This one goes out to all you DIY souls who cling to your organizational ways. Craftsman style, sometimes referred to as Arts and Crafts style, operates under a narrow set of guidelines through the art of carpentry and craftsmanship. Craftsman style elevates natural beauty, rejecting its predecessor, The Victorian Era, which was whiny and factory-produced.
A “craftsman” home has become synonymous with the bungalow-like exterior that commands this style. But this genre means so much more.
Let us jump in you Frank Lloyd Wright fans:
Tip#1: Woodworkin’ It: Craftsman style is all about the art of carpentry and the wood man! Here purity prevails along with handmade gusto (if possible) and detailed woodwork. The more natural wood, the more Arts and Crafts, its integral element. Use oak, pine and maple complimented with rich stains, but never painted. Show off handiwork with intricate wood detailing in paneling, molding, stairways and trim.
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Tip#2: Built-In Storage: Woodworking is everything around here. Why not use that handiwork for the benefit of organization? Built-in storage only perpetuates and shows off wooden detailing. Areas with higher foot traffic typically shout with structured nooks and crannies such as stairways, bathrooms and kitchens for organization or display enhancement.
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Tip#3: All About The Entry: Perhaps it is for a mere spoiler alert, but Craftsman style places a strong emphasis on the threshold. Front doors tend to have meticulous wood details sometimes accompanied by darkened, metallic light fixtures and art glass windows (other elements of the genre). Sturdy pillars and porches are other staples of a Craftsman entryway.
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Tip#4: Built-In Furnishing: Unadorned comfort is the name of the game. Craftsman style focuses on practicality and functionality versus flamboyant furnishings. Structures show beauty through their natural form and tend to have clean lines. Use empty alcoves for wooden benches or office nooks.
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Tip#5: Small, Square Windows and Stained Glass Flourishes: Stained and leaded glass windows are unique only to Craftsman style and the look does not disappoint. Art glass emphasizes geometric patterns, a prevalent motif in the genre, without sacrificing outdoor views. This subtle form of hand craftsmanship typically materializes through small square windows, another common element of the Arts and Crafts style.
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Tip#6: The Fireplace is the Place: The fireplace presents just another opportunity to showcase true craftsmanship. Craftsman houses traditionally are built around a central fireplace usually decked out in stone or tile work. The fireplace perpetuates the feeling of welcome and comfort an Arts and Crafts house provides while flaunting flourishes like woodwork around the mantel and tile work.
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Tip#7: Natural Flooring and Intricate Tile Work: Natural beauty is the draw of this style. Wood flooring is common in this style but other natural materials such as stone and slate will also do. Remember wood is supreme so don’t shy away from combining multiple stain treatments in one space. Also, surround wood with earth-inspired hues and color palettes. Above natural floors in kitchen and bathrooms is adorning intricate tile work in special patterns or mosaics, another opportunity to showcase art and handiwork.
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Tip#8: Statement Lighting in Warm Metals: Signature lighting is typically made from mica or Tiffany glass and further promotes geometry through uncomplicated shapes. As Craftsman spaces are straightforward and not ornately accessorized, statement lighting pops. Light fixtures are in warm metals such as bronze and iron.
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Exterior Style: There was just too many to choose from:
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We have blazed through Traditional, Hollywood Glam, Eclectic, Contemporary, Industrial, Rustic, Modern, Coastal, Mediterranean and Shabby Chic in the Establish Your Style Series. Next up: Farmhouse style.
Stay Saucy,
Jenn
