Find inspiration in five places that embrace color to the fullest.

The colors that define a place are often deeply rooted in culture or nature — and are as diverse as they are beautiful. Here are five of our favorites.

Jaipur, India

To commemorate an 1876 visit from British royalty, ruler Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II painted the entire city the color of hospitality: pink. The effect was magical but in fact expanded on a color that already existed in Jaipur, thanks to the use of red and pink sandstone in notable buildings, including the exquisite 1799 Hawa Mahal, which features a façade of pink sandstone decorated with white latticework. Law passed the year after the queen’s visit and still in place today requires the city’s buildings remain “Jaipur pink” — continuing the tradition of colorful inspiration.

Sashay Sand SW 6051 (194-C2)
Youthful Coral SW 6604 (108-C2)
Charisma SW 6605 (108-C3)
Coral Reef SW 6606 (108-C4)

 

Bergen, Norway

Set against the backdrop of Norwegian fjords and the North Sea, Bergen brims with Scandinavian charm. Its oldest neighborhood, Bryggen, is built around a harbor lined with colorful wooden houses — many preserved from medieval times, when Bergen was an important trading partner in the Hanseatic League. Traditional Norwegian colors such as red and mustard yellow create the foundation for a palette that’s bright, youthful and in harmony with the large student population that calls the city home today.

Positive Red SW 6871 (101-C7)
High Reflective White SW 7757 (256-C1)
Goldenrod SW 6677 (133-C6)
Caviar SW 6990 (251-C2)
Vast Sky 6506 (175-C2)

 

Cape Town, South Africa

Set where the Atlantic and Indian oceans come together, Cape Town nestles into a dramatic landscape of beaches and mountains. And while the city’s iconic Cape Dutch architecture has inspired buildings around the world, it’s truly at home here, where it’s part of a palette that embraces a wide range of natural tones and textures.

North Star SW 6246 (225-C1)
Attitude Gray SW 7060 (237-C5)
Coastal Plain SW 6192 (214-C3)
Alabaster SW 7008 (255-C2)
Fragile Beauty SW 7553 (265-C6)
Eastlake Gold SW 0009

 

Chefchaouen, Morocco

Nicknamed “The Blue Pearl of Morocco,” the city of Chefchaouen boasts streets and structures painted every imaginable shade of blue, contrasted with bright yellow, red and white accents. Religion explains the choice of blue: According to Jewish teachings, weaving natural blue-dyed thread into prayer shawls would remind people of God’s power. Blue buildings have traditionally reflected the same idea — and inspired generations of residents and visitors alike.

Niebla Azul SW 9137 (221-C2)
Honey Bees SW 9018 (134-C4)
Indigo SW 6531 (178-C7)

 

Cloud Forest of Monteverde, Costa Rica

The enchanting Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, named after the nearby town of Monteverde, contains more than 2,500 different kinds of plants — including more species of orchids than any other place in the world. The lush landscape inspires a palette that combines multiple shades of green with touches of cool blue, white and gray. Along with elements such as wicker, tile and teak, it creates a calm, nature-inspired tropical style.

Spare White SW 6203 (258-C1)
Paradise SW 6720 (149-C7)
Rookwood Dark Green SW 2816
Pewter Cast SW 7673 (282-C4)
Blissful Blue SW 6527 (178-C2)