Channel Charleston's Vibrant Rainbow Row With These Exterior Paint Hues
It's pastel perfection.
Charleston, S.C., is my favorite city. As a South Carolinian, I have spent many-a-summer day strolling along the cobbled city streets, soaking in views from Battery Park and over-indulging in shrimp 'n' grits. Make no mistake, though — no trip to the Holy City is complete without taking a moment to ogle at the pastel-painted waterfront stunners along East Bay Street (otherwise known as Rainbow Row).
Rifle Paper Co.
The Row is an iconic landmark in Charleston, made up of historic homes that date back to as early as 1787. Although beautiful now, the homes on East Bay suffered considerable damage during the Civil War and remained in poor shape until the early 1900s.
A woman named Dorothy Porcher Legge purchased six row homes and led the charge to restore and preserve the handsome riverfront properties. She selected a Caribbean-inspired pink paint for one of her homes. Soon, her neighbors followed suit with pastel paint jobs of their own, including shades of sunny yellow, green, blue and pale purple. Today? Rainbow Row greets tourists and locals alike with happy hues highlighting its awe-inspiring, swoon-worthy architecture.
Marvelous Rainbow Row
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Interested in bringing a bit of that Southern sunshine to your home? Consider this the green light you've been looking for, and whip out your painting pants, people! I’ve rounded up some paint swatches to get you started.
Blush
The soft, blush hue looks lovely with gray, sun-bleached shutters.
Benjamin Moore
Similar Shade: Benjamin Moore Frosty Pink 2010-70
Yellow
Yellow is pretty much synonymous with sunshine and happiness. This house seems synonymous with sunshine and happiness, too.
Behr
Similar Shade: Behr Yellow Jubilee P260-5
Green
Oh, this hue begs us to go gorgeous with green, paired with crisp, white shutters. This home is understated, Southern elegance at its finest.
Benjamin Moore
Similar Shade: Benjamin Moore Summer Basket Green 2040-40
Pale Blue
Sun-washed, sky blue will always be in style, don't you agree? There's something so fresh about the Row's resident blue beauty.
Glidden
Similar Shade: Glidden Siesta Key Blue 70BG 67/126
Pink
Ah, pink. The pigment that started it all! This powerful shade is pretty as a picture and perfect for those of you hoping to make a bold, stylish statement.
Sherwin-Williams
Similar Shade: Sherwin-Williams SW 6585 Coming Up Roses
Violet
Light, bright and beautiful — this stunning purple shade goes down as my personal favorite.
Sherwin-Williams
Similar Shade: Sherwin-Williams SW 9066 Agapanthus
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