Paint Color Ideas for Rooms in Older Homes

Historic Charm

• Victorian-era homes of the 19th and early 20th centuries were often painted in rich colors, and craftsmen were skilled in wood graining, marbleizing, stenciling and other faux finishes that have made a resurgence in the late 20th century. Those who could afford it painted their homes in colors that evoked grand European homes. According to the National Park Service's Heritage Preservation Services Division, some common colors at the time were shades of gray, tan and ochre, green, iron oxide red and Prussian blue. If trim was painted white, lead-based paint quickly yellowed, so choosing a creamy-colored white helps to keep historically accurate colors.

Retro Colors

• Many years ago, paint colors were limited by the natural materials available for pigments. Modern paint is available in every imaginable color, so your options are wide open. While you don't have to paint your 1970's rambler harvest gold or avocado green, fresh twists on these colors, such as pale gold or celery green, keep the character of the rooms without guests feeling as if they have entered a time warp. Colors of the 1950s include pink, aqua blue and seafoam green; subtle variations of these shades can look very contemporary, depending on your decor.

Older Kitchens

• Kitchens in older homes are often separated from the dining room and family area, unlike modern open floor plans. Avoid a monochromatic and boring white kitchen, and choose a warm color that complements your cabinets and countertops. If your older kitchen does not have much natural light, avoid cooler colors or very strong colors. Muted, warm shades, such as butter yellow, peach and pale brown, are versatile and welcoming without being boring.

Classic Neutrals

• If your tastes are more conservative and traditional, you can still add interest to the rooms with neutral grays and beiges by considering the underlying tones. Pick up color swatches at a paint store, and you'll see that beige and gray run the gamut from warmer to cooler, light to deeper and with undertones of gold, pink, brown or green. You can't go wrong in a house of any era by choosing a good, crisp neutral. Look for colors that complement the color of your trim and match your décor. As with choosing any paint color, it's a wise step to pick a tester quart from the paint store, and try a little on the walls before making your final decision.