Your house looks like a modest Queen Anne to me. I live in one myself. It was built in 1887 by a reasonably well-to-do family, but they were not obscenely rich, so it is more toned-down than some of the Queen Anne's that make it into picture books. Clues: asymettry, massive roof (this was to give the house a more vertical aspect ratio, as the victorians wanted their houses to be castle-like), second floor overhang over bay (I have that), the 2:1 aspect ratio of the windows. Also check out house of antique hardware and see if you can find some patterns that resemble the latches on your cabinets; it's hard to see the exact details but they look a bit Eastlake style to me. Other things that will help to place your house include looking for gas lines in the walls and near light fixtures (you might try unscrewing a ceiling fixture and looking for a capped off gas line; we have them everywhere). I don't know what decade that would put you on one side or the other of, but a wikipedia or similar search on electrification would tell you. If you have dual gas/electric fixtures that would give you a decade (see rejuvenation lighting). Also the number of panes in your windows can be tied to a time period. I wish I remembered all of this off the top of my head, but it can be looked up. Your doorknobs might give you another clue. Victorians were not all about gingerbread and frills; they were into enjoying nature and maximizing comfort; thus the large windows, high ceilings, and window placement that maximizes natural light and cross-ventilation. My husband and I both have engineering training so we really appreciate the ergonomic aspects of living in a Victorian. Sunshine and fresh air never go out of style. Enjoy your wonderful home! Here is a link that might be useful: House of antique hardware

Thanks, Annie. That's a handy resource to have, although I was thinking more of something from the same period. But if nothing shows up, there were a couple there that might work, since they wouldn't be in the same room with the chandelier. For some reason having some vintage lighting (even if not original to the house) really cranks up the resale value on these, especially to the people who will immediately put in can or track lighting. I guess it's a humbler version of the mentaility that creates things like a Henrybuilt kitchen with a Glenwood range languishing in it.

I'm not switching to Arts and Crafts...but I did think it was unusual that this kitchen looked kind of cottage to me. I think it was all the things you're saying are not A & C...the lights, the arched doors, the beadboard on the banquette, and the windows. Our area does have a lot of homes, like Rosie describes, where people have taken these types of houses and painted all the wood. They are very inviting, but I like the posts and ceiling beams...I always thought that was kind of cottage...but not the hardware and square shapes of the cabinetry. So, what is cottage? I'm not really looking for the beach cottage look, more of a woodland cottage/Snow White...but not all heavy wood. I don't mind wood floors, counters, even ceiling beams...but I like creamy white cabinetry and trim. Also, what is craftsman cottage? Is that somewhere in between, or just another type of A & C? Thanks for the info...I'm learning as I go :)

Thanks....I was definitely having mixed feelings about them but gr8day defined it best for me....... 'old world'! :~) I could make the BR fit the style, but it wouldn't have anything to do with the rest of my home. Because of that, I think I'll pass on them, but they will be a steal for someone!