Puducherry’s architecture and culture are the inspiration behind new colour guide

The facade of the Calve College in Puducherry.
| Photo Credit: KUMAR SS

The mention of Puducherry brings to mind its yellows, pinks, and greens. These colours and many others that define the city have inspired Nippon Paint to come up with the Pondy Style Guide. “We wanted to make something special for the people of Pondicherry,” says Mark Titus, vice president marketing – decorative division, Nippon Paint (India) and group. The recently-launched Pondy Style Guide is a curated colour palette using which people can incorporate Puducherry’s charm into their spaces.

Tamil Nadu, and as an extension, Puducherry, is a focus market for the 144-year-old Japanese paint company. Nippon entered the Indian market in 2006, starting its own manufacturing unit in the country in 2010. “Colour is special to a country as diverse as India,” says Mark, adding: “If you travel across India, you can see the colour palette change every 100 kilometres or so, depending on the buildings around you and the preferences of the people.”

The company found inspiration in Puducherry’s Indo-French architecture and its unique culture and aesthetics. After a survey by a colour specialist, it came up with a palette that reflects the city’s vibrant moods. “The book has seven curated palettes that includes yellows, pinks, browns, and reds,” notes Mark, adding that they have plans to expand this idea to other parts of the country as well.

Pondy Style Guide will be available at all the five Nippon Paint stores in Puducherry, apart from the company’s website.