Craftsman Style House Differences Explained

Key Takeaways

Craftsman-style homes emphasize natural materials, simple design, and handcrafted details.
Key external features include low-pitched roofs, exposed rafters, and large front porches.
Inside, Craftsman homes feature built-in furniture, natural woodwork, and open floor plans.
Types of Craftsman homes include Bungalows, Prairies, Mission Revival, and Four Square.
Steel windows and swing doors from Euroline add modern elegance to Craftsman-style homes.

Craftsman homes are known for their simplicity, practical design, and connection to nature. They were popular in the early 1900s because people wanted to move away from the mass-produced items of the Industrial Revolution.

Craftsman homes are handmade with natural materials like wood and stone. They feature detailed woodwork, built-in furniture, and natural colors.

Soon, Craftsman homes became popular across the United States. They offered families a modest yet stylish place to live.

While modern homes are sleek, Craftsman homes have details, craftsmanship, and a cozy atmosphere. They are perfect for people who appreciate traditional design and handcrafted quality.

What Makes Craftsman Style Houses Different from Other Houses?

Craftsman homes are special because of their unique mix of materials, design, and handmade details. Unlike other homes, Craftsman homes focus on simplicity and natural beauty. They have a special look that makes them easy to spot.

Let’s take a look at the external and internal features that make Craftsman-style homes truly one of a kind.

Craftsman Style Homes External Features

The exterior of a Craftsman-style house is what first captures attention. Here are some of the key features that make it stand out:

Low-Pitched Roofs

One of the most noticeable features of a Craftsman-style home is its low-pitched roof. These roofs have wide eaves that extend beyond the walls, giving the house a solid, grounded look.

The low pitch often creates a sheltering effect, making the house appear cozy and inviting. Many roofs are gabled, which means they have triangular sections that add character to the overall design.

Exposed Rafters

Craftsman homes often have exposed rafters under the eaves. This makes the home look rustic and handcrafted.

The rafters are visible beams that show the construction of the home. This design shows the Arts and Crafts focus on showing the structure and craftsmanship of the home.

Covered Front Porches

A welcoming, covered front porch is a signature feature of a Craftsman home. These porches often span the width of the house and are supported by thick, square columns.

The porches like swing doors create a connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces, making it an ideal spot for relaxing.

Many Craftsman homes also feature stone or brick pillars, adding a natural touch to the entryway.

Mixed Materials

Craftsman-style homes often combine different materials on their exterior, such as wood, stone, and brick.

This mix of materials adds texture and visual interest to the design. The use of natural materials connects the home to its environment, which was a key principle of the Arts and Crafts movement.

Craftsman Style Homes Internal Features

Inside a Craftsman-style home, you’ll find more examples of high-quality craftsmanship and thoughtful design. Here are the key internal features:

Built-In Furniture

Craftsman homes often include built-in furniture, such as bookcases, cabinets, and benches. These built-ins were originally designed to save space and add functionality to smaller homes.

They also create a seamless look, as the furniture blends into the architecture of the home. This feature reflects the practical and functional nature of Craftsman homes.

Natural Woodwork

Craftsman homes showcase beautiful woodwork throughout the interior. This can include wood trim, beams, wainscoting (wood paneling on walls), and hardwood floors.

The wood is usually left in its natural state or stained to highlight its grain and texture. Oak, cherry, and maple are common wood choices, emphasizing the home’s connection to nature.

Open Floor Plans

Many Craftsman homes have an open floor plan that allows for easy movement between the living, dining, and kitchen areas.

This creates a sense of spaciousness and encourages a communal atmosphere, perfect for family gatherings or entertaining guests. The open layout also allows for plenty of natural light, contributing to the home’s warm, inviting feel.

Fireplaces

A central fireplace is often a key feature of the living room in a Craftsman home. The fireplace usually has a prominent mantel, often made of brick or stone, and serves as the focal point of the room.

Fireplaces in Craftsman homes are not just for warmth; they are also decorative, featuring detailed woodwork or tile designs around them.

Types of Craftsman Style Homes

Craftsman-style homes come in various types, each with unique characteristics. Here are some of the main types:

Bungalows

Bungalows are the most common type of Craftsman-style home. They are usually one-story houses with a low-pitched roof and large front porch.

Bungalows often have open floor plans and built-in furniture. Their modest size makes them perfect for small families or first-time homeowners.

Prairies

Prairie-style homes are influenced by the flat, expansive landscapes of the American Midwest. They feature low, horizontal lines and wide overhanging eaves, making them appear as though they blend into the horizon.

The design was popularized by Frank Lloyd Wright, who took inspiration from Craftsman architecture.

Mission Revival

Mission Revival homes borrow elements from Spanish missions in California. These homes often have stucco walls, arched doorways, and red-tile roofs.

Although Mission Revival homes have a distinct look, they still incorporate Craftsman principles, such as simple lines and natural materials.

Four Square

Four Square homes are boxy, two-story houses with a simple layout. They often feature a large front porch and a central dormer window. Four Square homes are known for their practicality, offering plenty of space in a straightforward design.

Elevate Your Home with Euroline Steel Windows

We sell steel windows and doors for homes. Our steel windows and doors can add a modern touch to your Craftsman home. They will let natural light into your home and look great with the detailed craftsmanship of Craftsman homes.

Our steel products are designed to let natural light flood into your home, creating a bright and open space.

The clean lines of our steel windows and doors pair perfectly with the detailed craftsmanship of Craftsman homes, adding both function and beauty.