Expert: Rikki Nyman - 4/6/2010

Question
QUESTION: What style of home do I have? It was built in 1926 in Indianapolis, IN. The exterior has a pointed slate roof with a single arched dormer in the front and back. The remaining roof portions are what look like copper (but we've found are not) in rounded shapes. We have a front "porch" section that has tile work on the ground and a series of brick pillars in front. We're trying to restore the home to it's former glory, but are hoping to research it's style. Interior oddities - a glorious parlor with a lovely mantel and fireplace, the dining room has a curved exterior wall and a stage opposite it. The kitchen seems to originally have been a sunken kitchen - a previous owner has since built on top of the original floor and laid concrete and tile. Any direction you can give would be very much appreciated. To view photos of the house, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rmattheaphoto/sets/72157604803154951/

ANSWER: Rachel -

Your house is wonderful! As for style, it's very typical of "modern" style during the mid-1920s. It appears to be a "box" type ... at least from what I can tell of the photos you've posted.

You're absolutely on target with the "eclectic" description as your house incorporates a variety of classical design details and a hint of French Eclectic. I'd really like to see more images of the exterior with more detail to be sure. There ogee-hooded entry (repeated on the sun room roof), steeply pitched roof, exterior window surrounds, and the small round dormer point me in that direction.

Inside, the house is spectacular. Amazing woodwork and fixtures ... that purple tile bathroom is positively mouthwatering. The "stage" is really a special feature and one I've not seen before in a house this size. Do you know the architect yet?  

To say conclusively what all the elements add up to would require more exterior pictures, but the French/European influence is unmistakable.

You have a treasure!

Hope this helps!

Rikki Nyman
www.antiquehomestyle.com



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

QUESTION: To answer your question about the architect - no. All I've been able to find out (from my neighbors) is we (our North and South neighbor - we're in the middle) own houses done in three different styles by the same architect. Our south neighbor's home has a Spanish flair - complete with beautiful mosic work on the exterior and then our home and our north neighbor were either Italian or French. I had my thoughts on our home being the French flair, you've confirmed that for me (THANK YOU!) so theirs must have been more Italian (they've since re-modeled most of the exterior charm away). I have no architect name though. If this rings any bells as to a mid-west architect in the 1920s-30s - point me in that direction.

Answer
Rachel --

One thing to keep in mind the term "modern."  The 1920s "modern" style can actually have two meanings. The first is Art Moderne, which was related to the Art Deco trends. The second is that the house was "up-to-the-moment" with the latest styles ... that was the context I meant. Sorry about any confusion. That said, you can see the influence of the former because European styles were quite influenced by Moderne design, however, the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes finished its run in Paris in October 1925 and your house was built in 1926, so any real influence was probably fairly light.

I think your architect was well aware of the design trends though. Check city building records for a possible name. Also check with local historical societies and old timers in your neighborhood for history and pics.

Best,
Rikki