What is Craftsman Style? Let the Architects Tell You!

Craftsman-style homes are one of the most popular styles of residential architecture in America. Homeowners fell in love with the style over 100 years ago, and Craftsman homes remain popular today both in renovation and new build projects. However, clients often ask the architects at our Austin, Texas studio what truly defines Craftsman style. People know that Craftsman architecture features hand-crafted details and lots of character, but the style is so much more than that. Our Texas architects are defining Craftsman architecture and the iconic design elements that became associated with the movement.

A Brief History of the Craftsman Style and Architectural Movement

While Craftsman homes feel traditionally American, the Craftsman style was actually born from the British Arts and Crafts movement during the late 19th century. The movement rejected mass-produced goods and put a focus back on artisans, organic forms, and craftsmanship. The style made its American debut in a magazine by Gustav Stickley, appropriately titled The Craftsman. The publication featured blueprints for Craftsman-style homes, making the functional designs easily accessible to all. Small Craftsman bungalows began to pop up around the country because of their practicality, easy maintenance, and traditional charm, which reflected the ideals of hard work and honesty.

Defining Architectural Features of the Craftsman Style

All Craftsman-style houses feature simple details that are inspired by nature and rooted in functionality. Craftsman homes also showcase custom elements handcrafted by artisans, like wall built-ins, stained glass accents, and stone fireplaces. Our Texas-based architects are breaking down and defining the classic exterior and interior design elements associated with the style so that you can identify Craftsman architecture anywhere you go.

Exterior Craftsman Design Elements

Covered Front Porch

Craftsman homes typically feature a covered front porch, adding charm and an additional place to gather outside the home. While this feature is picturesque, the front porch also provides the practical value of shading front windows and offering a covered entryway.

Wood Pillars

A traditional Craftsman porch is supported by wood pillars, giving a casual and earthy feel. Sometimes these boxy pillars will be accented with a stone or brick base, adding to the feeling of grounded stability.

Low-Pitched Hip and Gable Rooflines

The roofline is another distinguishing feature of the Craftsman architectural movement. Craftsman homes feature low-pitched hip or gable rooflines, creating triangular peaks with shallow slopes. These rooflines were inspired by classical architecture and create a lower ceiling height in the interior, allowing for more efficient heating and cooling.

Overhangs with Exposed Rafters

Craftsman rooflines also typically feature extended overhangs with exposed rafters. This design is both practical and decorative in nature. The long overhang works to shade windows from the sun, adding to the efficiency of the home. The exposed rafters allow craftsmen to showcase more detailing of their handiwork, adding to the charming embellishment of the exterior.

Dormer Windows

Craftsman homes with attics or second-story living spaces will include dormer windows to let in natural light or ventilation. These dormer windows are typically low and wide, accommodating a row of windows as opposed to single windows like the Cape Cod style. In some cases, the dormer may showcase a curved roofline for added architectural interest.

Double Hung Windows with Multi-Pane Light Divides

In many cases, a Craftsman home can instantly be identified by looking for the iconic window panes. Craftsman architecture uses double-hung windows. The lower sash will feature one glass pane without any light divides, while the upper sash will be multi-pane and feature groups of four to six light divides. Windows like these will be grouped together in rows and trimmed with wood moldings to make a visual impact and flood the interior with natural light.

Stained Glass Window Accents

It is also common to see stained glass window accents featured in Craftsman architecture. Stained glass will appear in transom windows and accent windows above a fireplace or in a stairwell. Glass colors will always feature colors inspired by nature.

Earth Tone Color Palette

The Craftsman style embraces living alongside nature, so the colors are rightfully inspired by the natural world. Craftsman color palettes are rooted in earth tones, featuring browns, dark greens, olives, sages, and rust accents, allowing the structures to blend in with their surroundings.

Distinct Front Doors

Craftsman homes often include a classic front door design that features a row of windows along the top third of the door placed above a small sill. Doors will typically be made from stained wood, like mahogany or oak.

Interior Craftsman Design Elements

Stained Wood Floors and Trim

Inside the Craftsman home, the celebration of nature, craftsmanship, and hand-made details continues. Craftsman interiors will showcase stained wood floors and trim details like window casings, paneling, ceiling beams, and moldings.

Stone Fireplaces and Tile Surrounds

Stone is another natural material celebrated in Craftsman architecture, and the fireplace provides the perfect spot for application. In Craftsman homes where stone wasn’t used, fireplace surrounds were typically finished with handmade tiles featuring rich greens or rust colors.

Intricate Stair Railings

In two-story Craftsman homes, intricate stair railings will serve as an entryway focal point and invitation to explore. Stair railings are the ideal place for carpenters to showcase their work and create something both exciting and practical.

Custom Built-ins and Nooks

Of course, a Craftsman home wouldn’t be complete without the celebrated custom built-ins synonymous with the style. Built-ins can be found throughout Craftsman interiors, including shelving on either side of the fireplace, window seats, and quaint nooks.

Why is the Craftsman Style So Popular?

The Craftsman style has remained popular for over 100 years, and homeowners continue to seek out historic Craftsman bungalows to renovate or to design new construction in the classic style. Craftsman architecture offers functional space, charming design, and a comforting embrace of nature, making it easy to see why this style has endured!

The Defining Features of Craftsman Style Homes