Your choice of front door colour could provide an insight into the type of person you are, according to research by leading London estate agent Marsh & Parson in conjunction with international colour consultancy Pantone.
The leading colours favoured by Londoners are black, white, grey, navy, red, green, purple, pink, yellow and natural stain.
Certain areas of the capital tend to favour certain colours with black the prevalent choice for the white stucco homes of North Kensington, in Marylebone and the conservation areas of Camden such as Rochester Terrace Gardens and Camden Square.
Black is also de rigeur in parts of Islington, particularly within Angel, Barnsbury and Canonbury.
But visit Portobello Road in Notting Hill and there are a myriad of colours both on front doors and facades which represents the road’s flamboyant past and present.
Mews houses across London tend to be painted in more vibrant colours; particularly in the Marylebone area. In more bohemian parts of Camden, owners resort to all the colours of the rainbow to express their personalities.
In wealthy Belgravia and Mayfair, black again dominates but not exclusively so. Certain properties across South Kensington and Chelsea are only allowed black doors. Halsey Street in Chelsea is a prominent example of the use of pastel colours, but owners might not get away with bright pinks or luminous orange hues.
So what do these colours signify? Marsh & Parsons asked the Pantone Colour Institute for its interpretation of the use of colour by Londoners and what the selected shades might say about those owners who live behind their front doors.
Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Colour Institute, said: “Black (or Black Onyx as we refer to it internally) has elegant, powerful, and prestigious undertones. Indeed, it is imposing, sleek and chic. Brilliant White is simple, crisp and pristine and often favoured by those going for a minimalist look. Castor Grey is timeless and classic, so doesn’t run the risk of going out of fashion.
“Navy Peony is authoritative and trustworthy, while Nile Green is calm, quiet and soothing. True Red is quite the opposite and more likely to be preferred by commanding, dynamic and engaging individuals. Argyle Purple suggests those with a penchant for the dramatic, Minion Yellow is optimistic and energizing, Pink Lavender is youthful and spirited while opting for a natural stain is rustic and warming.”
Marcus Flacks, Marketing Director Marsh & Parsons, said: “You can’t be scientific about people’s choice of colour but clearly someone who chooses black – like No. 10 Downing Street, is probably inclined towards an imposing first impression that suggests power and prestige. But someone who paints their front door a vibrant pink or yellow is also making a statement that life should be fun.
“That’s what makes London so fascinating. As we have found with the survey of our branch managers, there are patterns and restrictions in some areas, but in the main people are free to express themselves and clearly Londoners enjoy making striking statements with their choice of colour.
“We would not suggest that a particularly outlandish colour might affect a sale, but psychologically people might subconsciously be more attracted to a house which reflects their own personality.”
For further information, please contact:
Marsh & Parsons Marketing Director, Marcus Flacks via mflacks@marshandparsons.co.uk or 020 8846 2372
Notes on Marsh & Parsons:
Marsh & Parsons, a multi award-winning estate agent, has been selling and letting property in London for over 160 years. They are renowned for providing exceptional service and achieving great results, thanks to their unique open network of 27 offices located in prime positions across the Capital. Each team boasts intimate local know-how in their area of operation and works collectively with surrounding offices to match people with their ideal properties. This, coupled with their extensive network of corporate and international clients, means property owners benefit from exposure to a local, national and global reach of buyers and tenants.
Marsh & Parsons’ services include residential sales and lettings, property & tenancy management, new homes sales, residential developments & investments, and corporate & relocation services.
Marsh & Parsons was acquired by LSL Property Services plc in November 2011.
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