Wood paneling is often used on interior walls in a Craftsman home.
Made popular in the United States by Frank Lloyd Wright, Craftsman homes have a distinctive look that is marked by their clean, simple design. While there are variations on the style, such as the bungalow and Spanish mission, certain features are found in virtually all Craftsman homes. If your are moving into this type of home and want to imbue it with an authentic look and feel, remember the importance of natural materials and a sense of handcrafted charm that is a key element of Craftsman style. Does this Spark an idea?
Exterior Colors
When it comes to choosing colors for the exterior of a Craftsman-style home, earth tones are usually your best bet because they match the natural materials used inside and outside the house. Beige, tan and brown are all attractive, basic options. You may incorporate golden accent shades as well, or even an olive green for the trim and porch railing. If you want a pop of color to make your home truly standout, consider using a blue shade for the door.
Front Porch
A Craftsman home often features a front porch. The low-pitched roof provides the ideal cover for a wide front porch, which is usually built right beneath the main eaved roof. To give it an authentic look, tapered, square columns should support the roof while adding a decorative element to the porch. On a large home, Craftsman-style porches often form an asymmetrical L-shape around the side of the home. This type of porch is an ideal candidate for enclosure, so it may be used for more than one season. Craftsman-style porches often mix materials, making use of both handcrafted wood and stone to give the home texture and visual interest.
Wood Interiors
When it comes to the interior of a Craftsman home, wood plays a central role. Because it provides a warm, inviting feel, it used in both flooring and wall treatments. Built-in furniture is an ideal addition to the walls of a Craftsman home, so consider adding a bookcase, glass-front cabinet or window seat. Wainscoting may be applied to empty spaces on the wall to carry the wood throughout the room. In addition, exposed beams can also be used to accent features in a room like the fireplace, or placed on the ceiling for a natural, handcrafted look. The wood in a Craftsman-style home should have a mid-toned stain, so it has depth but does not overpower the room.
Stained Glass
Another element that can make a Craftsman home feel authentic is stained glass. While it is not practical to use stained glass for all of the windows in a given room, choose a few to feature floral or geometric patterns. In particular, use stained-glass windows to add color and visual interest to your dining room, living room or entryway. If you do not like the look of stained glass, beveled glass is an ideal alternative.
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