Craftsman House Plans

What makes a house a Craftsman-style house?

Craftsman-style homes, a popular architectural style in the United States, are known for their distinct and recognizable features. Emerging in the late 19th and early 20th century, the Craftsman style was a reaction to the Industrial Revolution. It emphasized handiwork over mass production, focusing on simplicity, durability, and functionality. Here are some key elements that typically define a Craftsman house plan:

• Low-pitched, Gabled Roofs. Craftsman houses usually have broad, low-pitched roofs with gables. These roofs often extend beyond the home, creating wide eaves with exposed rafters or decorative brackets under the eaves, showcasing the design's structural integrity.
• Covered Front Porches. A signature element of Craftsman homes is the covered front porch, often running the full or partial width of the house. The porch is usually supported by tapered square columns that extend to ground level without a break at the porch level.
• They have handcrafted Stone or Woodwork. Craftsman homes often showcase fine craftsmanship in the exterior details. This includes intricate wood or stonework, such as handcrafted wood trim or built-in cabinetry inside and stonework or shingles outside.
• Open Floor Plans. Inside, Craftsman homes often feature an open floor plan. This is a departure from the compartmentalized rooms of Victorian homes. The living room, dining room, and kitchen all flow into one another.
• Built-in Furniture. These homes often have built-in furniture, like window seats, bookshelves, and cabinetry, which offer utility and contribute to the house's overall aesthetic.
• Double-hung Windows. Craftsman-style homes often feature double-hung windows with a four-over-one or six-over-one pattern. The typical way is a larger single-pane window at the bottom and multiple panes above.

What kind of roofs do Craftsman homes have?

A hallmark of Craftsman house plans is their low-pitched gable roofs. The gable is the triangular portion of the wall between the edges of intersecting roof pitches. In Craftsman-style homes, the gable roof typically has a less steep pitch than in other architectural styles. This gives the house a more horizontal emphasis, contributing to its grounded and solid appearance.

What is another name for a Craftsman-style home?

Craftsman-style homes are also commonly referred to as "Arts and Crafts" homes. This alternative name comes from the Arts and Crafts movement that originated in Britain in the late 19th century and inspired the Craftsman style. The movement emphasized the value of handcrafted artisanship over mass-produced goods, a philosophy that strongly influenced the design principles of Craftsman homes.

Another term often associated with Craftsman-style homes is "Bungalow." However, while all bungalows can be considered Craftsman-style homes, not all Craftsman homes are bungalows. A bungalow is typically a small, single-story home with a low-pitched roof and a front porch, while Craftsman homes can be more prominent and may have more than one story.

What states have the most Craftsman-style homes?

Craftsman-style homes, renowned for their distinctive architectural features and handcrafted details, are found throughout the United States. However, they are particularly prevalent in areas that experienced significant growth during the early 20th century when the Craftsman style was in vogue.

California is a hotbed for this architectural style, with its roots deepening thanks to architects like Greene and Greene. Pasadena, California, is a city renowned for its Craftsman homes, including the famed Gamble House, and such homes are spread across the state from San Diego to San Francisco. Moving up to the Pacific Northwest, Washington, especially Seattle, has a wealth of Craftsman homes. Historic neighborhoods such as Queen Anne and Capitol Hill are filled with great examples of this style.

In the Midwest, Illinois witnessed a surge in Craftsman-style construction during the early 20th century. Cities like Chicago have many Craftsman homes, particularly in older neighborhoods.

What are the different types of Craftsman houses?

Craftsman homes, characterized by their quality craftsmanship and use of natural materials, come in several distinct types. While all Craftsman homes share some common features, such as low-pitched roofs and built-in furniture, the specific style can vary significantly based on factors such as the size of the home, its layout, and regional influences. Here are some of the most common types of Craftsman house plans:

• Bungalow. This is the most common and recognizable type of Craftsman home. Bungalow craftsman house plans are typically one or one-and-a-half stories tall, with a low-pitched roof, a large front porch, and an open floor plan. They often feature built-in furniture, exposed beams, and extensive woodwork.
• Prairie Style. Inspired by the flat landscape of the American Midwest, Prairie Style Craftsman homes are usually low and horizontal, with solid lines and wide-open floor plans. They often have low-pitched roofs, rows of windows grouped together, and emphasis on craftsmanship and simplicity.
• Mission Revival. This type of Craftsman home is common in the Southwest and California. They're influenced by the Spanish missions of the early 20th century and often feature stucco walls, red tile roofs, and arched doorways or windows.
• Four Square. Also known as the "Prairie Box," Four Square Craftsman homes are simple, boxy, and economical. They're typically two-and-a-half stories tall, with four large rooms on each floor and a large front porch. They often feature Craftsman details, such as built-in furniture and exposed beams.
• Western Stick. Western Stick style is characterized by its visible wooden structural "sticks" on the exterior that suggests the underlying frame construction of the home. This style often features a gabled roof with wide eaves, wooden siding, and decorative braces.
• Craftsman Farmhouse. This is a blend of the Craftsman style with traditional farmhouse elements. These homes are often more significant, with wraparound porches, large kitchens, and spacious, open living areas. They combine the Craftsman style's handcrafted detailing with a farmhouse's practicality and simplicity.
• Airplane Bungalow. These unique Craftsman-style house plans have a small, upper-story room resembling an airplane's cockpit, hence the name. This additional room often serves as a sleeping or storage area.

Remember, these are general categories of Craftsman house plans, and many of these homes will not fit neatly into just one. A single Craftsman house might combine elements from several different types, creating a unique style that's all its own.

What is the difference between Modern Farmhouse style and Craftsman style?

Modern Farmhouse & Craftsman-style homes share many similarities and a few distinct differences. Learn more about those two styles here.