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Architecture/Are shutters appropriate to the style of our house?
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Question
We bought our house in Kansas City a few years ago. We purchased it from a bank with no disclosure from the previous owner. We believe it was built in 1930. My first question is this: what architectural style is it? Mediterranean? Does it represent a particular style?
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As you can see the house needs a lot of work! Landscaping is high on my list of things to do. I also need to do something about the very worn red shutters. My second question is this: Do you think the house should have shutters? I guess this would relate to my first question. Are shutters appropriate to the style of the house? If so, is red (that matches the tile roof) a good color or would another color be better?
And my final question: the yellow brick is tired looking and stained. I tried power washing it, but it didn't help much. Would it would help to do a "whitewash" or "limewash" treatment?
Your ideas and opinions would be VERY GREATLY appreciated! Thank you!! Lee
Lee -
People did paint their brick—during the 1930s especially—so doing some type of exterior treatment of the brick would be historically permissible. However, you might want to consider having a professional clean the brick but leave it intact instead. Concentrate your efforts on the entry, which with cleaning would be quite wonderful.
Until you have a solid feel for the house, it's best not to make changes that are not easily undone ... most of us with old houses have learned to let the house speak to us because we've already made changes only to discover we shouldn't ought to have done THAT! Altering brick is one of those changes.
About the brick: It came in a huge array of styles and colors and was intentionally chosen. This style of house might just as easily have been cement and stucco, but the brick was selected to harmonize with the tile roof.
As for style, it's a late 20s Modern version of Mediterranean, however the shutters give it a traditional feel. During the late 1920s, when this style was popular, it was very common to mix styles so many designs were actually quite eclectic. It's hard to tell if the shutters were original; I've found examples of similar houses with and without the shutters. Painting the sash for greater contrast would help if you do decide to remove them. (Store them though in case you change your mind or decide to sell.)
As it is, the house appears essentially unchanged from what was probably the original design. I'd look for images at the local historical society or neighborhood association to see if I could discover what changes, if any, have been made. Also, check with your neighbors to find out more neighborhood history. Sometimes an old timer will have stashed photos, articles, etc.
It's a beautiful house with a stately attitude ... congrats on your purchase!
Best regards,
Rikki Nyman
Editor, 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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