Craftsman style
Practical design and pride in craftsmanship are the cornerstones of a Craftsman-style home. Built throughout America at the turn of the 1900s, these bungalow-style homes are meant to evoke simple design philosophies and beautiful interior details, such as exposed wood beams and custom wood built-ins. Never frilly or ornate, Craftsman interiors are discreet, functional and made from natural materials. When decorating your Craftsman home, it is important to keep these design themes in mind. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Paint your walls in muted natural colors to stay true to the Craftsman style. Historical color selections are available through most home improvement retailers that can help you to recreate an authentic Craftsman color palette.
2. Leave natural wood finishes untouched on ceiling beams, wall coverings, wood flooring and custom built-ins. These natural wood elements were meant to be celebrated within the Craftsman style and should serve as visual focal points within each room.
3. Incorporate Craftsman-style furniture into your home design, including handcrafted wood furniture that reflects themes of simplicity and function.
4. Leave wood floors exposed and do not carpet over them. Refinish old wood floors to make them look new and use area rugs to make furniture groupings feel more comfortable.
5. Install simple, streamlined window coverings that are not frilly or fussy. Keeping the interiors clean and uncluttered will help to mimic the Craftsman style.
6. Display vintage accessories to keep in line with the Craftsman look. Antique lamps and fixtures add a particularly nice touch to Craftsman surroundings.
7. Use a muted color palette of neutrals in your upholstery and fabrics. The dark wood that is so often prominent in Craftsman homes will contrast nicely against light colors.
8. Plan your furniture groupings sparingly so that you are using fewer pieces of furniture with greater impact. Uncluttered spaces are more in keeping with Craftsman design philosophies. Craftsman homes do not usually have large open floor plans, which are more common in modern architecture.
Tags: Craftsman style, color palette, Craftsman homes, design philosophies, furniture groupings, natural wood