The Arts and Crafts style were developed in England in the late 19th century. Without a single cohesive style, it is one of the most complex types of architecture.
Origins
Developed right after the age of excessive Victorian architecture and the machine-driven Industrial Revolution, the style focuses largely on simple but well-made craftsmanship. It stresses the inherent beauty of materials, uses nature as inspiration, and values utility as well as good taste in design.
The style made its way to America in the early 20th century was Gustav Stickley, a well-known furniture maker, became its strongest proponent. The term “Craftsman,” which originally referred to a home built from a plan in Stickley’s magazine, The Craftsman, came to mean homes built in the Arts and Crafts style.
With efficient and economical use of space, well-planned homes built in this style require little upkeep. There are often multiple chimneys, a prominent “sheltering roof,” and windows made up of multiple small panes of glass.
Craftsman and bungalow-style homes that are easy to maintain and manage typify this style. Because they are relatively modest and easy to care for, their design makes them particularly attractive to hardworking homeowners.
The sleek, timeless style of these homes is why they are regaining much of their original popularity today.
Key Elements
Craftsman homes are built of natural materials like wood, stone, and brick, and meld simple design with handcrafted artistry. There are fine handiwork features such as hammered metalwork and the use of authentic copper and bronze throughout the home. The home design is thoughtful and feels well-made.
Built-in furniture and light fixtures are a key feature
Furniture is considered part of the architecture, contributing to the economical use of space. Bookshelves, window seats, and cabinets are largely customized to suit the home’s design. Recessed lighting, which is seeing a resurgence today, is also part of the design.
Fireplace
A large centered fireplace typically dominates the main living area, acting as a focal point for the room. Homes also feature a distinctive exterior chimney.
Windows
These are usually double-hung windows, with separate panes of glass on the top and bottom or smaller panes set in multiple assemblies. There are also single, protruding dormers.
Porches
Craftsman-style homes typically have prominent porches. Strong round or square columns and stone porch supports are commonplace. The rafters on the roof and the beams both on the porch and indoors are exposed. The porch is often limited to the front door area but will sometimes wrap around the entire house.
Open floor plan
Steering away from the small boxed-in rooms of the Victorian era, the style veers towards wide open floor plans and the smart use of space.
Low-pitched roofs
Homes are built symmetrically and low to the ground, with a low-pitched roof, wide enclosed eave overhangs, and triangular brackets. Roofs are usually done in a hip or gable (triangular) style.
Charm and Function
Many of the houses across America today are built in the Arts and Crafts style. These homes remain popular, featuring unique and charming details that are impossible to commission these days.
The simplicity of their design has ensured that these homes have never gone out of style, even though changing design trends over the years.
As top Realtors in Somerset County, Pagnotta Homes knows how to find the perfect Arts and Crafts home for you. If you’re looking to buy a home in the area, call the team at 908.436.7947 or send an email to info(at)pagnottahomes(dotted)com.