19th century house - 21st century colors - Ann Arbor, Michigan

Most college towns are known for their eccentric citizens and for generally "coloring outside the lines" philosophy.  Ann Arbor,

home to the University of Michigan is no exception.  The city of one hundred thousand has many colorful homes that don't fit

the mold for standard colors.  This client on the cities Old West Side wanted a Caribbean theme to their 1890s Victorian home.

The project was really interactive with the owner trying out many interesting combinations and color placements. 

In the end I felt we had a home that looked more akin to the Disney Caribbean Beach Resort hotel style than an 1890s Victorian,

but the results drew a lot of attention and even made the cover of a local magazine!

Front facade and porch

Upper gable

The house body is a medium blue with lighter purple stripes.  The sashes are a dark blue and the trim a bright green.

Accents of yellow and coral including a striping of the porch floor help set the tone for an ocean beach style house in the Midwest.

The color placement on this house is in keeping with the traditional Victorian method of accenting siding types and the architectural

details with color. Even the idea for stripes in the gable was taken from an historic period picture. 

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Copyright 2002 - 20012: Robert Schweitzer. January 21, 2012