residential painterThese days, it is very easy to look up painting ideas to create a Victorian home. These homes, which are built between 1830 and 1900, come in various styles. A high degree of detail, usually in the form of intricate trim work and moldings, is common to Victorian-era homes. These details can make painting a Victorian home a time-consuming process. But choosing the right paint can make the details shine. If you want to give your home the elegance and vibe of a Victorian home, read on and learn some painting ideas and inspiration to get you started.

Traditional

It might be common these days to see Victorian homes painted in a range of bright hues, but most experts agree that vivid colors were not actually sued during the Victorian era. Most Victorian home exteriors, especially in the early part of the 18th century, were painted in muted colors like browns, deep greens and reds as these were the readily available colors at that time. Lighter colors became more accessible in the later 1800s. And despite the abundance of detail on most Victorian houses, most paint schemes are usually simple, employing at most three colors. Careful sanding, or paint analysis sample, may reveal the true original color of your home’s exterior.

Painted Lady

‘Painted Lady’ describes a Victorian home painted in more than three colors, usually in vivid, bright hues. One painted lady has as many as 12 paint colors on the exterior. This style of decoration for Victorian homes was popularized in San Francisco in the 1960s; since then, examples have been seen around the world. The painted lady style is usually used to accentuate the fine detail of a Victorian home, like detailed molding, finely tuned balusters or detailed shingles.

Contemporary

Victorian houses do not have to look old-fashioned. Combining colors in a new way can bring a modern touch to an older home. Take your cue from the surrounding environment to pick a color scheme that will work for your home. Note that dark colors make a home look larger, while light colors have the opposite effect. Experts suggest a monochromatic color scheme, using various shades of the same color to create a subtle, sophisticated look. Complementary colors that offer a high degree of contrast give a house a bolder, more attention-seeking look.

Monochrome

The details that characterize Victorian homes can stand out equally well in a single-color setting. When Victorian homes were first built and decorated, more often, porches, brackets, cornices and windows were highlighted quite simple, and shadow and sunlight were relief on to accentuate smaller details. Painted all in white, or another neutral shade, the moldings and details of the home can speak for themselves. This subtle and refined decorating approach can also save the homeowner money on paint.

It is very possible for you to give your home a Victorian vibe with the right exterior paint. And if you have prior experience to painting, you might even find it easy. Otherwise, contact a residential painter Los Gatos to do the job for you.