Every where you did go in Sweden, you could see these typical red painted houses. On houses built from wood, not only the peoples houses, but also other buildings – even outside toilets!
We begin to see a big change there since quite a while back, they started to be replaced by other colors and other types of building than the typical red cottage.
I think it’s very sad to see, because for me and for many others I’m sure, these red cottages represented Sweden. Now it feels like Sweden is on it’s way to be blurred out or vanish completely. Don’t take me wrong here, I like changes, but not all of them.
In the 17th century in Sweden it was a sign of wealth and status since bricks, like they had in other European countrys, were very rare at that time.
The red paint originate from a small neighbourhood called Falun, hence the name of it: “Falu rödfärg (redpaint)”. It’s based on a pigment which is a by-product from the Copper minings there.
They have closed the mining, but they say that it’s still enough piles there for making the paint for several centuries more.
So our strong wish is that people start to paint their houses with it again. It is environment friendly and protects the wood, but that doesn’t seem to be enough to make people want to use it.
Maybe we should state it as a sign of wealth and status again to make it more appealing.
Would you like a red color like this?
How very interesting.
Maybe you could petition the government to ban all other colors. Make it a national law or something..
Lifecruiser: Yeah, that would be something
Our own national color.
I have always wondered why all the houses were red in Sweden. What an interesting story Lifecruiser. I love the red color and like you said it’s something that contributes to making Sweden, well Sweden. I love it and I’m sorry that it’s fading away.
Lifecruiser: Yes, I thought that many may not know this, not even Swedes, even though it’s so very Swedish.
Thats a very nice house. I like the landscaping too. My house is red also it gives it a royal feel to it.
Lifecruiser: This house is in the south of Sweden. I love the south, more countryside and warmer weather too. In that area there are very many small lakes, very beautiful. And still a lot of red houses…
I love red. I didn’t realize it until I started getting stuff for my house. My guest room, I got a red/maroon comforter. My bathroom, red/brown curtain. Kitchen, maroon placemats/oven mits etc.
I would love a red house.
Lifecruiser: Maybe that is because red is the color of Love
My oldest son picked red for his room at the new house. I had my doubts at first, but it really looks great. But I am concerned about the bright orange my husband picked for the rec room (Virginia Tech colors, but on a wall?).
Lifecruiser: It sounds a little bit….uhum…unusual, but you never know until you have actually seen it
I have spent a very frustrating day with a house designer who is supposed to help my husband and me to do a kitchen addition/remodel. He keeps trying to come up with “Craftsman Bugalows” because that’s what is fashionable now. But I say, “No that’s not what i have in mind. I am thinking ‘Swedish farmhouse” here” but this guy has no idea what I am saying and he doesn’t get it.
Wish me well.
I am in an argument with a designer of the remodel of my house. He thinks I want a “craftsman bungalow” because that’s what is fashionable in the U.S. right now, in an architectural revival mode. But I don’t want that. “Swedish farmhouse” is what I described as what I wanted. He has no clue what I mean. His latest drawing looks like a craftsman bungalow. AARGH!
Thanks for the background on the red houses. It’s always interesting to read about how such seemingly cultural choices are based on practical things like the copper mining in this case.
If this is also an environmnetally frindly choice of wall coating, I can see why you would want thise practice to return. It certainly produces distinct houses.