While in Sweden, so many that I had an occasion to speak with would invariably ask, “What do you observe that is different here, than in the States?” Since color is on my mind, I'm going to skip over the differences in culture, people, politics & religion...if you don't mind. And to me, the landscape of Sweden seemed very similar to parts of Northern New England. There were trees, rocks & water, just like in Maine, Rhode Island, New Hampshire & even Vermont. However, esthetically the colors used in architecture are very different there. The three most prevalent colors are white, red & yellow. Light blue was also readily seen, but not nearly as often as the previous three.
In the United States, things seem somehow to be brighter or bolder in color. The white is whiter, the yellow looks like a rubber duck & the red…well, its just bright red. In Sweden, I noticed that the same tones were being used in especially the red hue. The kind of yellow used, was pretty much standard too. Here in the USA, we must want to be noticed more. Our colors stand out just like our highway billboards, which are also almost non-existent in Sweden.
While talking about these observations, I was told about the copper mine at Falun in Dalarna, Sweden. This copper was used in mixtures for the painting of buildings. It has apparently influenced more than just the financing of wars during the 17th century. I’m not entirely sure why, but the fact that a copper mine, would actually influence the color of Sweden’s architecture, even to this day, fascinates me to no end! This mine was in operation from possibly the 10th century, right up until 1992. Now it's been preserved as The Great Copper Mountain Unesco world heritage site, as well as a museum.
Further fascinating, is that there’s even a recipe for this paint that was changed through the years, but was solidified in the 1920’s…very cool.
Wiki states, “… Swedish Falu rödfärg is the name of a Swedish, deep red paint well known for its use on wooden cottages and barns. The paint originated from the copper mine at Falun in Dalarna, Sweden. The traditional colour remains popular today due to its effectiveness in preserving wood. The earliest evidence of its use dates from the 16th century. During the 17th century Falu red was commonly used on smaller wooden mansions, where it was intended to imitate buildings with brick facing. Except in bigger cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg, and in the far south of Sweden, wood was the dominating building material. In the Swedish cities and towns, buildings were often painted with the Falu red until the early 19th century, when the authorities began to oppose the paint. At this point in time more and more wooden buildings in urban areas were either painted in lighter colours (e.g. yellow, white) or sided with stucco. The number of buildings made of bricks (with stucco) also increased. However the Falu red saw a surge in popularity in the countryside during the 19th century, when also poorer farmers and crofters began to paint their houses. Falu red is still widely used in the Swedish countryside. The actual colour may be different depending on how much the oxide is burnt, ranging from almost black to a bright, light red. Different tones of red have been popular at different times.”
The specific Falu red certainly was prevalent, but the yellow was equally delightful & unique. Although, I really didn’t convince any native Swede, that the color was “Swedish,” trust me, it was & it was everywhere. One of the benefits to having a countryside dotted with yellow houses, is that it gives the illusion of spots of sun here & there. There doesn’t seem to be enough sun to go around, at least in the winter months. In Sweden, any extra sun, even something just resembling the color, is a good thing. After pondering why I was attracted to the pretty yellow houses, I realized that I’ve always been admiring yellow houses. For years now, I’ve said, to no one in particular, “I really like yellow houses.” As of yet, I’ve heard no reply. Hmm…oh well. So, after years of mental input, with viewing countless numbers of yellow hues & since my trip, I have quantified the exact color yellow house I prefer…”Simply Swedish Yellow.” It’s a beautiful thing.
Really, there isn’t much more on the topic of Swedish yellow to tell. All it boils down to is that, I love it & someday I’d like to live a yellow house. Umm...with 2 cats & lots of little lights in the windows (that's another story, possibly soon).
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