When we first moved into our 1917 Craftsman, we fell in love with its bones—wide front porch, exposed rafters, original windows—but there was no denying it needed work. The exterior paint, in particular, was in rough shape. Faded, chipped, and weather-beaten from decades of wear, it dulled the home’s historic charm and made it look tired.
So, one of our very first priorities was clear: give our Craftsman the facelift it deserved.
The Original State: Weathered and Worn
The original paint had long lost its luster. The colors—once likely warm and inviting—were now muted and mismatched. Layers were peeling, trim was cracked, and the whole house looked like it had been holding its breath for a restoration that never came. Every time we pulled into the driveway, we felt like the house was whispering, “Help me.”
Choosing the Right Palette
We knew we wanted to honor the home’s history while giving it a fresh, welcoming look. We researched early 20th-century Craftsman color palettes and settled on a timeless combination: a soft sage green for the body, creamy off-white for the trim, and a bold charcoal for the accents and porch floor. It was a nod to tradition, with just enough modern flair to feel like ours.
The Process: Not for the Faint of Heart
We started by scraping off the old paint—hours of labor-intensive work that left us dusty and sunburned but determined. We repaired cracks, caulked around windows, and sanded down rough patches. Then came priming and, finally, the paint itself. Seeing that first coat go up was like watching the house take a deep breath for the first time in decades.
Each day brought more transformation. The front porch came to life, the windows stood out crisply against the new trim, and the whole exterior felt cohesive and proud again.
The After: A House That Feels Like Home
Now, when we walk up the path, we don’t see a tired old house. We see a revived Craftsman that stands tall and confident—just like it likely did in 1917. Neighbors have stopped to comment. Passersby slow down for a second look. But most importantly, we feel good every time we look at it.
This house has been around for over 100 years, and it deserved to be seen again in all its beauty. Giving it that care wasn’t just about paint—it was about preserving history and showing a little love to the place that now holds our story too.
Thinking of repainting your old home?
It’s messy, time-consuming, and not without frustration—but the reward of seeing it reborn is worth every brushstroke.
