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Architecture/Balcony Railing Style for Chicago Brick "Colonial" Home

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Expert: Rikki Nyman - 10/12/2009


Question
We have a 1930's Chicago style brick home with a rear second story balcony (9 feet by 3 feet) off of a back bedroom.  The house is closest to a two-story colonial in style (modified for a smaller home).  I am replacing the railing and am torn between using black wrought iron or wood spindles painted dark brown to match the trim.  There is no wrought iron on any other portions of the home (e.g., window boxes)

Any advice you have regarding what option would best fit the style of our house would be appreciated.  Thanks.

Answer
Hi!  Is there anyway you could post a picture of the balcony and house? Depending on the style of the house, either could be fine. It depends on whether it's a traditional Colonial Revival or a modern 30s interpretation.

Best regards,
Rikki Nyman
www.antiquehomestyle.com

Architecture

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Rikki Nyman

Expertise

Residential architectural questions concerning houses designed between 1900 and 1950, where the question pertains specifically to styles, designs, plans, building materials, color schemes, paint colors, interior finishes and so on. I am NOT qualified to answer engineering questions or issues involving construction methods, plumbing, electrical and the like. For example, I can describe what an appropriate color scheme would be for a vintage 1920s kitchen, or sources for plans for Storybook Style houses. I can not tell someone how to replace the electrical wiring in their old home.

Experience

I have been researching old houses and writing about them for more than five years. (See www.antiquehomestyle.com, which is my site.)

Organizations
Oregon Historical Society Architectural History Center, Portland Oregon

Publications
www.antiquehomestyle.com

Education/Credentials
B.S. History, Minor in Architectural Design

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