Tuesday 20 January 2015

Craftsman Style Paint Colors

Craftsman bungalows are noted for eaves, woodwork and simplicity.


Craftsman style homes were popularized in the early 1910s and 1920s and were inspired by the arts and crafts movement of the early 20th century. Architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright started building bungalow homes as a reaction to the ornate decorating of the Victorian style homes. The style of Craftsman homes is marked by natural stone, handcrafted woodwork and gable ceilings. Paint colors should complement the natural aesthetic of Craftsman homes and add to the simplicity of the house's design. Does this Spark an idea?


Creams and Browns


Though most use of cream and brown colors in Craftsman homes is on the floor, walls can also be painted in brown and cream hues. Craftsman style values neutrality; creams should be closer to white or tan than yellow, and browns should be chocolate or slightly red. If you choose cream, resist painting all of the walls in one room the same cream color, which can appear too minimalist or modern. Instead, mark off a wall border with simple wood molding and paint the area above the molding cream and the area below the molding brown.


Greens


Green is a popular choice for Craftsman homes. Olive, fern, gray-greens and muted yellow-greens are appropriate wall color choices. Avoid bright or oversaturated shades of green such as lime or teal. Greens should also not be in jewel tones such as emerald, which are most closely associated with Victorian style homes.


Reds


Craftsman style homes are often confused with prairie style homes. One of the biggest differences between Craftsman and prairie style homes is the use of red as a wall color. Prairie style homes typically use reds that are close to rust colors, while Craftsman style homes use more burgundy-hued reds. Deep, wine reds add an element of comfort and sophistication to a room. Pair red walls with white trim to avoid making the room feel too dark or enclosed.


Blues


In general, Craftsman homes rarely feature blue as an interior paint color. However, if you do choose blue hues, avoid saturated, jewel-toned blues such as midnight blue or sapphire. Bright blues such robin's egg or sky blue are also not typical to Craftsmen homes. Blue walls should be closer to gray or pale blues. Complement blue walls with white accents on molding and trim.


White


White is not a common wall color in Craftsman homes because general it does not add warmth to a space. White, however, is a common accent color for walls. Craftsman style homes feature woodworking details such as wainscotting or molding. Though many homeowners simply stain the wood detailing, others paint the wood sections white to add brightness to a space. White stenciling is also popular in Craftsman homes. Natural or floral stencils done in white paint add interest to a space without appearing too ornate or overly decorated.

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