Take a drive around Colorado Springs from Old Colorado City to the Ivywild neighborhood through Downtown and into the Old North End; what do you find? The classic style stands out of the pack because of its rich past and character. The Craftsman home appeared at the beginning of the 20th century, developing from the emergence of British Arts and Crafts. The style was promoted by Gustav Stickley, founder of The Craftsman magazine. His publication sold various blueprints for homes designed in the Arts & Crafts style, intending to make this architecture accessible to everyone.
There are four distinct types of Craftsman home styles. Although they share similar decorative details and an open floor plan, they come in various sizes and price points. It makes them a great choice for anyone from a first-time homebuyer to someone looking to upgrade.
This is the traditional style of Craftsman. Modest in size with open and broad front porches, they have a very distinctive façade. The features of this home have squared-off, tapering columns with porches that serve as entertaining spaces. Windows are double-hung that offers aesthetics and functionality. A key feature is a bungalow is one-story with wide verandas.
A style that Frank Lloyd Wright was at the forefront of in design. These homes are low-hung with profound horizontal lines. Their construction features natural materials like stone and wood; these homes take advantage of the landscape and are built within close proximity to nature. The design encompasses inside and out seamlessly and has long rows of windows to the outdoors.
Similar to the Prairie style but with a Southwestern flair. Some of the most prominent features of this home are wide, open verandas and interior courtyards. Exteriors are usually stucco, terracotta roofs with paver tiles, they have curved edges and Spanish-style arches.
This Craftsman style is designed for larger families where builders stuck a second floor onto the popular Craftsman homes and called it a Four Square. The name refers to the four rooms in each corner of the home on each level.
In the world of architecture, the craftsman home style means low-pitched roof lines, which can result in a hipped or a gabled roof with overhanging eaves and a roof that features exposed rafters or decorative brackets under the eaves. Tapered columns, and patterned window panes encompass a covered front porch which creates the illusion of an extension of the main roof.
The Craftsman is made mostly of hand-crafted stone and woodwork with mixed materials throughout the exterior, ranging from brick and stone to stucco and wood siding. Exterior colors are typically a reflection of nature; these include earth tones such as green, brown, and taupe shades. The craftsman style is for someone who likes the natural style of home that's not so lavish.
The interior of Craftsman homes is as distinct and important as its exterior. Wooden features are plentiful, with thick trim around doors and windows, built-in bookshelves and window seats, and boxed beams along the ceiling. Some classic features include the following:
As you peruse the HGTV lineup, you’ll see the very common concept of an open floor plan. These plans provide better traffic flow and create a more spacious look than it actually is. It allows life to revolve around the living room, kitchen, and dining area. While the master suite is typically placed on one end of the house and the other bedrooms on the other.
A fireplace is often the center of attention, especially in a craftsman-style house. Most of the time, these fireplaces are surrounded by built-ins, such as cabinets or bookshelves. Built-in furniture and light fixtures are common because of the low-pitched roofs, which create space for amenities within a smaller footprint.
Maximizing space is key in a craftsman home, so nooks and window seats are prominent. Extra-large windows are typical in most craftsman homes, allowing great spaces to create nooks. Window seats create a cozy and comfortable environment for reading and allow for extra natural light while highlighting the beautiful views of the outdoors.
Common in both the exterior and interior space of a Craftsman home. The best thing about having exposed beams is creating a larger space. They make attic spaces look even cozier and give the home an old-world charm. Regardless of their purpose, an exposed beam is a great way to add rusticity to the craftsman-style home.
The search for homes with a unique character and rich history is more popular than ever. The revival of the Craftsman style is taking over contemporary culture, making everyone's wish list. While the unique features remain, like porches, tapered columns, natural materials, and custom built-ins, the modern add-ons create a new level of desirability with open floor plans, open-concept kitchens, and high ceilings with exposed beams. Whichever style you prefer, Craftsman-style homes have stood the test of time for their distinctive looks and character.