What is a Craftsman Style House? History, Characteristics, Types & More

Last Updated on July 5, 2022 by Kimberly Crawford

If you’re looking for a unique and stylish home, you may want to consider a craftsman style house. These homes are characterized by their natural materials, simple lines, and attention to detail. They originated in the early 20th century and remain popular today.

In this blog post, we will discuss the history of craftsman style houses, their distinguishing features, and some examples of homes that embody this style.

What is a Craftsman-style house?

The Craftsman style house is an American domestic architectural style popular from the late 19th century to the early 20th century.

Characterized by simple, clean lines and natural materials, Craftsman-style houses are often one or one-and-a-half stories with low-pitched roofs and large front porches supported by tapered or square columns.

Windows are usually double-hung, with upper sashes that have multiple lights and lower sashes that have a single light.

The style originated in the United States, and its popularity spread to other countries, such as Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

History of Craftsman architecture.

The Craftsman style of architecture was developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is characterized by simple, yet elegant design features such as exposed beams and natural materials.

The style was initially popularized in California, but quickly spread across the United States. Today, Craftsman homes can be found in many different parts of the country.

Craftsman style house characteristics.

The Craftsman style house is characterized by its simple, yet elegant design. This type of house is typically built with natural materials, such as wood and stone.

The roof is often steeply pitched, and the eaves are wide and overhanging.

The front porch is also a common feature of Craftsman style houses.

Windows are typically large and often have multiple panes.

Doors are also often made of wood and may be stained or painted. Hardware is usually simple and understated.

The interior of a Craftsman style house is typically just as inviting as the exterior. The living room is often the center of the home, and it features a fireplace and comfortable furniture.

The dining room is also a common feature, and it is often adjacent to the kitchen. Bedrooms are typically spacious and include ample closet space. Bathrooms are also usually well-appointed.

Types of Craftsman-style homes:

1. California Ranch.

1 california ranch craftsman

The California Ranch, also known as the Rambler or Ranch Style home, is characterized by its long, close to the ground profile and minimal decorative details.

These homes are often asymmetrical in shape with deep overhanging eaves. The California Ranch style was very popular in the United States from 1945 until 1965.

This type of home was originally designed for the warm climate of California, but they can be found in other parts of the country as well.

Ranch style homes are known for their single story floor plan, which makes them perfect for families with small children or people who want to avoid stairs. These homes are also easy to maintain and usually have a detached garage.

2. Original Craftsman Homes.

Original Craftsman Homes

The original Craftsman homes were built between 1905 and 1930. These homes are characterized by their use of natural materials, such as wood and stone. They also feature simple, yet elegant, design elements.

3. Prairie-Style Homes.

modern prairie style

The Prairie-style home is a popular type of Craftsman-style home. These homes are characterized by their low, horizontal lines and use of natural materials. Prairie-style homes typically have wide porches and large windows to let in natural light.

4. Mission Revival Craftsman Homes.

mission revival style

The Mission Revival style became popular in the early 20th century as Americans sought to revive the architectural style of the Spanish missions in California.

This style is characterized by its low-pitched roofs, arched windows and doors, stucco walls, and terra cotta or tile embellishments.

Mission Revival Craftsman homes are often built with high ceilings, exposed beams, and large porches to enjoy the outdoors.

5. Bungalow Homes.

Bungalow Homes

A bungalow is a type of building, originally from Bengal region in the Indian subcontinent, that is typically either single-story or has a second story built into a sloping roof (usually with dormer windows), and may be surrounded by wide verandas. Bungalows are often relatively small and box-like in appearance.

The word “bungalow” has been used in the United Kingdom since the late 18th century to mean a small detached house, and by 1900 it was being used in the United States as well.

Bungalows were first popularized in California, where builders began constructing them for returning veterans of the First World War. The houses were designed to be affordable and efficient, with a focus on simplicity and functionality.

The style became popular in the United States in the 1920s and 1930s, when bungalows began popping up in cities across the country as an alternative to the more traditional single-family home.

6. Four-Square Craftsman Homes.

Four Square Craftsman Homes

The Four-Square Craftsman home is one of the most popular types of Craftsman-style homes. This type of home is typically square or rectangular in shape and has a simple, symmetrical design.

The Four-Square Craftsman home usually has four rooms on each floor, with a central staircase leading to the second floor. These homes were often built with a porch on the front of the house, and many also had a dormer window on the second floor.

The Four-Square Craftsman home was popularized in the early 20th century and was often built using mass-produced materials such as lumber and brick.

This type of home was affordable to build and easy to maintain, making it a popular choice for families. Today, Four-Square Craftsman homes are still being built, and many have been renovated to include modern amenities.

