Building colour schemes for strata communities

When approaching a strata painting maintenance project, choosing colours can feel overwhelming. Existing exterior and common areas already feature established finishes and surfaces. Maintaining or refreshing these areas requires staying true to what is already there, while delivering a thoughtful update that enhances the space.

Taubmans’ National Colour and Design Manager, Fiona Dawson, recommends starting by closely assessing the areas being painted and how they receive light. She explains that understanding whether the scope is focused on exterior surfaces or interior common areas is critical when making colour decisions.

For exterior areas, Fiona suggests observing where natural light falls on the building and how much exposure different surfaces receive throughout the day. For interior spaces, both natural and artificial lighting should be evaluated. Fiona notes, ‘Different whites will interact with different types of artificial light sources. It’s important to sample your colours accordingly to make sure the desired effect is achieved, especially if you’re choosing a shade of white.’

Existing finishes also provide important guidance when building a cohesive colour scheme. Fiona advises reviewing elements such as tiles, Colorbond roofing, balcony finishes and flooring. These materials offer valuable clues when selecting complementary colours that enhance the appearance of the building. ‘For the interior, look to the flooring. Flooring can provide a clue to selecting wall colours or creating a feature wall to elevate a common area or foyer,’ Fiona says.

When considering colour trends, Fiona encourages a balanced approach. While trends can introduce a contemporary feel and help maintain buyer appeal, she recommends working with the building’s existing qualities. ‘In the case of repainting and maintenance on existing buildings, we always suggest you work with the current qualities of the building. This ensures the building maintains its charm while also avoiding it looking weathered or dated,’ Fiona says.

Taubmans supports strata repainting projects by offering tailored advice aligned to the scope and objectives of each project. This includes colour guidance from the National Colour and Design Manager, as well as specification support, product recommendations and warranty information to support long-term performance and quality assurance.

Contact your local team here if you need support with an upcoming project in your strata community.