Before: Period Details, Please!
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“We love our Folk Victorian, but we want to give it more of a period look,”
says Benjamin Terrill, who lives in this west-facing, 3,600-square-foot house in Wichita, Kansas, with wife Holly and daughter Madeline. So we asked Chicago architect David Raino-Ogden what he’d do to increase its appeal.
Built in 1880, with a couple of additions tacked on later, the house has good proportions, Raino-Ogden notes. “But the porch feels heavy and disconnected from the style of the house,” he says.
After: Reclaim Home Heritage
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To remedy the issues with the exterior, and reclaim the home’s heritage, Raino-Ogden suggests swapping sturdy porch columns for slender wood ones with paneled bases. Disguising the foundation with low shrubs also lightens things up. A rebuilt second-floor captain’s walk would give the Terrills a spot to enjoy sunset views of the river across from the house, while details like roof spires, porch-post finials, and a spandrel are low-cost ways to add character. A blue-gray color scheme makes the style-appropriate, monochromatic palette feel fresh. “We can implement many of these ideas. Thank you!” says Benjamin.
Distinctive Dormer
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A dormer with stained glass balances the existing gable on the house’s left side.
Perfect Porch
![](https://s42814.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/05_folk_victorian.jpg.optimal.jpg)
Sturdy porch columns were swapped for slender ones with paneled bases that are more in keeping with the home’s Folk Victorian design.
The Right Rail
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Adding a spandrel rail with turned spindles gives the first-floor porch more definition and detail.
Captain’s Walk
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The rebuilt second-floor captain’s walk allows the homeowners to enjoy views of the river across the street from their house.
Fish-Scale Shingles
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Half-round shingles on the façade (commonly known as “fish-scale”) are a classic Victorian design element.
Soften Stone Foundations
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Low-growing shrubs disguise and soften a stone foundation.
Beautiful Border
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A walkway lined with plantings feels a lot more welcoming than the typical “asphalt ribbon” to the front steps.
Finishing Touches: Paint
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Shades of blue create an unfussy vibe.
Benjamin Moore; About $32 per gallon
Finishing Touches: Address Plaque
![](https://s42814.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/11_folk_victorian.jpg.optimal.jpg)
Wood ornaments like these were first mass-produced around the time this house was built.
Victorian Woodshop; About $35
Finishing Touches: Spandrel Rail
![](https://s42814.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/12_folk_victorian.jpg.optimal.jpg)
Turned spindles in cedar harmonize with the porch columns.
Vintage Doors; From about $17 per foot
Finishing Touches: Shingle Siding
![](https://s42814.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/13_folk_victorian.jpg.optimal.jpg)
These weatherproof half-rounds are Victorian classics.
James Hardie; From about $5 per foot