Paint Ideas From 3 Unexpectedly Colourful New York Town Houses

published 31 March 20

New York is not exactly associated with colour – more the lack of – with images of New York often portraying monochrome outfits and industrial-style interiors, coffee and exposed brick walls. But the capital is filled with historic townhouses too, many of them artistic and packed with colour.

Here, three eccentric homes inspire us with their creative use of colour.

1. COLOUR BLOCK

In onefinestay's Soho Gallery Townhouse in Manhattan, rooms feature top-to-toe colour, and continues onto the ceiling. Even cupboards and doors have received a coating of the same shade.

Vibrant soft furnishings offer a playful contrast and help bring the space to life.

The outdoor terrace is no exception, and also features the same milky green shade.

2. COLOUR FRAME

Soft furnishings aren't the only way to introduce contrasting pops of colour; in the same Soho Gallery Townhouse strips of red frame cupboard doors in the bedroom, injecting instant energy.

3. MATCH THE ART

And finally, in the same property, vibrant artworks set the colour palette for a room, then soft furnishings are added to highlight the hues. In the room below, the blue from the painting is even added onto skirting and window ledges, further highlighting the colour scheme.

4. LIGHT

We all know how light can influence colour and bring out different versions of that colour; for example, the same colour can look muted in cool daylight but more vibrant in warmer light.

Over in Manhattan's Flatiron district, onefinestay's NoMad Townhouse uses the same soothing soft turquoise in the two sitting rooms. Here, it feels snug and is warmed up with coral fabrics and late afternoon sun.

Meanwhile in the connecting room with paler furnishings and more natural daylight, the effect is much more muted.

5. MOOD BOOSTER

The same townhouse also features a study space, dipped in a zingy, mood-boosting coral. We can imagine this space will feel energising and uplifting to work in.

6. GLOSS

Gloss wall paint is not a popular choice, but in onefinestay's Park Avenue Mansion in Manhattan's chic Upper East Side, it clearly demonstrates how gloss paint can help reflect and bounce light around, making a space appear larger.

The whole room received lashing of the paint, including every detail of the fireplace and mantelpiece too.

7. COBALT

Cobalt blue – and particularly Yves Klein blue – are known for their bright and energetic qualities. In the same Upper East Side property cobalt blue creates the perfect backdrop to a sports-themed room, complete with climbing wall and basketball 'court'.

Lotte Brouwer

Lotte is the Digital Editor for Livingetc, and has been with the website since its launch. She has a background in online journalism and writing for SEO, with previous editor roles at Good Living, Good Housekeeping, Country & Townhouse, and BBC Good Food among others, as well as her own successful interiors blog. When she's not busy writing or tracking analytics, she's doing up houses, two of which have features in interior design magazines. She's just finished doing up her house in Wimbledon, and is eyeing up Bath for her next project.