Into the American Craftsman Style: How to Identify It? (2-Storey Residence)

The American Craftsman style, often known as the American Arts and Crafts movement, dates from the late 1800s and is considered modern eclectic architecture. Overhanging eaves, a low-slung gabled roof, and spacious front porches supported by pedestal-like tapered columns are all hallmarks of the design. Stone, rough-hewn wood, and stucco were frequently used.

Breakfast or reading “nooks” are common in Craftsman homes, as well as a free flow from the kitchen to the family and dining rooms, making them ideal for today’s “open plan” living. Outside, there are numerous embellishments, but inside, the plan is basic and open, making the most of the normally restricted space footage.

The following are some of the characteristics that makes a house identified in American Craftsman style:

• Low-pitched, gabled roof

Low-pitched gable (triangular) roofs that project far out past the home’s outer walls, frequently with exposed beams or rafters, are typical of Craftsman homes. Hand-worked local materials with decorative components such as brackets, lintels, and rafters are included in Craftsman homes.

• Front porch and Tapered Columns

The gabled roof and over-extended eaves lend themselves to having font porches in front of the house that features tapered columns around the perimeter

• Painted Wood Siding

The exteriors of these residences typically featured painted wood siding, although accents of stucco or stone were also prominent, with a focus on earthy tones.

• Earthy Colors

The Craftsman movement’s purpose was to reject industrialization and embrace nature, and the color choices reflected this sentiment. Brown, dark green, olive, and sage were popular colors, with red or orange highlights like russet, tawny, and ochre.

• Stone Details

As Craftsman style is also closely related to designs with nature in mind, stone details is often integrated and used as exterior detail.

Craftsman style houses are very popular among homebuyers today. While casual floor layouts, spacious porches, and domestic character have never gone out of style, there has been a revived interest in them. It’s simple to see why this style is still popular among middle- and lower-income homes.

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