Architectural Details
The four homes from 1820 to 1826 North Humboldt display some common elements of the style, from their asymmetrical façades and steep pitched roofs, to their decorative “gingerbread” trim. The term “Painted Lady” refers to the variegated paint applied to accentuate the ornamental details of Victorian houses. While residential dwellings prior to the 1880s trended toward simple and uniform in their color schemes, often all white, and the modern era of the early 20th century shifted towards stark blacks and greys (battleship grey was a popular choice in wartime), the Victorians embraced much more vibrant palates, embellishing the exteriors of their homes in as many as five different hues. Color choices were often inspired by earth tones, similar to the Arts and Crafts movement that was also popular during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
1820 N Humboldt
Approaching No. 1820 head-on, one is drawn to the ornately framed bay window on the upper left wing of the house accentuated by an elegant leaded glass insert. Decorative leaded glass panes can also be seen above each of the other front-facing windows. The dominant gable above the bay window and the smaller one next to it are highlighted with scalloped or fish scale shingles, made more striking by the color variation in each row. While the monochrome turquoise of the front porch stands in contrast to the candy cane-like posts and spindles of the other three houses, the intricate detailing in the fretwork is a marvel in itself.
1822 and 1826 N Humboldt
The second and fourth houses, Nos. 1822 and 1826, are nearly identical in structure with their polygonal southern towers. Aside from the obvious contrast in color, more subtle differences between the two homes include the absence of any fish-scale shingles and the wrought iron railing in place of the polychrome wood spindles on the front steps of 1826 North Humboldt. Each building has undergone major exterior renovations within the last few years, with the restoration of the traditional clapboard style siding and the addition of geometric trim under the tower eaves. Gone is the understated grey-blue palate; both houses have been repainted to their former whimsical Victorian glory, the rainbow of colors once again bringing dimension and drama to their fine wood detailing.
1824 N Humboldt
No. 1824 has a more squared shape and features a unique bronze turret next to the front gable. The building has also been restored in recent years with expansions of the front windows and the addition of more ornate trim and horizontal leaded glass inserts to create interest. The two decorative upper balconies are new, and the front porch has been revitalized, complete with a polychrome color scheme that complements the window trim.
