Painted Ladies, San Francisco

In American architecture, there exists a captivating style known as "Painted Ladies," which refers to Victorian and Edwardian houses and buildings adorned with vibrant colors to accentuate their architectural intricacies. This trend emerged during the 1960s and involved repainting these structures with three or more colors, creating a delightful visual spectacle. The term "Painted Ladies" was initially coined by writers Elizabeth Pomada and Michael Larsen in their 1978 book, "Painted Ladies: San Francisco's Resplendent Victorians," primarily focusing on the Victorian houses in San Francisco.

During the Victorian era, polychrome decoration was common, but the color combinations on these houses aren't historically accurate. In 1963, artist Butch Kardum started a trend by painting his Italianate-style Victorian house with intense blues and greens, inspiring others to do the same. This led to a colorist movement, impacting streets and neighborhoods throughout the 1970s and leaving a lasting mark on the cityscape, which continues today.

The famous "Painted Ladies" on 710–720 Steiner Street, known as "Postcard Row" or the "Seven Sisters," were built between 1892 and 1896 by developer Matthew Kavanaugh. Interestingly, Kavanaugh himself lived in the luxurious 1892 mansion at 722 Steiner Street. This block has become a popular spot in media and attracts tourists due to its appearances in about 70 movies, TV shows, and advertisements, including the iconic opening credits of "Full House" and "Fuller House."