Colour; it defines everything we do when it comes to design. The decisions we make when designing anything from a new website, to a piece of content, dictates the mood in which it’s perceived. Colours create cohesion and helps to plan a piece. Warmer colours tend to be inviting and cosy, whilst cool colours can be stark yet have calming qualities.
With this in mind, The Mill Shop decided to get creative with colour palettes, drawing inspiration from some of the most exciting and vibrant cities in the world. Could these colour palettes influence the way we feel when we visit them?
If you’re planning to design a piece that is geared towards one of these cities, you may find them extremely useful. Complete with Hex codes, each colour palette has been produced to represent a unique part of that particular city; whether it’s the silky, romantic hues of Paris or the vibrant neon glow of Tokyo.
Let’s take a closer look at the colour palettes inspired by some of the worlds greatest cities…
Amsterdam
Colourful and vibrant, Amsterdam is liberal and inviting with a strong focus on positive energy and happiness. The colours chosen reflect this; with warm tones of green, yellow and red taking prominence.
Bergen
Scandinavian to the core, the colours of Bergen are traditional, warm and cosy. Muted and soothing; soft greens, pale purple and sunny yellow provide a fitting colour palette for this Norwegian gem.
Cape Town
Earthy, rich tones reflect the natural beauty of this South African paradise, the unique differences in the landscape means that the colours chosen are varied, yet complementary.
Dubai
Warm and balmy, the colour palette for Dubai is almost dream-like. These gorgeous soft tones all meld together beautifully, offering a luxurious and sensuous visual.
Dubrovnik
With a rich Mediterranean culture, the sunkissed shoreline of Dubrovnik provides a vibrant and inviting peek in to the traditional and colourful heart of this ancient city.
Kolkata
Raw and striking, the spicy hues of Kolkata are perfect for creating a sumptuous festival of colour. Exciting blue and magenta tones contrast perfectly with the sandy, natural accents which can be found all around this culture-led haven, representing Indian culture and heritage.
London
Muted yet strong; London’s colour scheme is business-like and professional. The great British weather has a strong influence on London’s colour palette, but the bright red of London buses help to offset the sombre base tones.
Moscow
Majestic and compelling, the mysterious yet intricate architecture of Moscow’s Red Square provides us with an abundance of colour. The variety of blue tones are both calming and exhilarating, and the warm red and orange tones which offset them create real contrast.
New York
Mixing old and new, the cooler tones of brownstone buildings and the Statue of Liberty provide a great neutral base, whereas the iconic yellow of the New York taxi supplies the jazz, razamataz and optimism you’d expect from the city of dreams.
Paris
Refined and classy, the romantic hues of Paris epitomise delicate yet flirtatious sophistication. Dreamy and calming, the colour palette created reinforces those feelings of love and romance we associate with this passionate city.
Rome
A European epicentre of art, architecture and religion, the colour palette created for Rome reflects upon the classical and historical aspects you’d anticipate when visiting.
Tokyo
Bright, vibrant and busy. Tokyo is fast-paced and modern and its colour palette reflects that. Full of neon signs and the latest technology, stark, luminous colours set the darkness alight. If you’re looking to make a statement when designing, then the edgy, urban vibes of Tokyo’s colours are the perfect choice.
We hope you’ve enjoyed your colourful tour around the world. Next time you design something, think about your favourite cities and the unique colour palettes they offer. The buzz and excitement of a bustling city can provide you with a plethora of unique colours just waiting to be explored.
