Adding Character

Trim detailing and a fresh color palette turn this house from dull to delightful.

If ordinary best describes your interiors, don't think a total overhaul is the only answer. An update with trim and paint can make all the difference. Phyllis Sale had always been attracted to Arts and Crafts architecture, so she wanted that look for her Richmond home.

The Arts and Crafts style grew out of a movement in the late 19th century that focused on a return to handicrafts and natural materials. Its influence in architecture is seen primarily in bungalow and Craftsman-type houses that stress function, informality, and handcrafted details.

Trim Takes Center Stage

"My house was a basic ranch. It was very plain and in need of some spark," says Phyllis. Part of the renovation included adding white trim details and pilasters throughout the living and dining rooms. These provide focal points and personality. A plate rail wraps around the entire living area, giving Phyllis a place to display her collection of blue-and-white porcelain. "The interiors were nondescript," says architect Burt Pinnock. "Introducing these details was a huge improvement."

To spice up the entrance, a bright red door and a beautiful stair rail greet visitors. The railing, made of birch plywood and cherry, replaced a standard wrought iron one. Its cutout circle motif catches the eye immediately. "The rail is like a piece of fine furniture," says Phyllis. "It's one of my favorite features."

Color Completes the Look

An updated color palette also brought more life to the house. A pear green hue, used in the living room, sets off the white trim; it is paired with a neutral tone below the plate rail. For the dining room, a rich terra-cotta gives the room a pleasing glow. Both colors are classic Arts and Crafts shades. "Phyllis's home illustrates the radical nature of paint so well," says Burt, "and that, along with the trim, defines character, which is something it now has in abundance."

ALICE WELSH DOYLE

ADD ARTS AND CRAFTS STYLE

* Replace windows with true divided light arrangements typical of early 190Os bungalows.

* Add 1 × trim board to doors, openings, and windows throughout the house for visual appeal and to define spaces.

* Choose colors in the Arts and Crafts palette-primarily shades of green (olive and sage), muted blues, and gold tones. There is generally not a strong contrast between colors, and the finishes are matte.

Page 128: Architecture by Burt Pinnock, BAM architects, Richmond, (804) 819-1750; builder and custom stair rail, Restoration Builders of Virginia, (804) 649-2162.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Oct 2004
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