Have you ever noticed how geographic regions in our country can bring to mind a specific color palette? Regional colors are influenced by a number of factors, and certainly Mother Nature is a big one. Architecture, the people who live in the area, and the surrounding environment are also big contributors to a region’s color personality.

Think of Denver and our beautiful state – our sunsets are legendary. We have 300 days of sunshine a year and sunsets that are an extraordinary burst of oranges and reds in a crystal clear “mile high” blue sky. Is it coincidence that the Denver Broncos team colors are orange and blue?

Coastal areas of the country are significantly influenced by their bordering oceans. Greens and blues come to mind when thinking of Seattle and the Northwest because of its thick coastal forests and lush green vegetation. Consider Starbucks’ green Siren logo, which captures Seattle’s strong seaport roots, and the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks, whose “Seahawk blue” and brilliant lime green team uniforms reflect the colors of the Pacific Northwest.

Florida, bordered on the west by the Caribbean Sea and on the east by the Atlantic Ocean, is warm and tropical. Is it any wonder that tropical greens, sunny yellows, creams, corals and pastels dominate our southernm0st state? And consider New England where one immediately envisions the beautiful reds and golds of fall as well as a variety of patriotic navy blues.

The Midwest and the Great Plains bring to mind this area’s rich agricultural heritage – farming, ranching, field after field of life-sustaining crops, and prairie grasses moving gracefully in the winds. Adding to the mix Prairie School, Farmhouse, and Arts and Crafts architectural styles, and it leaves one with a singular visual impression of earthiness … gold tinged browns, wheat, soft greens, beiges.

Closer to home, the desert Southwest has a history steeped in Native American and Spanish cultures. Adobe architecture is rooted in ancient history and evolved from early Native American dwellings which used wood, stone, and puddled adobe to build homes that retained heat during winter and were naturally cool in summer. Spanish settlers added their influence which gave rise to the Pueblo style of architecture. One immediately envisions reds, oranges, terra cotta, and rich browns and beiges when thinking of this strikingly beautiful part of our country.

What does this have to do with paint? Well, while we as homeowners can certainly deviate from our region’s color personality, it can also serve as a great starting point when we decide it’s time for a color change!