Home designs are constantly evolving as we try to create more efficient, livable, and stylish spaces, especially in a country like the United States. As a result, there are many different home designs in the country. Some of the most popular include contemporary, cape cod, and victorian.
Contemporary homes are characterized by clean lines, large windows, and an open floor plan. Cape Cod homes are typically small and cozy with a lot of character. Victorian homes are usually large and grand with intricate details. However, nothing comes close to a craftsman;s house when it comes to simplicity.
Despite being high in numbers, craftsman;s homes tend to be one of the hardest to build. It;s due to the home design;s unique features. But, if you;re planning on taking on the challenge, here are the five key fundamentals you need to know.
All About Simplicity
The first and most important thing to know about a craftsman;s home is that it;s all about simplicity. It;s a clean and uncluttered home. There are no superfluous details or unnecessary frills. Everything has a purpose and a place.
Unlike victorian and cape cod homes, craftsman;s homes are made not to impress. Instead, people build them to be functional. The focus is on functionality over form.
However, their functionality doesn;t mean that craftsman;s homes are boring or lack personality. On the contrary, they can be pretty charming. It;s just that the charm comes from the simplicity of the design rather than the ornateness of the details.
Designing a home like this seems daunting, but it;s pretty freeing. Once you get rid of all the excess, you can focus on what;s truly important. And, in the end, you;ll end up with a beautiful and functional space.
Function Over Form
In addition to being simple, craftsman homes are also functional. It;s because they were designed to be practical above all else. Every element serves a purpose and contributes to the overall functionality of the space.
For example, the front porch is usually reasonably small, making it easy for people to come and go. However, it can still be a social space.
The same goes for the windows. Craftsman;s homes tend to have simple vinyl windows. They;re not there for decoration. They;re there to let in natural light and fresh air, and such windows are the best for doing that.
This functionality extends to the layout of the home as well. The rooms are typically designed for a specific purpose. For example, there;s usually a separate kitchen, dining room, and living room.
This layout might seem outdated now, but it was pretty ahead of its time. It allowed for more privacy and gave each family member their own space.
No Frills
There are no frills when it comes to the exterior of a craftsman;s home. The focus is on functionality and simplicity. The lack of frills and concentration on simplicity means that the houses are typically relatively small and boxy. There;s nothing extra or excessive.
The roof is usually the most decorative element of the home. It;s often a gabled roof characterized by two sloping sides that come together in the middle.
The eaves of the roof are also usually quite wide. Home designers did this to protect the porch and windows from the elements.
These design features contribute to the simple and uncluttered look of a craftsman;s home.
Natural Materials
Another critical element of craftsman homes is made with natural materials. Natural materials include wood, stone, and brick. The use of natural materials gives craftsman homes a warm and inviting feel. It;s also very durable and low-maintenance.
- Brick and stone are usually used for the foundation and exterior walls.
- Wood is typically used for the framing, porch, and trim.
- Glass is sometimes used, but it;s usually limited to small details like windows.
This use of natural materials helps create a simple and classic look that will never go out of style.
Natural Light
Last but not least, craftsman homes rely on natural light. Designers did this to keep the house feeling bright and airy.
The windows are typically large and placed high on the walls. This allows for plenty of natural light to enter the home.
In addition to the windows, craftsman homes also often have skylights. Skylights are a great way to let in even more natural light. They also help to create a more open feeling in the home.
These are the five critical fundamentals of a craftsman;s home. They are essential to such a home design, but they make it so unique and special. If you;re thinking of building a craftsman home, keep these critical points in mind. They will help you create a beautiful and functional space that you can enjoy for years to come.
