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Choosing the Right Colors for Historic Homes

  • 13thavenueinterior
  • Aug 1
  • 3 min read

When it comes to updating a historic home, few design decisions are as transformative—or as intimidating—as choosing paint colors. Color sets the tone for your entire home, and in older houses, it does even more: it speaks to the architecture, the materials, and the stories these homes have held for decades.


At 13th Avenue Interiors, our design studio focuses on honoring the character of older homes across South Minneapolis while helping families make them functional and beautiful for modern life. And one of our favorite tools for achieving this balance? Paint.


In this post, we’re sharing our approach to selecting the right colors for historic homes—how to embrace their past while making them feel fresh and personal.


Design by Sabbe Interiors
Design by Sabbe Interiors

Start with the Home’s History

Every historic home has a story, and often, clues to its original color palette are right in front of you. Whether it's the wood trim in the dining room, original tile in a bathroom, or a tucked-away patch of wallpaper, these details can reveal how the home was originally designed to look and feel.


Start by identifying the architectural style of your home—Craftsman, Tudor, Victorian, Midcentury, or Colonial Revival are common in Minneapolis. Once you understand your home’s era, you can look into period-specific color palettes that would have been popular at the time.


For example:

  • Craftsman homes often featured warm, earthy tones—think mossy greens, rich browns, and golden ochres.

  • Victorian homes leaned into deeper, more dramatic shades—burgundy, navy, and hunter green.

  • Colonial Revival homes are often defined by soft blues, grays, and warm whites.

You don’t need to replicate these colors exactly, but they’re a great place to begin when building a palette that respects your home’s heritage.


Blending Old and New

Many of our clients want their homes to reflect their personal taste—but without clashing with the home’s character.


That’s where our expertise in blending comes in.


Instead of stark whites or trendy cool grays, we often guide clients toward warmer, more muted versions of their favorite colors—shades that sit comfortably next to original millwork or vintage tile. We also encourage layering: pair modern neutrals with a statement color on the ceiling or a bold hue on cabinetry. This allows you to bring personality into your space without erasing what makes it special.


We love working with paints that have a historic feel but a fresh application. Matte finishes, soft contrast, and layered tones all help modernize a space without feeling out of place.


Our Favorite Go-To Colors for Historic Homes

Here are a few of our studio favorites that balance tradition with livability:

  • Farrow & Ball “Railings” – A soft black with blue undertones that feels elegant on built-ins or trim.

  • Benjamin Moore “Pale Oak” – A warm, inviting neutral that works beautifully in light-filled living rooms.

  • Clare Paint “Current Mood” – A cozy green that feels grounded and calm in bedrooms or studies.

  • Sherwin-Williams “Roycroft Bottle Green” – A bold pick for front doors or moody powder rooms.

  • Benjamin Moore “Hawthorne Yellow” – Cheerful and timeless, especially in kitchens or dining nooks


Tips for Choosing the Right Color

  • Sample before you commit—paint looks different in every light.

  • Don’t skip the trim or ceiling—they’re great places to show off character.

  • Avoid overly bright whites in older homes; they can clash with original features.

  • Look at your home’s natural materials: wood, brick, tile. Your palette should complement, not compete.


Let Us Help You Get It Right

Choosing paint colors in an old home is about more than just picking what’s trending—it's about creating a feeling that honors the past while making space for the future.

At 13th Avenue Interiors, we specialize in this balance. If you're in South Minneapolis and are dreaming of a home that reflects your family and your home's history, we’d love to help.



Creating Something Beautiful Together


If you have an old home in, or around, South Minneapolis and are wondering how to update it with expertise and ease, we’re here to help. Reach out today to learn how we can help guide you through the process with ease and expertise.



*Click photos to link to source. Images may contain affiliate links.

*This blog post was created with the assistance of AI in combination with 13th Avenue Interiors ideas, knowledge, expertise and experience.

 
 
 

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