A Craftsman style home is a popular home style that emerged from the American Craftsman movement of the turn of the 20th century. It is an American domestic architectural style, inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement, which included interior design, landscape design, applied arts, and decorative arts. Unlike the ostentatious McMansions that would emerge a century later, Craftsman style homes were small to medium-sized single-family homes that showed the beauty of simplicity and modesty in architecture. The Craftsman style emphasizes the use of natural materials and hand-worked goods. Craftsman style houses are characterized by their low-pitched, gabled roofs with wide overhanging eaves supported by decorative brackets. The roofs often feature exposed rafters. The exteriors are typically clad in natural materials such as wood siding, stone, or brick. The houses often have front porches with tapered columns or pedestals, and sometimes include a low stone wall or railings. Interiors often feature open floor plans, large fireplaces, and an abundance of windows to bring in natural light. Craftsman style houses also promote a connection to nature. They often incorporate elements such as large windows, skylights, and covered outdoor spaces that blur the line between indoor and outdoor living. The interior color schemes are typically earthy and subdued, with an emphasis on natural wood tones. To summarize, the key characteristics of a Craftsman style home are:
- Low-pitched gabled roofs with wide overhanging eaves supported by decorative brackets
- Exteriors clad in natural materials such as wood siding, stone, or brick
- Front porches with tapered columns or pedestals
- Interiors with open floor plans, large fireplaces, and an abundance of windows to bring in natural light
- Emphasis on handcrafted details and natural materials
- Connection to nature with elements such as large windows, skylights, and covered outdoor spaces
- Earthy and subdued interior color schemes with an emphasis on natural wood tones.
