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Local importers of products and local manufacturers will only keep a small range of “safe” colours as they say South Africa’s are reluctant to have bright chromatic colours around them. We prefer beige (read that as “baa...ige”) and ‘earthy tones” Personally I would rather stick pins in my eyes than have a lack of colour in my life.
I find whenever I present a range of colours or choose from the international colour charts that which the local company will keep in stock in SA I am told by the Sales Manager or MD oh no please tone that down!
A few forward thinking manufacturers have taken a risk in the past on my advice to have the controversial colour their sales team said would not sell be the next big seller!

This is not limited to building products but extends to our mobile phone network operators – this is why we all have black or silver Nokia’s! There are other colours in the rest of the world just not in South Africa.

Re-posted as requested by the DesignMind Team.

Tags: colour, industry, leader, lisa, nation, ncs, rainbow, taylor, thought-leader

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Nicole Hijbeek Comment by Nicole Hijbeek on April 7, 2009 at 3:33pm
I love colour - I find it inspirational in the work place and rather soothing personally - defines who you are. There is nothing better than having bright and vibrant walls as you type away, searching for the element of creativity! Creativity and orginality comes far easier when in a creatively designed and painted place. Schools should consider splashing a colourful brush across the walls - it may motivate students in more ways than we can imagine.

Companies should consider using colours in their work place that depicts their brand and identity. If one's logo is green and orange - why not illustrate this in the actual building/office?
Marelise Comment by Marelise on April 2, 2009 at 12:59pm
Some places in the world, surrounded with natural colour and beauty, are filled with natural or neutral colours; to not over power the landscape. Where as in dense urban cities or settlements, colours are vibrant because of the lack thereof. We have quite a few designers corners in this country, all vibrant, chromatic and ‘earthly’ and designed contrasts, in harmony of its nature and the sole. Our problem lies with those people running the money machine, who need to get some taste, so that the rest of the sheep could follow along...
natasha Comment by natasha on March 25, 2009 at 2:18pm
I must be honest - although I agree that South African business can be closed-minded when it comes to using colour, I think that in architecture I prefer more neutral tones. With regard to interiors however I think that a bright, vibrant space can be invigorating. As a fellow colour-lover I hope South Africans open their eyes to the possibilities of a less conservative palette. :)

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