External decorative plasterwork was originally painted off-white or in pastel colours, often to resemble stone.

In Canonbury many stuccoed properties are traditionally painted pale grey (BS colours 00A01 and 10A03) and owners are encouraged to continue to reinstate this to achieve uniformity. Avoid vivid modern colours which will appear brash. Front doors were ususally painted in darker shades. Never paint previously unpainted brickwork.