HDC Approved Colors & Materials
Designing with Nantucket's Heritage
Designing with Nantucket's Heritage
The colors and materials used on Nantucket buildings are carefully regulated to preserve the island's unique visual character. Understanding these guidelines will help you make informed choices for your property while ensuring a smooth approval process with the Historic District Commission.
Historic Nantucket Collection
The Historic Nantucket Collection features paint colors specifically approved for island homes. While these are the standard pre-approved options, the HDC may approve other colors that fit Nantucket's historic character on a case-by-case basis.
A classic Nantucket blue with historic roots. One of the most popular choices for trim and shutters.
A lighter, coastal blue that reflects the island's maritime heritage.
A softer blue option that pairs beautifully with weathered shingles.
A deep, muted green that complements Nantucket's natural landscape.
A sophisticated neutral gray reflecting the island's Quaker heritage.
A warm, subdued yellow found on historic downtown buildings.
A traditional barn red used sparingly on historic outbuildings and doors.
The iconic faded red-pink that's become synonymous with the island.
A warm gray-brown inspired by Nantucket's cobblestone streets.
Note: Color swatches shown are approximations. Actual paint colors should be verified with physical samples from Marine Home Center or approved paint suppliers. Always confirm your color choice with the HDC before purchasing.
Building Materials
The quintessential Nantucket siding material. Left untreated, they weather to the iconic silver-gray patina. Their natural rot-resistance protects against salt air for decades.
Traditional horizontal siding found on some historic downtown buildings. Must be painted in approved colors.
Select composite materials may be approved if they closely replicate the appearance of natural cedar. Requires case-by-case review.
Traditional roofing material using white pine, oak, or cedar. May be reserved for historic core districts.
The HDC has approved select colors and manufacturers for asphalt shingles. Colors must be muted and blend with the neighborhood.
Historic roofing found on public buildings and some mansions. Approved for appropriate structures.
Traditional wood windows with divided lights are the standard. Multi-pane configurations like 6-over-6 or 12-over-12 are common.
Wood windows with exterior aluminum or composite cladding may be approved with appropriate muntin profiles.
Must feature divided lights, typically 12-light configurations. Lower panels may be required depending on location.
Painted wood trim in approved colors. White is common but not universal—trim should complement the overall color scheme.
PVC or composite trim materials may be approved when they match traditional profiles and are painted appropriately.
Functional or decorative shutters should be proportionate to windows and painted in approved colors.
Design Guidelines
J. Christopher Lang and Kate Stout created "Building with Nantucket in Mind" in 1992 as a comprehensive guide for preserving the island's historic character. These principles continue to guide HDC decisions today.
New construction must be compatible with the scale, massing, and proportion of neighboring buildings. The HDC carefully reviews building height, footprint, and overall visual impact on the streetscape.
As stated in "Building with Nantucket in Mind," colors should reflect the island's spirit—an old, weathered, peaceful town. Wall colors should be subdued in hue and light to medium in value. Each color choice must blend with adjacent buildings.
Renovations should maintain the historic character of existing facades. New construction should draw from traditional Nantucket architectural vocabulary while not creating false historic appearances.
The preference for natural materials like cedar shingles isn't arbitrary—these materials have proven durability in Nantucket's salt air environment and contribute to the island's visual continuity.
Frequently Asked Questions
While the Historic Nantucket Collection provides 12 pre-approved colors, the HDC can approve any exterior color they deem appropriate. The key is that colors must be subdued, blend with neighboring properties, and reflect Nantucket's historic character. Custom colors require individual HDC review.
Semi-transparent stains in gray or brown tones are generally acceptable. The HDC prefers the natural weathering process that produces Nantucket's signature silver-gray patina, but staining may be approved if it produces a similar appearance.
Marine Home Center on Nantucket carries the 12 Historic Nantucket Collection blends. Many paint manufacturers can also color-match these historic colors. Always verify specific color choices with the HDC before purchasing.
Generally, vinyl windows are not approved in the historic districts. Wood or wood-clad windows with appropriate muntin profiles are the standard. Consult with the HDC early in your planning process for specific requirements.
Some modern materials may be approved on a case-by-case basis if they closely replicate the appearance of traditional materials. Composite shingles, for example, may be considered if they match the look of natural cedar. Each application is evaluated individually.
Solar panels and modern equipment like HVAC units must be placed to minimize visibility from public ways. The HDC reviews placement, screening, and overall impact on the property's historic appearance. Many projects successfully incorporate modern technology with thoughtful design.
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