Craftsman style homes have been around for over a century and continue to be a popular choice for homeowners looking for a blend of classic design and modern comfort. Inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement, Craftsman homes are known for their unique features such as intricate woodwork, exposed beams, and low-pitched roofs. But how can you incorporate these classic elements into a modern living space? In this article, we’ll explore the key design elements of Craftsman style homes and provide tips on how to incorporate them into your own home. Whether you’re renovating an existing property or building a new one, we’ll show you how to create a warm and inviting space that pays homage to the past while embracing the present. Get ready to be inspired by the timeless beauty of Craftsman style homes and learn how to incorporate their classic design elements into your own modern living space.
What is Craftsman style architecture?
Craftsman style architecture is a type of design that originated in the late 19th century and became popular in the early 20th century. It is characterized by its simplicity, comfort, and use of natural materials such as wood, stone, and brick. The Craftsman style is often associated with the Arts and Crafts movement, which emphasized the importance of handcrafted items and rejected industrialization.
Craftsman homes are known for their low-pitched roofs, exposed rafters, and wide front porches. The interiors are typically open and spacious, with natural woodwork and built-in cabinetry. The style is also known for its use of art glass and decorative tile.
Key features of Craftsman style homes
Craftsman style homes are known for their unique features that set them apart from other architectural styles. Here are some of the key elements of Craftsman design:
Low-pitched roofs
Craftsman homes typically have low-pitched roofs with wide eaves. The roofline is often adorned with exposed rafters, which add to the visual appeal of the home.
Wide front porches
Craftsman homes often have wide front porches that are an extension of the living space. The porch is typically covered and provides a comfortable place to sit and relax.
Exposed woodwork
Craftsman homes are known for their intricate woodwork, which is often left exposed. This includes the use of natural wood for the exterior siding, as well as interior woodwork such as beams, wainscoting, and built-in cabinetry.
Art glass
Craftsman style homes often incorporate art glass into their design. This can include stained glass windows, as well as decorative glass panels in doors and cabinets.
Decorative tile
Craftsman style homes also incorporate decorative tile into their design. This can include tiles in the fireplace surround, as well as decorative tiles in the kitchen and bathroom.
The history and evolution of Craftsman style homes
The Craftsman style originated in California in the late 19th century and quickly spread throughout the United States. The style was popularized by architects such as Charles and Henry Greene, who designed many iconic Craftsman homes in Southern California.
The popularity of Craftsman style homes declined in the 1920s, but the style experienced a resurgence in the 1980s and 1990s. Today, Craftsman style homes continue to be a popular choice for homeowners who appreciate the timeless beauty of the design.
How to incorporate Craftsman style elements into modern living spaces
If you’re looking to incorporate Craftsman style elements into your modern living space, there are many ways to do so. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Choose natural materials
One of the key elements of Craftsman style design is the use of natural materials such as wood, stone, and brick. When designing your modern living space, consider incorporating these materials into your design. For example, you might choose a wood floor or stone fireplace surround.
Incorporate built-in cabinetry
Craftsman style homes often incorporate built-in cabinetry into their design. This not only adds to the visual appeal of the home but also provides additional storage space. Consider incorporating built-in cabinetry into your modern living space, such as a built-in bookshelf or entertainment center.
Use art glass and decorative tile
Craftsman style homes often incorporate art glass and decorative tile into their design. Consider adding stained glass windows or decorative glass panels to your modern living space. You might also consider incorporating decorative tile into your kitchen or bathroom.
Add exposed woodwork
Craftsman style homes are known for their exposed woodwork. Consider adding wood beams or wainscoting to your modern living space to add to the visual appeal of the room.
Incorporate wide front porches
Craftsman style homes often have wide front porches that are an extension of the living space. Consider adding a wide front porch to your modern living space to create an inviting outdoor living area.
Choosing the right materials for your Craftsman style home
When choosing materials for your Craftsman style home, it’s important to consider the overall aesthetic of the design. Here are some tips to help you choose the right materials:
Wood
Wood is a key element of Craftsman style design. Consider using natural wood for the exterior siding, as well as for interior woodwork such as beams, wainscoting, and built-in cabinetry.
Stone
Stone is another natural material that is commonly used in Craftsman style homes. Consider using stone for your fireplace surround or as an accent wall in your living room.
Brick
Brick is a classic material that is often used in Craftsman style homes. Consider using brick for your exterior walls or as an accent wall in your living room.
