intermingle. Whitewashed buildings tinged with shades of rich blue have often been associated with Tunis and the nearby town of Sidi Bou Said. Look closely at the detailed tiles and doors at the medina, and notice the intricate patterns created with reds, yellows, and greens for new painting ideas.
Tunis has always been a favourite of Northern African and European artists since the French- colonial period. Play with this color palette and allow your innate creativity to awaken your bohemian spirit.
Cartagena, Colombia
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Cartagena is a wild explosion of color that reflects the warmth and hospitality of the Colombian culture. Lonely Planet refers to the city as the “undisputed queen of the Caribbean coast,” thanks to its well-preserved colonial architecture. Brightly colored homes with balconies and bougainvillea terraces line the streets of this historic walled city.
Sunny shades of yellow and red make up the typical color scheme of Cartagena, but you’ll also find the occasional pink, blue, and green. Looking for expressive painting ideas that exude joy and celebration? Use this color palette
Take the time to observe your surroundings when you travel in foreign countries. Take note of the way they mix and match colors and see how this reflects their cultural identity. This is a sure way to inspire new painting ideas for your home upon your arrival. You can easily find any shade you wish with the sheer number of color options Boysen carries.
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