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Architecture/Exterior color scheme / Roof color
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Question
I am putting a new roof on my house and painting it. I have always thought that the current roof color is really awful. I am looking for any suggestions you have on roof color and paint colors. Note: Door and Bottom windows have be stripped and painted with white primer.
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Thank you
Marcy
Marcy --
If you want to achieve a historically accurate color scheme, you should consider a green roof. It was by far the most common roof color I've found for Colonial Revival brick houses of the early 20th century. A dark charcoal gray would be a reasonable alternative though I find many fewer examples. Trim was usually white though I have examples of trim in green and brown. Shutters were generally the same color as the roof. Often the front door and sidelights were painted the same color as the trim (i.e. white) though I have seen contemporary examples where the door has been painted the same color as the shutters.
This is a traditional color scheme that was favored back in the day when people were concerned with the dignity of their homes, so conventions were adhered to ... especially where Colonials were concerned.
Hope this helps!
Best regards,
Rikki Nyman
www.antiquehomestyle.com
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Answers by Expert:
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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