20 Craftsman-Style Homes with Timeless Charm (2024)

Craftsman-style homes are known for their charming simplicity and custom details. Popularized during the Arts and Crafts movement of the 1800s, this hardworking architectural style is found especially in small, economical bungalows. This selection of unique Craftsman houses showcases rich character and timeless curb appeal.

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As an expert in architectural styles and home design, I can confidently provide you with information about Craftsman-style homes. Craftsman homes are renowned for their charming simplicity and custom details, and they gained popularity during the Arts and Crafts movement of the 1800s. These homes are often found in small, economical bungalows and are known for their rich character and timeless curb appeal.

Craftsman houses are celebrated for their craftsmanship, as the name suggests. They were historically constructed using locally sourced materials, and their exteriors often feature decorative elements such as exposed beams, prominent columns, and stone accents. Inside, you'll find custom details like built-in shelving, impressive fireplaces, and thick wood trim around doors and windows.

The Craftsman architectural style emerged as a reaction against the ornate and eclectic look of Victorian-style homes. It embraces a simplified aesthetic characterized by horizontal lines, low-pitched gable roofs, and spacious covered front porches. These understated elements give Craftsman homes a timeless appearance.

One distinctive feature of Craftsman homes is the square, tapered columns that support the covered front porch. These columns are wider at the base than at the top and often feature carved details, adding to the traditional look of the exterior while providing sturdy support for the roof.

Dormer windows are another popular feature in Craftsman house plans. These windows extend outward from the roof, creating pop-out areas that can enhance usable living space on the upper level, which is often limited by the low-pitched roof. Many Craftsman-style homes feature a single upstairs dormer with multiple windows encased in thick trim.

Craftsman-style homes are typically dressed in colors inspired by nature. Shades of brown and green are particularly common, but some homes venture into more vibrant exterior palettes. For example, a two-story Craftsman home might pair peachy orange siding with a traditional dark green metal roof and white trim.

To enhance the overall look of Craftsman homes, homeowners often incorporate color-coordinated containers on the porch. These containers, along with pedestal urns positioned by the doorway, tie in with the tapered porch columns. The front door of a Craftsman home typically showcases multi-pane windows and an earthy stain that offers a warm welcome from the street.

Architectural details and thoughtful garden touches add charm to the exterior of Craftsman-style houses. Decorative window panes and porch railings in matching wood extend the beauty of the home's trim. Earth-tone paths and containers further unify the house and garden by complementing the trim colors.

When choosing paint colors for Craftsman-style homes, it's common to go with earth tones that reflect shades seen in fields and forests. Browns, grays, coppery reds, tans, and greens are especially popular. Mixing and matching these hues across siding, trim, roof, front door, and porch furniture can create an authentic look.

Natural materials play a key role in the Arts and Crafts aesthetic of Craftsman homes. Wood shingles, stonework, and stucco are often prominently showcased on their facades. These materials contribute to the overall character and charm of Craftsman-style homes.

Craftsman homes are known for their signature tapered square columns, which can be seen on many small porches. Decorative brackets add interest under the eaves of the roof, while brick along the base of the porch and an overhead lantern enhance the facade.

When renovating a Craftsman-style home, it's common to focus on preserving the Arts and Crafts aesthetic. This can involve maintaining clean lines, using natural materials, and incorporating hand-hewn details. Exterior makeovers may include rebuilding porch columns and stone bases, as well as adding cedar clapboard siding and shingles for added appeal.

Craftsman bungalows often share characteristics with cottage-style homes. Quaint details like colorful flowers in window boxes can dress up the exterior of these homes. Renovations may include the addition of cedar shingles, copper gutters, and shutters to restore the home to its former Arts and Crafts style.

When it comes to Craftsman-style home exteriors, choosing paint colors that make the architecture stand out is key. Contrasting trim can accentuate the horizontal lines of a traditional bungalow, helping it stand out from the surrounding greenery.

Craftsman homes can also incorporate additions seamlessly into the original design. Exposed rafter tails under the eaves can add interest to the roofline and tie the new addition in with the rest of the home. Landscaping with a variety of plant species can further complement the Craftsman-style architecture.

Craftsman-style homes often feature long, narrow front porches and projecting gables to emphasize the entry and create a standout appearance. Unique color palettes, like olive green, cream, and unexpected purple hues, can enhance the charm of these homes and blend well with front-yard gardens and landscaping.

Garage doors can also contribute to the classic Craftsman styling of a home. Recessed panels in garage doors that mimic those in the front door can call attention to the home's entry and lend a welcoming overall look. Accessories like Arts and Crafts-style lighting and sturdy pergolas can enhance the overall facade of Craftsman-style homes.

Craftsman bungalows are characterized by their broad proportions, overhanging eaves, and exposed brackets. The roof designs of Craftsman homes are typically single- or double-pitched, and it's common for the roof to stretch past the exterior walls, creating deep eaves that offer shade along the sides of the house or form a covered front porch.

Lastly, even modern Craftsman homes can embrace the style's signature features. A modern Craftsman home might reveal itself gradually, with a courtyard leading to a metal sculpture in front. The entrance can offer shade with a trellis treatment, compensating for the lack of a front porch.