1856 Home of William Currier - GRAND PRIZE WINNER - Chicago Painted Lady Contest 2006!

To read more about the home and the color selection process click here.

BEFORE

This pre Civil War home near Chicago was built by William Currier.

Before painting the home looked interesting but rather bland. 

It lacked the attention to painting detail we love in ornate Victorian homes. 

The grand front columns are lost to view against a light background.  The

wonderful roof belvedere is likewise not shown to its full potential.

This Italianate Villa home was “Modernized” about 1900 with the addition

of large front columns.  Often historic homes have important historic additions

or alterations that must be considered when developing a new paint scheme.

The original cupola or Belvedere was another important architectural

feature to consider. 

   AFTER

"Just a quick note to let you know how things are progressing with the house.  In short, MARVELOUS!!!  The columns look like they're 2 feet taller as the main beam support no longer blends with the beam itself.

We have been drawing small crowds who come to stop to look/watch.  One guy (hanging out of his car window) shouted to his buddies "Wow!  Look at that!!"  This doesn't include the cars that are slowing to 5mph as they pass and the increased number of walkers/joggers tell us how much they like the colors and detail.

It no secret to anyone that we're delighted!!!  LuAnn Bombard (director of our local museum and community events) stopped by and let me know that she absolutely loved the house and she stated that, "Mr Currier would be so pleased."  (It was William Currier who built the home in 1856 then went and enlisted as a private in the Union Army at the age of 50.)  She also said we have set a new standard for the district and she thanks us for it.  Marcie"

Roof Belvedere before new colors

This architectural element had great potential but rather simple colors.  The graceful arching

in the window trim is lost with the use of only one trim color. The image below shows

what can be done by adding in several historic trim colors.  You now see not only the

trim arches but the window sash as well.

AFTER

New colors on the roof belvedere now highlight the trim

arches as well as the window sash.  The idea of two

colored brackets was originally shown in paint catalogues

of the 1870s.  With the new colors added this architectural

feature is now much more visible from the street level and

adds even more interest to this wonderfully ornate home.

Bay window before new colors

One of the innovative features of the Italianate style house was the inclusion of

bay windows.  These devices enabled one to stand inside but feel like you

were actually out of doors. These bays were normally ornate and the pride

of the mid nineteenth century home owner.  This rendition of the coloring of this window

sends it popping off the house facade and the white band at the top seems to

suggest it has a lid.  Also the ornate brackets are only painted in one color

thus missing an opportunity to show off the great classic wood work.

AFTER

When repainted, the bay integrates into the whole house.  It matches seamlessly with the side entry door. It is always important to have the architectural features of the building work smoothly together to allow for the eye to transcend them easily.

The owners wanted a “Painted Lady” colors scheme with a warm timeless look that highlighted the variety of details on the home. The entire scheme was drawn from late 19th century color sources and reflects the High Victorian Italianate style.

Copyright 2004-2007: Robert Schweitzer. Last revised: December 11, 2006