Details of Historic Craftsman Homes

Bungalows

• Craftsman homes are also sometimes known as California bungalows. The bungalow style normally describes a home of one to one-and-a-half storeys in height. All Craftsman homes, but especially the bungalows, were designed to be simple in form, both inside and out. In proportion, they tend to sit broad and low and they have very little exterior ornamentation. They feature wide porches across part of the front, with tapered pedestal-like columns.

Exteriors

• Besides front porches, almost all Craftsman homes are characterized by the fact of their exposed, overhanging eaves or jutting beams. Typically, beams are faux and there to add a solid look to the home. Often, the low-slung roof features a kind of gable toward the front, which displays a number of windows. Materials used on the exterior include stone, stucco and rough-hewn woods. Windows and the like will also be solid-looking and very sturdy.

Interiors

• These homes were often constructed by their builders from materials found near the site or from the local region. Interiors are usually open and flowing from room to room. They tend to emphasize both form and function most of all. Additionally, most Craftsman homes feature recessed or built-in spaces such as nooks, cabinets and benches. Those are often placed in front of large windows that let in a great deal of sunlight.

Fixtures

• Craftsman home original fixtures and hardware also tend to be simple in design yet sturdy and solid in construction. Ther fixtures display a decided lack of curlicue or scrolled moldings. Clean and simple, with defined borders to the woodwork, was the original intent. However, well-maintained Craftsman homes often look expensive and custom-built. That's because of the use of non-mass-produced design elements throughout their exteriors and interiors.