Restored Arts and Crafts homes feature nature-inspired paint colors.
The Arts and Crafts movement began in England during the late 1800s and spread to the United States near the turn of the century. The movement, a reaction to Victorian era excesses and Industrial Revolution mass production, embraced a simple lifestyle, handcrafted construction and clean lines. Spanning less than 20 years, it made a lasting impact on residential architecture. These restored period homes featuring nature-inspired exterior paint colors are still in great demand today.
Earth
Deep earth tones like saturated browns, umbers, terra cottas and siennas provide impact when used on trim work, such as pillars, stairs, cornices and doors. An intense earth tone on clapboard siding, shingles or brick facades will weigh the house down. Opt for lighter hues of this color family for exterior walls. Light mochas and taupes create visual balance when paired with secondary colors consisting of concentrated browns like mahogany or espresso.
Fire
Use reds sparingly. A red front door is welcoming, however, too much red will distract from the simple elements of an Arts and Crafts house. Avoid bright reds altogether--candy apple red does not lend itself to this organic architectural style. Pick historically accurate reds including earthy brick, cranberry and maroon.
Foliage
Green paint colors derived from nature play a significant role on the exteriors of Arts and Crafts homes. Window trim in a deep hunter green makes an appropriate statement; lime green does not. Subdued greens, such sage, celadon or loden act as neutral colors and evoke a tranquil mood when used on siding, porch ceilings and rafter tails.
Sun
Reminiscent of warm summer days, soft golden yellow is an appropriate choice for an exterior paint color. Even pale versions like butter cream coordinate well with other colors in the Arts and Crafts palette. Non-imposing yellows are perfectly suitable for large expanses of exterior surfaces, such as gables and siding.
Water and Sky
When selecting a blue color for an arts and crafts house, stay away from the high energy of intense and bright blues. Softer shades convey a sense of coolness and calm mimicking the water and sky. River stone foundations and bases for porch columns grace many Arts and Crafts homes. Pull the colors from these blue and blue-gray stones for exterior paint inspiration. A monochromatic color scheme in varying degrees of blues and complimentary grays play off of the stone accents, giving the house an understated elegance while staying true to its Arts and Crafts roots.
Metal
Natural metal colors make an excellent counterpoint for earth tones, blues, greens and yellows. Look for paint colors in muted metals like copper, bronze and pewter to provide an interesting contrast to the more traditional colors of the Arts and Crafts movement. Imagine pale yellow siding with balusters and sashes in rich copper for visual interest that give a modern twist to an authentic color scheme.
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