T he outcome of discussions with interested neighbors, the comments that follow are suggestions to encourage paint colors that harmonize with each other not only on individual houses, but also respond to different color combinations selected for neighboring houses.

Within the palettes described, there are many options available which favor whatever personal color combination one may desire for his own house. The intent of these suggestions is to encourage individual choices while at the same time unifying the neighborhood into a related visual statement.

    This effort encourages our community toward a system of pleasant relationships among individual consistencies. If our neigborhood is not working with a system of relationships, it is less healthy than it might be. Aesthetically, this is known as visual blight.

    One can consider color selection based on thermal characteristics: dark colors absorb heat, light colors reflect heat. Utility bills are adjusted accordingly.

    What is the appropriate surface finish? Exterior: low lustre, semi-gloss Interior: velvet, flat, oil base, latex.

    Paint manufacturers [ Devoe ( Charleston Colors ), Pittsburgh ( Historic Colors ), Martin Senour ( Williamsburg Colors ), Sherwin Williams ( Heritage Colors )] can furnish color charts indicating appropriate colors for historic houses. These are colors typical of much earlier houses than those found in Hyde Park, but they are suitable for our purpose. Check on the following web site for Lord & Evans Paints focused specifically on Historic Charleston: www.LordAndEvans.com/color_gallery.htm

    This web site features 117 colors, surely a variety of choices to suit every taste. Do not make the mistake of trying to match colors from your computer. Request their color charts.

    Two references by the same author are suggested as part of the selection process: Roger Moss, Editor, Paint in America: The Colors of Historic Buildings, and Roger Moss, Century of Color: Exterior Decoration for American Buildings - 1820/1920, henceforth referred to as Moss/Colors and Moss/Century.

    Historic houses in Hyde Park were mostly con- structed from ca.1900 through 1929 +. Since houses have so many individual elements that require painting, the Architectural Glossary showing specific parts to be painted in Moss/ Century pages 104-106 is a useful aid in identifying architectural elements where precise colors are to be placed. By identifying house elements and assigning specific colors to their position, one can clearly transfer information.