How to make a ranch house look like a craftsman.

If you’re like most people, you probably think of a ranch house as a boring, cookie-cutter home. But with a little bit of creativity, you can transform your ranch house into a stylish craftsman home. Here are a few tips:

-Paint the exterior trim and shutters in a dark color. This will give the house a more dramatic look.

-Add some decorative elements to the front porch, such as columns or a trellis.

-Change out the hardware on doors and cabinets for something more ornate.

-Install new light fixtures with a craftsman style.

-Add area rugs or runners with geometric patterns.

FAQs about Craftsman houses

What years were craftsman houses built?

The craftsman style house was most popularized between 1900 and 1915, although they were built as early as the 1860s. This style is sometimes referred to as “Arts and Crafts,” and was a reaction to the mass-produced houses that were becoming more common at the time.

These homes were typically built by small builders and contractors, rather than large companies. The craftsman style emphasizes simple, handcrafted details and natural materials. These houses are often characterized by their low-pitched roofs, wide eaves, and exposed roof rafters.

Do Craftsman houses have shutters?

The answer is yes, Craftsman houses typically have shutters. This is because shutters were a popular feature on Victorian and Edwardian homes, which the Craftsman style was modeled after.

Shutters can add both curb appeal and function to a home, so it’s no wonder they’re still a popular choice for today’s homeowners.

Why is it called a Craftsman home?

Because the style is all about craftsmanship. Every detail, from the handcrafted furniture to the built-in cabinets, reflects the care and precision of a skilled craftsman.

The Craftsman style began in the late 19th century as a reaction to the mass-produced homes that were becoming increasingly common. Architects and builders wanted to create homes that were more personal and intimate, with a focus on quality craftsmanship.

What is the difference between Craftsman and bungalow?

The two terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference between the two styles. Craftsman style homes are characterized by their use of natural materials, simple lines, and a focus on function over form. Bungalow style homes, on the other hand, are typically smaller and more compact than Craftsman homes, with a focus on comfort and livability.

What are Craftsman colors?

There are a few different colors that are typically associated with the Craftsman style. These colors include earth tones, such as browns and greens, as well as muted blues and yellows.

These colors were often used in order to create a calming and relaxing atmosphere within the home. Additionally, white was often used as a trim color in order to help highlight the other colors used throughout the home.

If you are interested in incorporating Craftsman colors into your home, there are a few different ways that you can do so. One option is to paint your walls in one of the earth tones mentioned above.

You could also consider adding some pops of color through your furniture or accessories. Finally, white can be used as an accent color in order to help tie everything together.

What time period is Craftsman style?

The Craftsman style is a style of architecture that began in the late 19th century and became popular in the early 20th century. The style is characterized by simple, yet elegant designs with an emphasis on natural materials. Many Craftsman-style homes were built between 1900 and 1930, though the style has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years.

Is Craftsman out of style?

The Craftsman style of architecture was popularized in the early 20th century and was characterized by its use of natural materials, simple forms, and exposed structure. In recent years, however, there has been a shift away from this style in favor of more modern designs. So, is Craftsman out of style?

It’s true that the Craftsman style is no longer as popular as it once was. Nevertheless, there are still many people who appreciate the beauty and simplicity of this architectural style. If you’re thinking of building or renovating a home in the Craftsman style, don’t let its current popularity (or lack thereof) dissuade you.

Is Craftsman the same as farmhouse?

The two styles are often confused, but there are some key differences between them. Craftsman style homes are typically simpler in design than farmhouse homes.

They also tend to have more natural materials like wood and stone, while farmhouse homes often feature more synthetic materials. Finally, Craftsman style homes usually have a more horizontal orientation, while farmhouses often have a more vertical orientation.

Why are Craftsman homes so popular?

There are a few reasons for this.

One of the main reasons why Craftsman homes are so popular is because they are built to last. These homes were designed during a time when quality craftsmanship was highly valued. As a result, Craftsman homes are usually very well-built and designed to last.

Another reason why Craftsman homes are so popular is because they often have a lot of character and charm. These homes were designed during a time when quality craftsmanship was highly valued. As a result, Craftsman homes often have a lot of character and charm.

Finally, Craftsman homes tend to be located in desirable neighborhoods. This is because the people who designed and built these homes were usually very successful. As a result, their homes tended to be located in desirable neighborhoods.

Other house styles:

Conclusion

So, what is a Craftsman Style House? In short, it is a type of house that is characterized by its simple yet elegant design. It has a lot of history behind it and is definitely one of the most popular styles of houses in the United States. If you are thinking about getting a Craftsman Style House, then definitely check out its many features and see if it is the right fit for you. Thanks for reading!