Choosing the Right Paint:
How Colour Shapes Paddington’s Heritage Streetscape
In heritage suburbs like Paddington, paint isn’t just a decorative choice it’s a vital tool in preserving the architectural integrity and visual harmony of the streetscape. Colour schemes play a powerful role in highlighting the features of historic buildings, unifying terrace rows and reinforcing the character of entire neighbourhoods.
With roots in architectural tradition, the approved palette for homes built between 1850 and the Inter-War period was intentionally limited and was carefully chosen to complement construction materials and design details.
Woollahra Council’s Development Control Plan makes clear that paint colours should respect the architectural style and period of a building. From the understated simplicity of Georgian homes to the vibrant complexity of late Victorian facades, appropriate colours can enhance original design intent and even uncover forgotten beauty. But not all colours should be used including fluorescents and bold primaries while party walls must remain uniformly painted to maintain visual cohesion across terrace rows.
Whether restoring a historic home or proposing a new development, colour choices are far from cosmetic, they’re central to protecting the suburb’s identity. Getting it right means doing your homework, seeking inspiration from old photographs, scraping back layers to reveal original finishes, and may require submitting a colour board to Council for approval.
For further information refer to the WOOLLAHRA DEVELOPMENT CONTROL PLAN 2015 Part C | Heritage Conservation Areas C1.5.9 Exterior colours
In the City of Sydney LGA Heritage conservation areas are valued for their special character, in line with their history and physical appearance. This character is supported through planning controls, which have protections in place for certain development in these areas. Repainting the exterior of a building won’t generally require permission. However, there are some exceptions specific to conservation areas.
For further information for residents in South Paddington refer to the City of Sydney guide Heritage Conservation Areas: Repainting Guidelines: Direction for colour schemes, highlighting details and painting buildings in groups.
