To look at Instagram, you’d think that our British streets were awash with cookie-coloured cul-de-sacs and pastel perfect communities, but when I sift through my many (oh so many!) pictures of rainbow roads, none of them are here in the UK. Are we so obsessed with interiors that we forget about our kerb appeal?
The Catalan Bay Trip
Towards the end of May, I visited Gibraltar on a business trip. It had actually not been so long since my last trip to the British/Spanish hybrid of a peninsula having ‘popped in’ only 10 months prior on a family holiday (which you can read about here).
That original trip saw us hurry up into the Rock of Gibraltar, on a hunt for monkeys and spectacular views – especially of northern Africa which can be seen just across the water on a clear day. We scurried around the mountainous terrain, visited lighthouses, caves and areas of historical significance, and for the most part didn’t visit what was down at ground level.
This time, paired with business colleagues instead of husband and daughter, I got to completely re-discover the Gibraltar I’d missed last time. And I’d hit the colour jackpot! Catalan Bay is a little fishing village towards the east side of The Rock of Gibraltar, which is not only a lovely beach, but a celebration of pastels. The beach huts are all painted in their own hue, with local shops and bars following suit. Even the boats are beautiful rich tones of blue and red – a nod perhaps to Britain?
As I sat on the beach in between meetings, I questioned why we don’t have more of the same back home?
The International Hunt For Colourful Streets
Whilst I haven’t travelled loads over the past decade thanks to renovations and becoming a mum, when we have made efforts to get away, it’s turned into an accidental colour hunt. In an effort to improve my photography while simultaneously soaking up those moments of discovery, I’m looking around more to appreciate the scenery. Looking up to the sky for the architecture we might otherwise miss. Looking down hidden streets for stories undiscovered.
And with each location ticked off the eternal travel bucket-list, the one thing I’m consistently discovering are colourful streets! (I’ll link some of my favourite write-ups below although all images in this particular post are from Catalan Bay) Am I sub-consciously choosing places that are photogenic in nature or am I just attuned to spotting them these days? Perhaps because it’s something I don’t associate with the UK that I feel that I need to capture them all whilst I can.
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My Top 3 for Colour & Culture in Southern Spain
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10 Reasons To Fall In Love With Bratislava
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Budapest’s Love Affair With Yellow
So Why Have Colourful Streets Evaded Mainland UK?
…(& my beloved Manchester?)
It’s true that there are pockets of the UK which have well and truly embraced the technicoloured town lifestyle. Natasha from CandyPop has documented the best colourful streets in London, now firmly on my hitlist for the next time I’m in the capital. Jess over at Porthjess always gives me a good chuckle on her Instagram Stories, as photographers embark on photoshoots in her bright Bristol neighbourhood.
After a quick natter with some of my lovely interiors gals online, Antonia and I from Tidy Life (also a Mancunian like me) got to thinking: Do we even HAVE any colourful streets in Manchester? And depressingly, I think the answer is no! We’re fiercely protective of our creativity, street art and murals, but we’ve not quite took the leap to our houses yet.
Brighton has allegedly got some psychedelic streets, as does Edinburgh and Blackpool. I wonder whether they’re an association with affluent and/or coastal towns as a nod to beach hut life.
As I researched this theory, I discovered a street in Gloucester who actually tested it out, with all residents agreeing to paint their home brightly. As a result, they reported better community spirit and improvements in their social wellbeing. How awesome is that? So why are they so rare?
How Can I Live On A Colourful Street?
I’ve said over and over again – I’d LOVE to paint my house. A bold blue or a sunshine yellow. Upon reflection though, there is a lot to consider! When I’ve looked into it (and I really have), here is what you’ve got to take into consideration before whipping out the paint brushes.
- You need to check with your council to make sure there are no restrictions
- You’ve got to check with your neighbours how they feel – and acknowledge that they might say no!
- Consider the context of colour choices. Here in Manchester, picking red or blue isn’t just a choice, it’s a football allegiance that could bring you unwanted trouble/attention.
- Are you prepared to become a target? Of either the taste police, or of photo-hungry fashionistas after a good backdrop?
- Are you ready for all eyes to be on your home?
It’s actually all a little more complicated than I thought! But I’m determined to keep the conversation going. So tell me…
Do you live on a colourful street? Tell me EVERYTHING. What colour would you paint your house if you could? Do you know of any colourful streets – UK or other? I’m creating a mega long hitlist and planning a trip! Let’s get over our fear of seeing colour in the great outdoors.
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