One of the most popular — and easiest — ways to “re-style” a house is through the use of paint. Countless Victorian-era houses, for example (formerly sporting multi-hued exteriors), were painted white beginning in the 1920’s in an effort to make them appear more “Colonial” and to mute their exuberant detailing.
The same is true for houses styled in the Craftsman manner — an inherently woodsy and earth-toned aesthetic. And the more recent Shed style, etc. Once these houses stray from their original and intended palette, they lose something of their inherent nature and thereafter read as compromised. Occasionally radical transitions in color can be made successfully, but those exceptions are few and far between.
But what about “modern” houses which were intended to be pure white when built? Sadly, they are just as vulnerable to changing trends and promoted fashion (or homeowners simply desirous of change) as their predecessors were.
In December of 2017 I wrote about this topic in a post entitled “The Nail that Sticks Up” and featured houses built in the International, Art Moderne and Art Deco styles–all of which had been painted white originally. Some of them still were, but others had been remodeled or simply painted differently in order to change their perceived character.
The last house in that post, a hard-to-describe house built in 1948, seems to combine both the International and Contemporary styles. Though still white at the time, the house was then for sale and I predicted that a color change was in its future due to the fact that its modernist personality was out of sync with the small farming community which surrounded it. I drive by when in the area, just to see if any changes had been made. I promised to post about it when the inevitable occurred, and that time has finally arrived!
Note that one of the two original front door openings now sports a white vinyl window unit.
Yes! Unsympathetic indeed. . .
We knew it was coming! I actually like the colors, just not on this particular house. The brown replacement windows installed by a previous owner actually began the erosion of architectural integrity; it’s only a matter of time before more originality disappears. It will be interesting to see what’s next!
I think one of the real challenges is lack of education by owners. Through pure ignorance, they simply don’t know that there is an appropriate vs inappropriate color scheme for their homes. Especially when they are in possession of a home which is different than their neighbors.
Good point! Very true; most people simply aren’t interested in architecture or its integrity. I would imagine that most neighbors around this house find the color change to be a relief.
I’m not a fan of great expanses of bright white paint, either, and would definitely experience a bit of internal conflict if this house were mine… I do understand the desire for something less stark. I think a compromise could be reached… the house is not a fantastic example of any one style, so I think the rules could be bent a little.
I’m picturing this house (with original ground floor windows intact) painted a very pale cool gray. Window jambs and trim could be done in pure white while window sash could be picked out in black. Such a scheme could break up the monotony while still emphasizing the mid-century sterility of it all.
It’s a good thing that I don’t own this house as I would then be compelled to give the newer garage a flat roof!
won’t be so bad once they get the saguaros , yuccas and lizards in
Thankfully I was not drinking my coffee when I read your comment. Next time, please preface such comments with a beverage warning!
POSSIBLE BEVERAGE ALERT
and I don’t mean just a few tarantulas, some scorpions and a couple gila monsters. I know they aren’t native but I want a few kimodo dragons – something that could scarf up a housecat or a couple cockerpoos.
you know, make yourself known to the neighbors -make a statement.