Colour us interested!

Clashing colours isn’t a concern for the people behind a bold and ambitious initiative to bring some colour into Cork city’s “grim” main shopping street.

Cork native Kate Gaynor, who is the founder and managing director of Carlow-based paint store The Paint Hub, wants to bring more colour to her beloved Patrick’s Street by offering a 50% discount on paint to property owners on the street.

Any business located on Patrick Street that reaches out to The Paint Hub via Instagram @carlowpainthub and chooses a storefront colour other than white, grey, or beige can avail of the offer.

“A childhood friend I grew up with in Cork told me about a recent Cork 96FM 'The Opinion Line with PJ Coogan' piece discussing the idea of bringing colour back to Patrick’s Street,” said Kate.

“Having spent so much time on Patrick’s Street over the years, the thought of revitalising it with vibrant, deep or moody tones really resonated with me. We thought by offering a 50% discount, we might entice the local business owners to take the plunge,” she added.

Giving Patrick Street a fresh look could make a huge impact on footfall and the overall atmosphere on the street, explained Kate.

“Studies show that 90% of consumers form opinions on a business based on colour within seconds and over half avoid stores with unappealing exteriors,” she said.

So far, Kate said there has been a bit of reluctance from business owners but she’s remaining positive that the idea will catch on.

She said: “Surprisingly, there’s been a bit of reluctance from business owners. When we visited to chat with them, we found that many were keen to paint but were running into challenges like needing scaffolding.”

Asked about colour choice and the potential for things to go horribly wrong, Kate said colour clashing shouldn’t be a problem with most businesses being pretty aware of their surroundings.

“Just look at the Deck of Cards houses in Cobh, each one is a different colour, but together, they create a stunning, postcard-worthy view that draws in tourists,” said Kate.

She added: “The same will likely happen on Patrick’s Street, with businesses choosing colours that work well together and enhance the street’s overall look.”

Looking ahead, Kate said colour guidelines for property owners could go a long way in the future.

“Educating businesses on how colour influences footfall and the overall atmosphere might encourage more thoughtful choices. Instead of strict rules, a gentle nudge in the right direction could create a more cohesive and inviting streetscape while benefiting businesses. While it shouldn’t be a rule, the council should step in to help prevent buildings from falling into disrepair, keeping the street lively and well-maintained,” said Kate.