When it comes to designing a new home, there are a variety of different, beautiful styles to consider. One style that has recently seen a resurgence amongst homeowners is the American craftsman style home. The American Craftsman style can actually have its roots traced all the way back to Britain in the 1860s; a movement known as British Arts and Crafts. The British Arts and Crafts style emphasized work done by hand over mass-production. The American Craftsman style shared this belief and grew in popularity at the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century, especially in California, where a smaller, modified Bungalow Craftsman style became incredibly prevalent.
The Style Elements of Craftsman Style Homes
The American Craftsman style focuses on individual handiwork over mass-production, with an emphasis on the simplicity of form, the use of local materials, the use of natural materials, originality of design and the visibility of handicraft. This means that many of the traditional American Craftsman style homes incorporate handcrafted glass, metal work and wood to help create an elegant simplicity. American Craftsman style home designs are also known for their focus on being visibly sturdy and their use of clean lines.
The Features of Craftsman Style Homes
The following are some of the features commonly found in American Craftsman style homes:
- Front porch – Most Craftsman style homes have porches, especially Craftsman bungalow style homes. Porches help add to the charm of a home as well provide a warm and inviting quality that the overall style is known for.
- Low-pitched, gabled roof – The roof of a Craftsman home usually has a wide, unenclosed eave overhang that also boasts decorative supports.
- Tapered columns – The porches built onto Craftsman style homes typically use tapered columns in order to support the roof. Not only are the columns usually somewhat short, they often rest on brick or stone piers that extend all the way to the ground. This is one of the elements that makes Craftsman style homes so visibly and physically sturdy.
- Four-over-one, or six-over-one double hung windows – Instead of using single-pane windows, which are more common in other styles of homes, the Craftsman style uses four-over-one, or six-over-one double hung windows, which helps improve the view as well as increase the amount of natural light the house receives. These windows are also often grouped together and then cased using a wide trim.
The Benefits of Craftsman Style Homes
There are many benefits to choosing an American Craftsman style home design. The focus on form, handiwork and details help to differentiate the style, and give it a more unique and personal aesthetic. Owners of Craftsman homes can also be at ease in the fact that the home is most likely incredibly durable due to the principles of its design. Although a little maintenance is required on every type of home, the Craftsman is more likely to withstand the elements and less likely to experience structural issues than more contemporary homes.
The American Craftsman style home has a rich history and its focus on craftsmanship and form has made it a popular choice, even hundreds of years after the origin of the style. Because of its emphasis on craftsmanship over mass production, the American Craftsman style home may be a little more expensive – but its worth it for the durability and aesthetic value.
