ORNAMENTATION: TRIM, BRACKETS, HOODMOLDS, SHUTTERS, LIGHT FIXTURES
Each style of architecture in the Village has an identifiable degree of ornamentation. As a building owner, try to maintain the building's original character by using only ornamentation appropriate to your structure.

The Village's earliest buildings are its plainest and least ornamented. Some early cottages have carved lintels and sills; or they have paneled doors; or S-, round-, or star-shaped tie-rod ends (bearing plates); or decorative carvings on stone stoops. Although some frame cottages have ornamentation, it is generally quite limited.

As the 19th century progressed, buildings became increasingly complex in design and ornamentation. Thus, Italianate and Queen Anne buildings, as well as most commercial buildings, have more ornamentation. Reflecting the taste of the times, late 19th-century buildings are the most decorative. Their features include brackets, hoodmolds over windows, patterned brick, decorative terra cotta, and porch ornamentation.

Early 20th-century architecture featured simple, classical elements. The use of ornamentation decreased after the 1920s or so, when very stripped-down, boxy, simple, and less expensive designs came into vogue. Even though the Village has relatively few 20th century buildings, many older houses have 20th century porches and additions that can be significant.

Historically, shutters were infrequently used in the Village. Building owners who had shutters used them for practical purposes: ventilation, weather protection, and security. Mounted on hinges, shutters closed tightly over windows; they were not simply ornamental. To find out if your building originally had shutters, look for photographs or physical evidence, such as hinges or marks in the window trim where hinges have been removed.

During the 19th century, light fixtures were rarely attached to buildings; instead, residents relied on streetlights. Twentieth-century technology made porch ceiling lights very common in the Village. Usually these light fixtures have simple glass globes.

Recommendations
1. Important original features such as brackets, hoodmolds, and other details should be repaired and preserved. Avoid removal of window trim and details such as cornerboards, and when these features are repaired or replaced, the new pieces should match the originals exactly.

2. Avoid adding ornamentation not suited to the period of a building, unless physical or photographic evidence exists to show that the building had such detail in the past. Resist the temptation to "dress up" the building to make it "more historic."

3. Avoid adding shutters, unless there is firm evidence that the building had shutters in the past. If shutters are appropriate, be sure they are the correct height and width to cover the window completely when closed; they should be true operable shutters.

4. German Village were a 20th century feature, so 19th century-inspired coach lamps are inappropriate. Select simple contemporary fixtures, or use early 20th century designs which are still available. Avoid shiny brass, pendants, and finials on light fixtures. Porch ceiling lights - usually with simple glass globes - were very common on early 20th century porches and are appropriate to use.

5. Avoid exterior light fixtures that are overly ornate. Remember that electric fixtures in.

6. Unpainted stone lintels over windows should be left unpainted, but painted ones can either be left painted or be stripped of paint with a gentle chemical cleaner.