Where can I find a paint scheme for my 1940's home?
Answers:
You could ask a lot of elderly. (No joke.)
There may be books at a public library, not only on decorating, but history - and maybe in color.
Are there museums near you? You could check there.
If there are antique shops near you, perhaps well-informed sales people could offer advice.
A history teacher/professor (especially "older") might offer advice.
Perhaps a decorating store that sells fabrics (upholstery) and rugs might be able to offer advice (free). You might buy fabric or rugs down the road - it might be good business for them to offer you info. [The store might have "trade magazines" that the public can't get ahold of - that they might let you browse through.]
Magazines on decorating and architecture -- surely there are articles on the 1940s... ?
A reference librarian, at a public library, might be able to pull up articles specifically on 1940s decor. (They are usually trained to find references in places we wouldn't think of.)
And, of course, keep searching the Net -- hard to believe that info isn't out there somewhere.
:)
P.S. If you can find a historian - even on the Net - ask/e-mail.
If you can find a person that does restorations - of almost anything (houses, paintings, jewelry...), ask for advice.
If you can find a "vintage store" (sells old clothes and accesories), you might get ideas there.
Ask as many people (and) at as many places - pool the info for the most/best authenticity.
Other answers:
Did you do a general browser search with keywords?
Library is a good start otherwise.
I'm old enough to have some knowledge.
The 40's were rather bland actually, in part because of the War, and the economy being driven by it.
Wall paper was very popular, as were dark colors, both in and out. Lots of heavy draperies were used, dark carpeting, often in an oriental style, or knockoffs.
My suggestion is, depending on the architecture, go with what you like now. Natural colors work, and even work together. I enjoy shades of green, combined with camel, or brown. Wood was also popular, stained and varnished.
Tile was a biggie, in kitchens and baths, but in the 40's was usually small sizes.
You need not exactly duplicate the 40's but certainly you can add accents that suggest the age, and quality of the home.
Unless it's in a historic register, and there are accompanying rules to follow, it's YOUR house, your sanctuary, your comfort zone,,,go with what pleases you.
Rev. Steven
Did you do a general browser search with keywords?
Library is a good start otherwise.
I'm old enough to have some knowledge.
The 40's were rather bland actually, in part because of the War, and the economy being driven by it.
Wall paper was very popular, as were dark colors, both in and out. Lots of heavy draperies were used, dark carpeting, often in an oriental style, or knockoffs.
My suggestion is, depending on the architecture, go with what you like now. Natural colors work, and even work together. I enjoy shades of green, combined with camel, or brown. Wood was also popular, stained and varnished.
Tile was a biggie, in kitchens and baths, but in the 40's was usually small sizes.
You need not exactly duplicate the 40's but certainly you can add accents that suggest the age, and quality of the home.
Unless it's in a historic register, and there are accompanying rules to follow, it's YOUR house, your sanctuary, your comfort zone,,,go with what pleases you.
Rev. Steven
Sherwin williams has a great interactive website as well as, expertly coordinated color palettes and schemes. I used colors from their historic arts and crafts color palette,and the compliments never stop coming. The following link will give you the idea and you can visit the store for their color cards.
Good Luck : )