The Craftsman style home is one of the most timeless and beloved architectural styles in the US. Why? One reason is because it’s so deeply American.

At the turn of the 20th century, architects in Southern California began an architectural movement with a tradition that carries on today. A series of revivals through the years have made a classic of the style we know today, which is also known as the American Arts and Crafts movement. 

The history of the Craftsman home

The Craftsman style evolved from a belief in the value of hand-crafted, hard-labored design. When it was established, several well-known architects in California had become frustrated by what they perceived as the devaluation of the American worker.

They saw the over-decoration of Victorian homes and the mass production of factory-made trims and finishes as an affront to everything that was beautiful about American design. They set out to create homes that valued quality and careful attention to detail over grand statement.

What began as a local, Californian trend quickly took off. Ladies Home Journal and similar magazines began publishing photographs of homes with Craftsman detailing, and at the time, kit homes and pattern books were popular avenues for building or renovating homes.

Until about 1930, the Craftsman home was a staple in almost any neighborhood. Today, you’ll find the original Craftsman builds in older neighborhoods, but modern builders continue to use the style’s inspiration in upscale neighborhoods as well.

Here are some of the features that can help quickly identify a traditional Craftsman style home:

• Roofing with a low pitch, decorative supports, and gables. In warmer climates you’re more likely to find this traditional roofing style, which was originally hand-built. The low pitch can be troublesome in climates where snow and ice accumulate, but other features help to identify a craftsman in those areas.
• Front porches that may extend the length of the house either under the primary roof or a separate, forward roof.
• Partial door paning: this is a quintessential Craftsman detail. Glass panes will take up the top third of the door, and those panes will be separated from the bottom of the door by thick trim.
• Tapered columns, which often support the porch roofing. Typically, the columns will rest on large stone piers, adding to the visual distinction of the taper.
• Stone detailing may extend beyond the column piers, and a Craftsman will almost always contain a mix of materials. Look for siding with a stone foundation, or perhaps brick or stucco.
• Craftsman home interiors were originally quite small, with turn of the century bungalows often tucked into corners of wooded lots to blend with natural surroundings. Look for careful use of storage spaces and wide open floorplans – unusual for the era – which helped to flood small rooms with natural light. The modern Craftsman is often much larger, but natural light and materials remain important for interior finishes.

The eternal styling of the Craftsman bungalow is alive and well in Summer Lake. With careful styling that recreates a beautiful American architectural tradition, modern convenience, and just the right balance of luxury and design focus, the craftsman has never looked so good.

4513 Singing Bird Dr.

Mixed materials and decorative roofing supports tie this home to its architectural roots. A first floor master, mudroom, bonus room, and enormous gourmet kitchen bring the style up to 2017 standards. See more here.

17119 Shoreland Dr.

Multipaned windows and a gorgeous brick feature on the front façade call are this home’s hat tip to the 20th century. Inside, amazing storage options and tons of natural light make this a dream home for the 21st century. See more here.

Find or build a Craftsman style home in Summer Lake

Summer Lake homes are built to exacting specifications, and our builders know and respect the architectural traditions that help to make a home more than just a place to live. If the Craftsman aesthetic appeals to you, there’s a lot to see at Summer Lake. Contact us today to learn more.