Continued from Page 6
the colors have similar undertones, com-
plement and coordinate? Consider a neutral
hue for transitional spaces. I use a medium
taupe in the Forsstrom House, as it coor-
dinates with my paint colors and the dark
woodwork of the main salon. It has the
same muted undertone of my historic col-
ors. For an additional challenge, coordinate
with the exterior paint color palette. Don’t
worry if it takes time, it took me about a
year to finalize my color choices.
One option is to determine original col-
ors, which can be done by analyzing paint
layers. There are companies that do this,
however, it’s easier to scrape under a sconce For a period look, pair the lighter colors with
aged white or ivory trim.
or molding for old colors and wallpapers.
Paint with the best approximation of the
tures autumnal earth tones; ochres, browns,
original color. In the case of the Forsstrom
greens, rust, some blues, amber and so
House, this would be a lot of green. The
on. Natural wood is a defining feature of
master bedroom is historic green for this
Craftsman style. Remember, color works
reason.
One can choose historically accurate col- best to show off natural or stained woods.
ors for the various styles in the age of the
Opt for matte finish if possible.
home – colors the owners might have cho-
Confused by endless color choices? Con-
sult a colorist or browse online for ideas.
sen. Many paint companies also have well
Selecting paint from a small color card is
curated historic color collections, obtained
by analysis of paint layers in historic build- difficult. The color depends on lighting,
ings. These colors generally have a logical
number of coats and finish. Matte finish is
relationship and complement one another.
the best approximation of the color chip.
Benjamin Moore introduced a Historic
Buy a paint sample and give it a large test.
Color collection in 1976. It is an excellent
Paint two thin coats, let it dry completely
resource and my “go-to” for colors.
and live with it. You can then assess
Standardized ready mix paint
the undertone and color in your
was not commercially avail-
house.
able until 1875. The intro-
Choose quality paints
duction of standardized
that will hold up to wear.
Show Lauri
colors led to the exu-
Eggshell finish is a
Send Lauri your
berant Victorian poly-
good choice for touch-
historic color
able walls. I prefer to
chrome era. Polychrome
choices at
use matte for the upper
means “many colors.” An
ForsstromHouse@
parts of walls and ceil-
example is the Victorian
gmail.com
ings. It hides plaster imper-
“Painted Lady” exterior
fections best. Trim needs a
color scheme. Homeowners
touch of soft gloss for wear.
could choose from an increas-
ingly sophisticated color palette.
Avoid high gloss in older homes
Late Victorian color selection
as it can magnify surface problems
features the contrast of rich shades from
and look too contemporary. I like to brush
opposite sides of the color wheel. One can
with a 2-3 inch angled brush for control and
pair burgundy with green, amber with pur-
coverage, painting extremely thin and with
ple, and blue with coral for good results.
many coats. Multiple thin coats are better
Victorians brought many design elements
than one thick coat. There are alternative
together and layered them. A three-color
paints for historic preservationists; linseed
scheme with a primary, secondary and
oil paints, milk paints and lime wash colors
accent color works well. In Late Victorian
for plaster.
homes, public rooms often had darker and
Send me pictures of your historic color
more intense colors than private areas, such choices to ForsstromHouse@gmail.com. I
as bedrooms, which featured lighter colors.
would love to see them!
Colonial Revival homes featured lighter
Lauri Serafin is the owner of the
colors and painted trim in aged white or
Forsstrom House in Astoria’s Shively-Mc-
ivory. Softer pastel colors and lighter colors Clure Historic District. She can be con-
tacted at ForsstromHouse@gmail.com. You
were popular as well.
The Craftsman style, which evolved
can find more details about her restoration
from the Arts and Crafts movement of the
work at theforsstromhouse.com and on Ins-
tagram @ForsstromHouse
late 19th and early 20th centuries, fea-
ABOVE: A
Forsstrom
House bedroom
with stained
vertical grain
Douglas Fir trim
and Craftsman
color choices of
Louisburg Green
HC-113 and
Decatur Buff HC-38
from the Benjamin
Moore Historic
Color Collection.
LEFT: An actual
paint color sample
from the Victorian
period, c. 1871.
Victorians loved
color!
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2022 // 13