Architects often get classified as stark minimalists obsessed with the seemingly boring, non-color palette of black and white. We thought we’d dispel this myth with a virtual visit to the vibrant homes of some of our favorite design legends. Verner Panton, enfant terrible of Danish design and creator of fabulous, funky pieces in exotic colors, once said that “choosing colors should not be a gamble. It should be a conscious decision. Colors have a meaning and a function.” Color brings life, meaning, and mood to even the most simple of spaces, and when done well — in our opinion — is the sign of real genius. From Luis Barragán’s vivid pink walls to Charles and Ray Eames’ whimsical use of red, yellow and blue, click through to peek into the surprisingly colorful lives of some of the world’s most famous architects.
Two Willow Road by Ernö Goldfinger – Hampstead, London
Image credit: Architects’ Journal; Opening Ceremony
Casa Barragán by Luis Barragán – Mexico City, Mexico
Image credit: Casa Barragán via archdaily; Renee Burri via archdaily
Le Cabanon by Le Corbusier – Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France
Image credit: Cityfurniture; the189
Eames House by Charles and Ray Eames – Pacific Palisades, California
Image credit: Vicki Liantonio via Speaking of Architecture; John Morse; Moon to Moon
Kappe Residence by Ray Kappe – Los Angeles, California
Image credit: João Canziani via Dwell
Gehry House by Frank Gehry – Santa Monica, California
Image credit: figure-ground; Gehry Partners, LLP via The Los Angeles Times
Frey House II by Albert Frey – Palm Springs, California
Image credit: Gregg Felsen via Modernism Magazine; Shel Mosk Photography; Larry Harris; C.J. Builds
Taliesin West by Frank Lloyd Wright – Scottsdale, Arizona
Image credit: asteri
Finn Juhl’s home – Ordrup, Denmark
Image credit: The North Elevation; MidCenturyHome