“Painted ladies” are Victorian or Edwardian homes painted in three or more colors to enhance their architectural details, a practice that gained popularity in San Francisco starting in the 1960s. The most famous example is the row of houses in San Francisco’s Alamo Square, known as “Postcard Row,” which became widely known after the 1978 book Painted Ladies by Elizabeth Pomada and Michael Larsen. They also exist in many other historic neighborhoods, including Bozeman, Montana.
Key Characteristics
- Victorian/Edwardian Architecture: These are houses built during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often in the Queen Anne style.
- Three or More Colors: The defining feature is the use of multiple colors (at least three) to highlight the intricate details of the architecture.
- Enhanced Details: The paint scheme accentuates decorative elements such as bay windows, patterned tiles, ornate woodwork, and peaked roofs.
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