Italianate

Italianate style homes often have extensive architectural detail. This can overwhelm not only the home owner with color choices but also the passer-by with wild splashes of color. In designing a color scheme for this home, I followed some of the standard Civil War era (1860s) paint placement ideas shown in period paint books and pamphlets that I own. Highlighting the cornice, the brackets, and the porch focuses the colors on the important details.

The front porch is an important feature on this home. It becomes the welcoming station for the family. Employing lighter period colors on the steps, decking and trim opens up the porch and makes it feel warm and inviting.

This wonderful tower has a myriad of Italianate style details that beg to be highlighted. Painting it in highly contrasting colors brings out its unique nature and provides a spectacular focal point for the house. I took care not to overemphasize other areas of the house to allow this feature to dominate.

Copyright 2001-2006: Robert Schweitzer. Last revised December 15, 2005