Craftsman homes are recognized around the country for their distinctive look and feel. They are, in fact, the representation of an era. True Craftsman homes originally sprang out of a design ethic that embraced a respect for human artistry, a simpler time, uncluttered spaces, and a connection with nature. They were seen as a rebellion against the Industrial Revolution, and the stiff and over-stuffed Victorian age, with it’s busy and ornate gingerbread and heavy, dark paneled style represented by the formal spaces of that age.
Borrowing from the British Arts and Crafts Movement, the American Craftsman Style of architecture and interior design philosophy flourished between 1910 and 1925, where hand-made hoped to triumph over the mass-produced, and the creativity of the “craftsman” artist, and simplicity of form was celebrated. The West Coast was the first area to embrace the style, which was called the “Craftsman Bungalow”. The preference toward Minimalism showed in the simple yet elegant lines of doors, windows and trim details, and the use of natural materials. Built-in nooks and cabinetry replaced furniture as personal possessions were less mobile or extravagant. Over time, even Mission furniture was associated with the Craftsman era for it’s simple beauty and function. Not to lose out on a trend, the Sear and Roebuck catalog offered dozens of small Craftsman Bungalow home kits, pre-cut and ready to ship and assemble. Many are still standing in older established neighborhoods around the country as a testament to an era.
Today, revivals and interpretations of Craftsman architecture can be seen as homes borrow from the vocabulary developed in the early part of the 20th Century, but today’s Craftsman home has blended with regional influences. Rustic lodge influences, seen in our national parks especially in structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the New Deal period, have brought the use of heavy beams and natural stone, and nature is celebrated both inside and outside the home. In cold weather climates, interior space needs light, so ceiling lines have been heightened or vaulted. Open floor plans have replaced traditional Boxes within Boxes common up to the 1970’s. Modern amenities and efficient energy saving windows and doors, cement siding, and other owner-friendly attributes have made the modern Craftsman home easier to maintain and own.
In The Craftsman Collection, we are offering several architect-designed packages. Each home plan model has been designed for an easy lifestyle, low maintenance living, and are offered with both standard amenities, as well as many options and alternatives to choose from to make it the home of your dreams. If you see something you like, but it isn’t absolutely perfect, we can work with you to make it your own. We also offer full customization architect-designed Build to Suit.
Also, we are designing options for additional studio attached living on one level, so if you have a need for extra living space close at hand but separate, or universal space for an elderly family member or a “Boomerang” child, we have a solution ready to tailor to your needs. Should you need a detached shop for your hobby or toys, or even a shop with living space, we are can easily offer this option.
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