Selecting appropriate exterior paint colors for historic buildings can be one of the most daunting decisions a building owner can face—especially when balancing personal taste with architectural integrity and regulatory standards. Our publication Painting Historic Exteriors: Colors, Application, and Regulation offers a clear, authoritative framework for maintaining the character and integrity of historic residential architecture.
🎨 This comprehensive guide provides:
• Expert recommendations for selecting historically appropriate paint colors by architectural style
• Practical advice on paint application and maintenance for long-term preservation
• Insight into regulatory considerations within historic districts
• Case studies from Cambridge showcasing exemplary restorations
🏠 This informative publication is designed for:
• Architects, contractors, and homeowners involved in restoration work
• Local historic district commissioners
• Preservation planning staff and municipal officials
• Historical societies and house museum staff
Painting season begins in late spring, so now is the perfect time to get a head start on planning your next paint project. Order your copy of Painting Historic Exteriors for just $10 by clicking here or stop by our office at 831 Mass Ave in Central Square.
All colors mixed in commercially available paints to match original colors
found through paint analysis
If you’d rather leave it to the professionals, the Cambridge Historical Commission offers paint consultations for buildings in Cambridge and beyond. For questions, email our office at histcomm@cambridgema.gov.