Guidelines - City of Oklahoma City

Preservation Standards AND Guidelines August 1, 2012
3.2.4: Paint colors should complement each other and respectfully accentuate the building‘s significant
features.
3.2.5: In general, paint colors for Queen Anne dwellings were highlighted by multi-color paint
schemes in deep rich hues, while the soft, pastel body colors of Colonial Revival buildings were
usually trimmed with white or soft cream. Craftsman style buildings often combined exterior colors
in warm, rich earth tones, and the light colored walls and red tile roofs of Mission and Spanish
Colonial dwellings were offset by contrasting trim colors.
3.2.6: Use variations in paint color to reflect variations in material on a building‘s exterior.
3.2.7: Painting of previously unpainted masonry (e.g. brick or stone) is not allowed, as paint eliminates
the inherent color variation of masonry that was a conscious part of the original design for
the building and also initiates a continuing cycle of paint maintenance. Also, paint may trap moisture
that can lead to the deterioration of masonry.
3.2.8: When repainting already painted brick or stone, colors may be selected to echo the original
colors of the brick or stone. Repainting of previously painted masonry is encouraged, rather than
attempts to remove paint, which may cause further damage to the underlying masonry surfaces.
3.2.9: Most paint manufacturers produce palettes of historic colors that were typically found on
homes of specific time periods or architectural styles. These palettes are useful, research-based
guides to historically accurate paint schemes, are tools to learn more about appropriate painting
schemes, and can provide good reference information for selection of paint colors.
Accent Color
Body of House
Trim Color
Three paint colors are used
on the dwelling at 2901 Hudson
Avenue to highlight windows
and trim, the body of the
house, and gable shingles.
Oklahoma City Historic Districts 71