Craftsman style architecture

Craftsman architectural style is a 20th century American domestic style which was inspired by the 1860s British Arts & Crafts movement. It was named after “Craftsman” publication published by a furniture designer named Gustav Stickley.

This style of architecture was most widely used in Southern California from 1905 and around the time Los Angeles had a growth spurt and therefore there is a heavy concentration of them in the area. The smaller-scale Arts & Craftsman were called “California Bungalow” yet there is a fundemental distinction between “Craftsman” and “Bungalow”. Craftsman refers to architectural and interior style which is inspired by Arts & Crafts movement vs. Bungalow is a form of a house. Craftsman style homes were popular into 1930s and it has continued with revival and restorations through present times. These homes are perfect for people who appreciate simplicity, clean lines and open floor plans.

The most common characteristics of Craftsman style are:

Interior

• Built-in cabinetry

• Woodwork, natural materials, natural light

• Wood tones 

Exterior

• Low-pitched gabled roofs with broad eaves

• Large covered front porches

• Tapered columns supporting the roof

• Natural brown, green and red color roofs

• Body colors are olive, dark green and russet or the lighter bungalow colors of yellow, orange and sage green

• Exposed rafter tails under the eaves

• Exposed wooden structural elements

• 1-1.5 stories

Furnishings

• Simple, functional furniture

• Nature-inspired accent colors

• Mica lamp shades