Art glass
Art glass is an important element of Craftsman style design. Consider using stained glass windows or decorative glass panels in your doors and cabinets.
Decorative tile
Decorative tile is also commonly used in Craftsman style homes. Consider using decorative tile in your kitchen or bathroom to add to the overall aesthetic of the design.
Furniture and decor ideas for a Craftsman style home
When choosing furniture and decor for your Craftsman style home, it’s important to consider the overall aesthetic of the design. Here are some tips to help you choose the right furniture and decor:
Stickley furniture
Stickley furniture is a classic choice for a Craftsman style home. Consider incorporating Stickley furniture into your living room or dining room to add to the overall aesthetic of the design.
Natural materials
Craftsman style design emphasizes the use of natural materials. Consider incorporating natural materials such as wood, leather, and stone into your furniture and decor.
Mission-style lighting
Mission-style lighting is a classic choice for a Craftsman style home. Consider using mission-style lighting fixtures in your living room or dining room to add to the overall aesthetic of the design.
Textiles
Craftsman style design often incorporates textiles such as wool and linen. Consider using these materials in your furniture and decor, such as a wool area rug or linen curtains.
Handcrafted items
Handcrafted items are an important element of Craftsman style design. Consider incorporating handcrafted items such as pottery or woven baskets into your decor.
Tips for lighting and color schemes in a Craftsman style home
When designing your Craftsman style home, it’s important to consider lighting and color schemes. Here are some tips to help you create the perfect ambiance:
Use warm lighting
Craftsman style homes often use warm lighting to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Consider using warm lighting fixtures such as table lamps and floor lamps.
Incorporate natural light
Natural light is an important element of Craftsman style design. Consider incorporating large windows and skylights into your design to let in as much natural light as possible.
Use earthy colors
Craftsman style design often incorporates earthy colors such as brown, green, and beige. Consider using these colors in your furniture and decor to create a warm and inviting space.
Accent with bold colors
While earthy colors are common in Craftsman style design, it’s also important to incorporate some bold colors into your space. Consider using bold colors such as red or blue as accent colors in your decor.
Use natural materials in your lighting fixtures
Craftsman style design emphasizes the use of natural materials. Consider using natural materials such as wood, glass, and metal in your lighting fixtures.
Craftsman style landscaping and outdoor living spaces
Craftsman style design isn’t just limited to the interior of your home. It can also be incorporated into your landscaping and outdoor living spaces. Here are some tips to help you create a Craftsman style outdoor living area:
Use natural materials
Craftsman style design emphasizes the use of natural materials. Consider using natural materials such as stone, wood, and brick in your outdoor living area.
Incorporate a front porch
Craftsman style homes often have wide front porches that are an extension of the living space. Consider adding a wide front porch to your outdoor living area to create an inviting space.
Use earthy colors
Craftsman style design often incorporates earthy colors such as brown, green, and beige. Consider using these colors in your landscaping and outdoor living area to create a cohesive look.
Incorporate art glass
Art glass is an important element of Craftsman style design. Consider incorporating stained glass windows or decorative glass panels into your outdoor living area.
Use mission-style lighting
Mission-style lighting is a classic choice for a Craftsman style home. Consider using mission-style lighting fixtures in your outdoor living area to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Examples of modern Craftsman style homes
Craftsman style homes continue to be a popular choice for homeowners looking for a blend of classic design and modern comfort. Here are some examples of modern Craftsman style homes:
The Gambier Island House
The Gambier Island House is a modern take on the traditional Craftsman style home. The home is built using natural materials such as wood and stone, and incorporates many of the key design elements of Craftsman style homes.
The Eliza House
The Eliza House is a modern Craftsman style home that incorporates many of the key design elements of the style. The home features exposed woodwork, art glass, and decorative tile, and has a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The Whitfield Residence
The Whitfield Residence is a modern Craftsman style home that incorporates many of the key design elements of the style. The home features a wide front porch, exposed woodwork, and natural materials such as wood and stone.
Conclusion: Embracing the timeless beauty of Craftsman style homes
Craftsman style homes have been around for over a century and continue to be a popular choice for homeowners looking for a blend of classic design and modern comfort. By incorporating key design elements such as natural materials, exposed woodwork, and art glass, you can create a warm and inviting space that pays homage to the past while embracing the present. Whether you’re renovating an existing property or building a new one, the timeless beauty of Craftsman style homes is sure to inspire you. So go ahead and embrace the beauty of this classic design style, and create a modern living space that is both comfortable and stylish.