Although this house is clearly struggling with its identity, it’s quite obvious that the house was originally styled in the Craftsman manner; it probably dates to around 1915. Surviving original defining details include the projecting eaves with exposed rafter tails, triangular knee braces, and brick porch piers with squat battered columns. Alterations to the facade include wide vinyl siding in the gable and a porch enclosure. A door at the center of the enclosed porch is capped by a broken pediment of Colonial inspiration. The door itself is of the Big Box Store variety, featuring a brass-camed oval light which implies a late Victorian-era look. It is flanked by vertical infill siding and two bright brass coach lamps.
A house will almost always look its best when it is true to its inherent style.
All dressed up, but as what?
I love the concept of drag queen architecture! The foil in the window is a special touch.
Thanks, Camille! I will be posting more examples of DQ architecture in the future, so be sure to check back!
Deliciously uninformed! I once saw a house with two classical Tuscan columns on a very shallow front porch. Said columns were installed upside down! Needless to say, they were the only classical element on the 1950s tract house.
Sadly, I’m not surprised. Architectural and visual illiteracy seems to be gaining momentum. In addition to upside-down columns, I’ve also seen four- and six-paneled doors installed upside-down. But what I’ve seen a LOT of is inverted porch lamps. It’s frighteningly commonplace and the trend does not bode well for our future.