Designing a Craftsman-Style Home
If variety is the spice of life, interior design is one spicy profession! From transitional and traditional to contemporary and eclectic, no two design projects are ever the same. Change keeps us on our toes, but also makes us love our job all the more.
Recently, we selected all the finishes for a new construction, American Craftsman-style home that embraces all the ideals of the style: to live simply, be connected to nature and design with clean lines and hand-crafted wood, glass and metal works.
If you’re unfamiliar with the Arts and Crafts movement, it began in opposition to the Industrial Revolution, which transitioned hand production methods to machines. The speed of production was greatly increased, but the joy of traditional craftsmanship and artistry was being lost. Simply put, machines and assembly lines cost laborers the pleasure of overseeing their work from start to finish.
The Arts and Crafts movement focused on “revolution through art” and its values remain the same today: hand-crafted objects, clean lines, local natural materials, uncluttered home decor and a connection to the outdoors. Its architectural features also oppose the opulent Victorian aesthetic that was at its height of popularity when the Arts and Crafts movement began.
Craftsman-style homes usually have low-pitches roof lines, deeply overhanging eaves, tapered square columns supporting the roof, deep front porches and hand-crafted stone, glass and woodwork. Our clients love the inviting, simple elegance of the style and we loved designing their beautiful, one-of-a-kind home. Take a look at some of the details!
Warm hardwood floors, a brick archway and fireplace welcome you to the family room, and add natural elements to the home. A large wall of Craftsman-style windows with detailed window casings brings the outside in.
Rustic brick connects the family room to the kitchen. Cream-hued, natural stone countertops and white cabinetry keep the color palette simple, while crown molding and door casings adds artistic detail. Pendant lights continue the room’s clean lines.
A close-up of two hallmarks of a Craftsman-style home, handcrafted glass inserts in the upper kitchen cabinets and a one-of-a-kind, handcrafted metal range hood. Glass tiles in a chevron pattern create a simple, but elegant backsplash.
The mudroom, a popular luxury for families, is one of our favorite rooms in the house. The warm hue of the wood flooring and Craftsman-style door contrast beautifully with the white beadboard wall planks, built-in storage, door casing and moldings.
Finally, a family-friendly, outdoor living space adds another opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and provides sheltered, but open views to the home’s beautiful surroundings. The use of brick, hardwoods, window and door casings create a continuous flow from the outside in.