awm we were posting at the same time. I actually really like both versions of your home as I do of bittersweet's. You can count me in with the home owners with "fake" style homes. Ours is a Queen Anne Victorian wanna be and everyone that has seen it, even strangers that find out I live in "that house" tell me they love it. We even had one couple come snooping in our windows when we were obviously here working on our home during finishing (ha! like it'll ever be finished) construction. Two vehicles in the driveway and their walking around with their noses to the windows. LOL. When I saw them I told Darrell and we both went outside to meet them. They were a very nice couple and we invited them in to get a better look. Ha! They said they'd been watching it from ground up and was thrilled to get a look inside. Here it is last fall. We've yet to finish the sleeping porch railings. Took down the temp to be able to move in awhile ago and are now thinking of closing it in as a three season porch since we love the screen porch we closed in a couple years ago. And here's my idea of gingerbread and shutters that hubby really wants. I'd like other trim too, but it all adds up when you are doing it all with cash....

Your situation sounds like ours in regards to building-height limitations, though I'm guessing that our codes are a little more lenient. Unfortunately, we had to minimize the cornice / entablature on the main structure of our home due to exceeding our city's maximum building-height. Personally, if I was in your situation, I would consider the 10' / 8' ceilings, also. Based on historical norms, it was not unheard of to diminish details (i.e., ceiling heights, trim, door size, etc.) as one progressed from formal areas to informal areas such as to bathrooms, bedrooms, and upper levels. So, going from a 10' main level to 8' upper level should not feel drastic, especially if some type of continuity or rhythm is maintained between the two floors. When I was doing my research for our home, I looked at what seemed like a trillion pictures and historical floor plans for additional inspiration to supplement my reference books. Though we are located in an area where many historical homes are still standing, looking at real estate listings online (which there are websites dedicated to aggregating listings for historical homes) actually proved quite beneficial for both me and our architect. And, I learned quite a few new architectural terms that appear to no longer be in usage any more. In regards to the exterior cornice details, much of what you will be able to achieve is going to be determined by what you are wanting to do on the interior of your home as well as the window placements. Also, your overall building height will, in turn, affect your cornice dimensions. So, you will need to pay close attention to those details. Again, this is a great place where Get Your House Right was invaluable. Some other books that I would like to suggest to you are: - A Field Guide to American Houses by Virginia Savage McAlester-- with your situation, this book would be a great asset. In it, you will find details regarding the defining aspects of historical architecture in America. The author includes lots of photos, and there is a section on Colonial Revival homes. - anything by Gil Schafer. I loved looking at his interpretations of "new-old" homes and historical renovations. - American House Styles by John Milnes Baker -- this is a great complement to the Virginia McAlester book. He takes a simple house plan and moves it through the stages of historical architecture. He, also, gives what I would consider a succinct explanation of each period. Lastly, in regards to the lighting: I understand about the opportunity being lost for those wonderful hanging lights. But, do consider that what you will save cost-wise in that area, can be applied to another space such as a foyer, living or dining room. Also, do check out stores that sell historic lighting (i.e, Rejuvenation). When I was creating the lighting list for our cost structures, I came across some GORGEOUS, multi-light flush-mount fixtures that would not work in our home due to the height of the ceilings and size of rooms.

Thanks, nexp and Kendrah ! Yes, I would like the hardware to be more unified - You are both right, I guess I am confused because if I wanted to be authentic I would be putting in shag rugs and a harvest gold stove! We kept our 1970's blue/gray slate entry and wood-paneled den -- I love both though I know they are dated - maybe one day this house will be sought after for those historic features! The house had brass throughout and it is still on the doorknobs and on other things that should probably be replaced. As we updated, for example, when we replaced the oak kitchen with a white one, we have been choosing metals that were more in style at the time of the update - oil rubbed bronze and satin nickel. I have been wondering though that now that brass is coming back into style whether brass really is more appropriate for a colonial than nickel or oil rubbed bronze. Truth is that I prefer satin nickel but I also worry that it is trendy and I might not like it in a few years. With this big window job, it is time to decide once and for all! I am just going round and round in circles though!

I have solar shades on my front windows, but they are dense enough that they give privacy at night - which also may be because I am enough back from the street that I feel private. Then there is a lace tieback over the shade - and it does not get untied. My house is a cottage style - which helps me get away with less trendy looks. My upper bedrooms that face the street have roll down black out shades combined with tie backs. I have considered switching to cafe curtains in the front living room to keep the dogs from barking at everyone walking by. (Right now everyone is taking walks and walking dogs.) I have also considered roman shades or faux roman shades combined with a blind. The faux roman shade hides the blind during the day, but it can be pulled down at night. Cafe curtains: Solar shade: These next two are vintage / old house / cottage style: These are real Roman shades: This is the faux roman shade in my kitchen. I don't need privacy here, but if I did I would put a shade behind it for the evening: https://www.houzz.com/hznb/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~110720042