House of Many Colors - Page 5
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The association's Architectural Review Committee reviews virtually every home improvement project that can be seen from the street, while determining approval or nonapproval.
There, with most houses showcased against views of Marin County's beautiful rolling hills, homes that are too light or too bright will "stand out obtrusively and clash with this otherwise tranquil scene," explained Janice Cunningham, former LVHA business manager, several years ago. "Most homeowners are understanding of the need to have these guidelines and are happy to follow them."
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The LVHA guidelines follow the design principles originally defined by Eichler's architects and design consultant Matt Kahn. The existing exterior paint color palette for Eichlers in Upper Lucas Valley is represented by more than 60 colors that are specified as muted earth tones in variations of brown, tan, rust, green, and gray. Bright colors are used minimally, only as accents on doors or other key building features.
Over the years, the original Eichler Homes' paint palette—"mostly grays, browns, rust tones, sages, ochres, a lot of earthy, elemental kinds of colors," points out Palladino—has been misunderstood and even forgotten. But it clearly retains relevance today.
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That relevance is especially meaningful to those 21st century owners who are looking for a more classic Eichler look, as well as to those who are eager to develop an understanding of Joe Eichler's original design philosophy and learn more about their architectural homes.
"There was a thoughtfulness about that—and it's not irrelevant," says Palladino. "It's always good to encourage people to explore the traditional and educational history. That process is always valuable."
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Photography: Sabrina Huang, David Toerge, Dave Weinstein, James Fanucchi; and courtesy Kevin Swartz of Atria Real Estate, Renee Adelmann of Bay Area Modern Real Estate, Palladino Painting, Dream Home Images
STORY RESOURCES
Lucile Glessner Design
lucileglessnerdesign.com
Palladino Painting, Inc.
palladinopainting.com
N Style Painting
nstylepainting.com
Arana Craftsman Painters
craftsmanpainters.com
