Expert: Rikki Nyman - 2/9/2009

Question
QUESTION: A car hit my house, bowing out the end wall, and I am told the entire house will have to be "rebricked"; it is currently a style of roman brick which is no longer made.  The house was custom designed by an architect known as "The Frank Loyd Wright" of Columbia (MO).  I think it's kind of a Prairie style.  Can you suggest brick and siding colors, etc?  Thanks very much.

ANSWER: Your house is actually a mid-century split level, however, you're right that one of its parent styles was the Prairie.

It's too bad about the brick. Since you have to have the whole thing redone, you might want to check brick availability and colors, then depending on the brick that catches your fancy, plan color around the brick you choose.

Brick comes in a huge number of colors and most of what is now available was used during the 50s and 60s when your home was first built.  

Are you going to match the chimney or will that have to be redone too?

Like the original Prairie style homes, colors from nature were most common. Many of these contemporary-style split levels were stained. Most common were wood tones ranging from browns to golden browns and brown reds, but greens and grays were also used. (The color choices were based on the brick.)

Because of its setting, I like your house in the brown range with the terra cotta brick. You might take the brown to a richer, brighter shade with more red undertones, which would look fine with the existing roof. And I think black would look pretty sharp for the front door.

Since this is such a big project, it would be a very good idea to hire a designer who can work with you to select the right material for the house. You can change paint, but the brick selection needs to be handled by a pro.

I hope this helps.

Best regards,
Rikki Nyman
www.antiquehomestyle.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I considered making the chimney stone, but now I think that the chimney should match the body of the house as the architect intended-the chimney is huge.  I like the idea of the black door and also a shade of green or gray for the siding and I'd like to add trim around the windows.  What is your opinion of prairie style shutters on the windows over the garage?  I did contact an architect in Columbia, and he said they usually ask the mason for suggestions on brick :-(  I'll try again.  Thanks!

Answer
Something happened to the image of the house so I'm relying on my memory of it, but I think you need to emphasize the modern character of the house. The cleaner and simpler it remains, the better it will age.

It's really quite a handsome building just the way it is. A sagey gray green with black might be nice. And just for an update, maybe add some new nickel hardware. (Save anything that is original to the house and store it in a corner of the basement. The next owner will thank you.)

Best of luck!
Rikki