Schedule maintenance after a restoration

The definition of the color palette often begins with a study of the existing structure: exposed layers of plaster, sections repaired over time, proximity to similar buildings, landscape or historical constraints. In many cases, it's possible to recover, at least partially, the original tones or reinterpret them in a contemporary way, while maintaining consistency with the building's identity.

On facades , overly saturated or out-of-context colors risk clashing with the urban fabric. Tones such as cream, ivory, sand, pale warm, gray-beige, muted straw yellow, and some variations of pink or desaturated brick integrate easily into many situations. Raised areas—cornices, string courses, pilasters—can be treated with slightly lighter or darker shades to enhance their design without creating excessive contrasts.

In renovated interiors , color choices take into account both the architecture and everyday life. Very smooth, linear walls lend themselves to more contemporary hues, while with cornices, niches, and decorative details, it can be interesting to use color to emphasize volumes: for example, by keeping ceilings and cornices a warm white and walls in fuller neutral tones, or by playing with medium-height backgrounds to visually scale very tall spaces.

Wooden elements (shutters, doors, window frames) can become defining details when chosen in shades consistent with the rest of the building. Sage green, traditional dark green, smoky gray, warm browns, and shades of deep blue are often used to add personality without clashing with neutral facades. The combination of window and wall colors greatly contributes to the final impression.

Natural light tests color choices throughout the day. Colors that appear neutral on a sample can appear too cool or too warm when applied to large surfaces. For this reason, it's often useful to test small areas directly on the substrate, observing them in real morning, afternoon, and evening light, before finalizing the final shade.

Artificial lighting, especially indoors, also plays a significant role. Warm color temperatures (2700–3000K) enhance lime plaster, textured finishes, and historical palettes, while excessively cold lighting can create a distant and unwelcoming effect. The combination of colors, materials, and light must be thought of as a system, not as separate elements.