Craftsman Design Fundamentals To Help You Get That Rustic Look

Not a lot of people are aware of the craftsman design. This was a dominant design for smaller homes that were built all around the country from in the early 1900s. The craftsman style originated in California and a lot of the best examples of this design can be found in that state. Since it is visually appealing, it’s but natural that it spread throughout the country like a wildfire. The desire for this style waned in the 1930s. If you want to learn about craftsman design fundamentals, then you have to make time to read some design magazines and books.

A Historical Background

All the craftsman houses that you can now see were inspired by the work of Charles Sumner Greene and his brother Henry Mather Greene. Both hailed from California and they practiced in Pasadena as a team from 1893 till 1914.

From 1903, these brothers began designing craftsman type bungalows. In 1909, they designed some landmarks, some of which were referred to as the ultimate bungalows. The design was also influenced by some movements such as the English Arts and Crafts movement. This movement served as a catalyst of interest in oriental wood architecture. The Greenes left manuals showing how to design and build the most intricate buildings.

Pattern books appeared, offering the most beautiful plans for craftsman bungalows as well as craftsman design fundamentals. For homes, there are pre-cut packages but if you want to just redesign your home into this style, then you have to learn the essentials.

Modern-day Craftsman Design

Craftsman design is often laid out on a single or two-storey building. Most roofs of such homes are gabled, others hipped with broad, unenclosed eave overhang. Tapered, square columns are also common as are pedestals and timber frames. If you want to perfect the look, then wood shingle siding or cut stone cladding should be evident. The doors and windows must have casings and the rafters are exposed. You can have decorative beams installed or have false ones.

These are the typical features of the craftsman design. Of course, every building must be addressed individually. To play safe and so you are ascertained that you were able to achieve the look, be sure to use a lot of rich wood trims, wooden furniture and antiques. The key is to use natural colors.

The overall feel must be cottage-like, even bordering rustic in certain times. More often than not, a craftsman interior comes with hardwood flooring, handmade accessories and furniture. It is also not uncommon to find area rugs which are an effortless way of adding intimacy or warmth in any space.

Most craftsman interiors also have fireplaces with stone and wood. Dark and warm elements of wood are widely used throughout the home. Despite the minimalist or contemporary approach used these days, there are still a few homeowners who want to get the craftsman look for their homes.

Mission Furniture Is A Must

Mission furniture, also known as Amish furniture is a must when you opt for the craftsman look. This kind of furniture is characterized by clean lines, simplicity and the natural materials used in its creation. These pieces are handcrafted and they originated in the late 1800s till the 1900s. This is a popular furniture style so it wouldn’t hurt to earn a few pieces especially when you have chosen to have a craftsman interior.

Mission furniture also emerged from the Arts and Crafts movement. The ideals of this style are simplicity in form, decoration and craftsmanship. This was a great response to the fussy Victorian pieces.

Mission style is a generic term that you need to remember while you’re learning craftsman design fundamentals.