Historically, architectural styles were often named after the reigning monarch. Today, architectural styles are driven by social, economic, environmental and technological change. Until the availability of synthetically manufactured pigments, colours for exterior decoration remained broadly the same over many architectural periods. In recent years there has been an increasing interest in the conservation of period properties but even with detailed paint analysis, it’s been difficult to ascertain authentic period colours. However more sophisticated paint sampling and examination coupled
with increased knowledge of the original rawmaterials has led to a clearer understanding of the original colours used. ‘Common’ colours and those seen on the exterior of ordinary domestic properties were derived fromearth based pigments and were shades of white, stone, cream, yellow ochre, umber and red ochre as these were inexpensive tomake whilst being resistant to fading. In fact, these shades are still popular today. Over the following pages you will find an overview of some of themore well known architectural styles, along with key features and a typical colour palette.
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