Different Types of Craftsman Style Homes You Should Know

Craftsman style homes are known for their unique architectural features and attention to detail. Craftsman style homes originated in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as a reaction against the ornate Victorian architecture of the time.

Features/Characteristics of Craftsman Style Homes

• Origins: Craftsman style homes originated in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as a reaction against the ornate Victorian architecture of the time.

• Arts and Crafts Movement: The Craftsman style was influenced by the Arts and Crafts Movement, which emphasized handcrafted work and natural materials.

• Characteristics: Common characteristics of Craftsman homes include exposed wooden beams, natural stone and wood details, leaded glass windows, and wide front porches.

• Sustainability: Many Craftsman homes were designed with sustainable features, such as passive solar heating and natural ventilation, to reduce their environmental impact.

• Popularity: The Craftsman style was very popular in the early 20th century, and continues to be popular today, with many modern homes being influenced by the style.

• Regional Variations: The Craftsman style has regional variations, such as the California Bungalow, which is characterized by a low-pitched roof and an open floor plan.

• Legacy: The Craftsman style has had a lasting impact on architecture, influencing many subsequent architectural styles, including the Ranch and Mid-Century Modern styles.

• Natural Materials: One of the defining features of Craftsman style homes is their use of natural materials. This includes the use of wood, stone, and other materials that are found in nature. This focus on natural materials creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, while also providing a connection to the surrounding environment.

• Attention to Detail: Craftsman style homes are known for their attention to detail. This includes handcrafted details, such as custom cabinetry, built-in bookshelves, and other features that are designed to be functional as well as aesthetically pleasing. The focus on handcrafted details creates a sense of uniqueness and character, making each Craftsman style home one-of-a-kind.

• Sustainable Design: Many Craftsman style homes are designed with sustainability in mind. This includes features such as large windows that allow for plenty of natural light to enter the home, and a focus on energy-efficient materials and appliances. The use of natural materials, such as wood and stone, also contributes to the sustainability of these homes.

• Connection to Nature: One of the key features of Craftsman style homes is their connection to nature. This includes large windows that allow for plenty of natural light to enter the home, and a focus on creating outdoor spaces that are functional and inviting. The large front porch is often a defining feature of Craftsman style homes, providing a welcoming space for outdoor relaxation and entertaining.

• Timeless Design: The timeless design of Craftsman style homes is one of the reasons they remain popular to this day. The focus on handcrafted details, natural materials, and a connection to nature creates a timeless look that will never go out of style. The attention to detail and use of quality materials also makes Craftsman style homes a solid investment, as they are built to last.

• Versatile Style: The versatile design of Craftsman style homes makes them suitable for a variety of living situations, including urban, suburban, and rural areas. The range of sizes and styles of Craftsman style homes means that there is something to suit everyone's needs, from small bungalows to large country estates.

• Family-Friendly: The open floor plans, large windows, and focus on outdoor spaces make Craftsman style homes ideal for families. The comfortable and inviting atmosphere of these homes is perfect for families looking for a warm and welcoming living space that can accommodate all of their needs. The focus on handcrafted details and natural materials also makes these homes ideal for families who appreciate the finer things in life.

• Exposed Beams: The exposed beams in the ceilings of Craftsman style homes are a defining feature. These beams are often made of natural wood and are left unfinished, adding to the warm and inviting atmosphere of these homes.

• Wide Baseboards and Moldings: The wide baseboards and moldings in Craftsman style homes are designed to create a sense of depth and dimension. The use of natural materials, such as wood, further contributes to the warm and inviting atmosphere of these homes.

• Built-In Shelving: Built-in shelving is a common feature in Craftsman style homes. This provides a functional and aesthetically pleasing storage solution, while also contributing to the handcrafted feel of these homes.

• Tiled Fireplaces: Tiled fireplaces are a defining feature of Craftsman style homes. These fireplaces are often made of natural stone, such as fieldstone or river rock, and are designed to create a warm and inviting focal point in the room.

• Decorative Stonework: Decorative stonework is another common feature in Craftsman style homes. This includes the use of stone accents on the exterior of the home, as well as stone fireplaces, columns, and other decorative elements. The use of stone adds a sense of permanence and durability to these homes, while also contributing to their timeless design.

• Bay Windows: Bay windows are a common feature in Craftsman style homes. These large windows provide plenty of natural light and offer a beautiful view of the surrounding environment. The use of bay windows is also designed to create a sense of space and openness, making these homes ideal for families.

• Large Front Porch: The large front porch is a defining feature of Craftsman style homes. This provides a welcoming space for outdoor relaxation and entertaining, while also creating a connection to the surrounding environment. The use of natural materials, such as wood, further contributes to the warm and inviting atmosphere of these homes.

• Rooflines: The rooflines of Craftsman style homes are often steep and gabled, with wide overhanging eaves. This creates a sense of depth and dimension, while also contributing to the timeless design of these homes.

• Landscaping: The landscaping of Craftsman style homes is often designed to create a connection to nature. This includes the use of native plants, rock gardens, and other natural elements that are in harmony with the surrounding environment. The focus on landscaping also contributes to the inviting atmosphere of these homes, making them a perfect place to call home.

Some of the most common types of Craftsman style homes you should know include:

Country Craftsman

A country Craftsman style home typically has a large front porch, large windows, and a pitched roof, often with exposed rafters and beams. The exterior is often clad in natural materials, such as wood or stone, and the interior typically features handcrafted details, such as built-in cabinetry and hardwood floors. These homes are often situated in rural or suburban areas and are designed to blend in with the natural surroundings.

