Hello:
We purchased this 1917 bungalow and are planning to attempt to restore it as close to its original state as possible.
We are looking for advice on what would have been original to the house before the vinyl siding and the shingles underneath the porch. If we don't remove the siding, do you think we can paint it? If so, what color would be appropriate? We would also like input on colors for the porch and stairs.
Finally, does anyone know if this was a kit home or a one off? If it was a kit, it would be great to know the manufacturer, style etc.
Thanks very much, we're looking forward to reading your ideas!

Kim --

I'm not sure painting the vinyl is advisable. Usually after a couple years it starts looking really crummy. Check with a GOOD painting contractor for their advice.

Original siding on bungalows included stucco (usually in CA and the southwest), clapboard or lapped siding of various widths, brick, and shingle. Shingle siding was often laid in varying widths, too. Often they were mixed, so there might be shingle on the main floor and stucco with half timbering on the second, for example.

It's a beautiful house so I'd play on the brick and stay with a variety of earth tones, golds, greens. Stay on the warmer end of the spectrum. If you want a white or light color, ivory and buff would be nice, too.

Drive around town and look at other color schemes that work well in your area on similar houses. Color looks different in different climates (and lights) so a smashing color scheme in California might not work quite as well in Minnesota ... at least not without a bit of modification. There are some good books out there on bungalow color. I'll find them and post links so you don't have to hunt around.

FWIW, I love to see the shrubs cut back so I could enjoy the facade in all its glory.

R.

Rikki:
Thanks so much for your advice. After submitting my post, I did some research which affirmed what you said about painting the siding, not a good idea.
We realized after taking our photos how crummy the trees looked. We'll be taking care of that next.
There aren't very many A&C homes in our city so we don't have a lot to compare it to. However, there is a beautiful stone bungalow a few doors up. My husband asked the owner for a tour and he said it is just as great inside as outside.
We are really looking forward to viewing your links.
Thank you again.
Kim

I agree: go with shingles or clapboards and an earth tone and you can't go wrong. That vertically mounted siding doesn't work and is a dead give-away that it's not period. Too bad you don't live in my area; I do color consultation and could give you some good ideas.

Kim --

Here's one book that might help -- Bungalow Color. It's pretty good.

http://astore.amazon.com/artscraftssociety-20/detail/15.../002-6838117-9352045

R.

Hello:
Thanks for letting me know about the book. I ordered it today.
I really appreciate the advice that's been given .
Kim