Why We Love Craftsman Style Houses

The Craftsman house was a natural result of the progression of the arts and crafts movement. Beginning in the early twentieth century and lasting for less than thirty years, these beautiful homes become the cornerstone of the American new home market. These homes were built with wonderful architectural details from quality and often local materials. The movement was entered in Southern California but spread to almost every area of the country.

The houses have a distinctive style that is quite easy for the craftsman home lover to recognize. There is the signature front porch with the square pillars that gives it such a warm and welcoming look. This is part of the great attraction even today to these homes. You can picture yourself sitting on this porch enjoying the view and getting to know your neighbors, it feels like it belongs in a neighborhood.

The roof line is often gabled or hipped and extends out past the line of the walls with exposed beams. Many of the houses were originally just a single story but there is often loft or attic room that can be used to create additional living space. The Craftsman house usually has wood shingle siding and there is often local stone used to decorate the exterior and even perhaps a chimney.

Inside, the design is very much in tune with the design style of the twenty-first century with an emphasis on open spaces and light. Traditionally there is great light and often the original stained glass windows are still in place due to their beauty and popularity.

Another big attraction of the Craftsman house is the wood floors. These are made from hardwoods that can survive for a hundred years or more as many have already proven beautifully. These wooden floors are located throughout the houses and even if there is carpeting now, chances are the original floors are still there under the carpet.

Built ins were a big part of the interior Craftsman house design. These can consist of built in bookcases, dressers, hutches and window seats. Another architectural feature of the interior is the center living room with rooms all off of this central room with no hallways. This gives the whole house an open and uncluttered feeling.

The Craftsman houses of a hundred years ago contain many of the design and living elements that today's families are looking for. Not only are they very functional, they are beautiful and well made. For those who want to be as green as possible, the majority of Craftsman houses use as much local woods and stone as was possible.

The Craftsman style house has an amazing history in the United States and has retained its popularity among those who recognize a well built and designed home.