Arts and Crafts

Arts and Crafts style homes are characterized by their low-pitched roofs, large front porch, and exposed wooden beams. The exteriors are often clad in natural materials, such as stucco or stone, and the interiors feature handcrafted details, such as built-in cabinetry and hardwood floors. These homes are often designed with an open floor plan, which allows for a seamless flow of living spaces and a connection to the outdoors.

Craftsman Farmhouse

A Craftsman farmhouse is a rural home that blends elements of the Craftsman and traditional farmhouse styles. These homes often have a large front porch, gabled roof, and wide eaves, and are characterized by their use of natural materials and handcrafted details. The interiors typically feature open floor plans, large windows, and a focus on functional design. These homes are often situated on large plots of land and are designed to reflect the simplicity and practicality of rural living.

Craftsman Bungalow

A Craftsman bungalow is a small, single-story home with a low-pitched roof and large front porch. These homes are characterized by their use of natural materials, such as wood and stone, and their handcrafted details, such as built-in cabinetry and hardwood floors. The interiors are often designed with an open floor plan, and the exteriors feature large windows and a focus on simplicity and functionality. These homes are often situated in urban or suburban areas and are designed to blend in with their surroundings.

Modern Craftsman

A modern Craftsman style home combines elements of the traditional Craftsman style with contemporary design elements. These homes often feature large windows, open floor plans, and a focus on natural materials, such as wood and stone. The interiors are often designed with a modern aesthetic, and the exteriors feature clean lines and a minimalist design. These homes are often situated in urban or suburban areas and are designed to be environmentally friendly and energy-efficient.

Craftsman Colonial

A Craftsman Colonial style home blends elements of the Craftsman and Colonial styles, such as a symmetrical facade, central entrance, and large windows. These homes often feature a large front porch, gabled roof, and wide eaves, and are characterized by their use of natural materials and handcrafted details. The interiors are often designed with a focus on functionality and comfort, and the exteriors are designed to blend in with their surroundings.

Craftsman Ranch

A Craftsman Ranch style home combines elements of the Craftsman and Ranch styles, such as a low-pitched roof, wide eaves, and a focus on natural materials. These homes are often single-story and feature an open floor plan, large windows, and a focus on functionality. The interiors are often designed with a modern aesthetic, and the exteriors are designed to blend in with their surroundings.

These homes are often situated in suburban or rural areas and are designed to be environmentally friendly and energy-efficient. The low-pitched roof and wide eaves of a Craftsman Ranch style home are defining features, providing a classic and timeless look.

The interiors of these homes are often designed to be functional and comfortable, with features such as open floor plans and a focus on natural materials. The focus on sustainability and energy efficiency makes these homes a popular

Country Craftsman

The large front porch of a country Craftsman style home is one of its defining features. This porch is often a welcoming space for outdoor entertaining and relaxation, and provides a connection to the natural surroundings.

The interiors of these homes are often designed to be warm and inviting, with features such as built-in cabinetry, hardwood floors, and natural materials. The large windows allow for plenty of natural light to enter the home, creating a bright and airy atmosphere.

Arts and Crafts

The Arts and Crafts style is often associated with the Arts and Crafts Movement, which was a response to the mass-produced goods of the Industrial Revolution. These homes are characterized by their focus on handcrafted details and natural materials, such as wood and stone.

The large front porch of an Arts and Crafts style home is another defining feature, providing a welcoming space for outdoor relaxation and entertaining. The open floor plan of these homes allows for a seamless flow of living spaces and a connection to the outdoors.

Craftsman Farmhouse

A Craftsman farmhouse is designed to reflect the simplicity and practicality of rural living. These homes often have large front porches, which provide a space for outdoor relaxation and entertaining. The interiors of these homes are typically designed to be functional and comfortable, with features such as open floor plans, large windows, and a focus on natural materials. The gabled roof and wide eaves of a Craftsman farmhouse are also defining features, providing a classic and timeless look to the home.

Craftsman Bungalow

The small size of a Craftsman bungalow makes it an ideal home for urban or suburban living. The large front porch provides a welcoming space for outdoor relaxation and entertaining, while the low-pitched roof and handcrafted details create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

The interiors of these homes are often designed to be functional and comfortable, with features such as open floor plans and a focus on natural materials. The large windows allow for plenty of natural light to enter the home, creating a bright and airy atmosphere.

Modern Craftsman

A modern Craftsman style home is designed to be environmentally friendly and energy-efficient. These homes often feature large windows, open floor plans, and a focus on natural materials, such as wood and stone. The interiors are often designed with a modern aesthetic, featuring clean lines and a minimalist design.

The large windows of a modern Craftsman home allow for plenty of natural light to enter the home, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. The focus on sustainability and energy efficiency makes these homes a popular choice for environmentally conscious homeowners.

Craftsman Colonial

The symmetrical façade of a Craftsman Colonial style home is one of its defining features, creating a classic and timeless look. The large front porch provides a welcoming space for outdoor relaxation and entertaining, while the large windows allow for plenty of natural light to enter the home.

The interiors of these homes are often designed to be functional and comfortable, with features such as open floor plans and a focus on natural materials. The blend of Craftsman and Colonial styles creates a unique and timeless look that is both classic and contemporary.

Conclusion

Craftsman style homes are known for their timeless design, attention to detail, and use of natural materials. Characterized by elements such as exposed beams, wide baseboards and moldings, built-in shelving, tiled fireplaces, decorative stonework, bay windows, large front porch, steep rooflines, and landscaping that creates a connection to nature, these homes offer a warm and inviting atmosphere that is perfect for families. With their handcrafted feel and focus on functionality, Craftsman style homes continue to be popular and sought after by home buyers today.