Architecture/House Style?

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Expert: Rikki Nyman - 6/11/2009


Question

House
We have been grappling with interior and exterior renovation, but cannot seem to find any house that is quite like ours.  Thererfore; I am seeking more information on the style of house and possible color schemes that could be appropriate for this home.  The side front entry is a real sticking point as the railing is about to rott out- do we replace?.  We have painted the shutters black which allows contrast now at least with the white vinyl- original color looks to have been white with wavy asbestos shingling.

Answer
Jeff -

Your question is in two parts so let's start with style.  Your house, which is very handsome, is one of the modern revival interpretations that were popular from the mid-1920s through the 1930s. Yours would best be described as "Modern English" style. That was the definition used in many of the home catalogs and is specifically defined in the 1929 Home Builders Catalog.

As for color, white has always been popular because it's a simple choice. At one time, white paint was very expensive and therefore something of a status symbol, but those days are long gone.

You can paint your house almost anything you like. In the 1920s and 30s, simple schemes for houses like yours were most prevalent. The body color might have been gray, sage green, taupe, or butter yellow for example with ivory or white trim most common, but colors occasionally seen. The shutters and entry door were often painted the same color as the roof.  "Creative" or complicated multi-color schemes really weren't that common and were more often illustrated as what NOT to do. The emphasis tended to be on harmony and elegance.

It's difficult to tell what color your roof is: it looks like it might be gray or steel blue. Find a color that complements the roof but is the same value or somewhat lighter. Then select a color for shutters, door, and rail. Rely on landscaping plants to add pops of color.

The classics: gray, ivory, buff, taupe, sage green, steel blue, and many yellows (buff, mustard, butter) are time tested and will not fail you. Don't be afraid of beiges or tans: just make sure they are assertive, not wimpy. Keep it simple and it will be beautiful.

I'd replace the railing with a simple wrought iron design, which would be consistent with the period and the style. It will be more expensive than wood, but much more durable and attractive in the long run. Many of this style house had wrought iron strap hinges on the entry, so if you have them, strip them and paint them the same color as the rail (I always like black wrought iron, but it often looks fine in white against color.)

I hope this helps.

Best regards,
Rikki Nyman
www.antiquehomestyle.com
www.midcenturyhomestyle.com  

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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