What Is a Craftsman Style House?

Posted by Shelly Salomon on June 25, 2024

The-Blackberry

Craftsman-style homes make their occupants feel special and connected to their living space. The use of natural materials, the inviting green-view porch, the spacious open floor plan, the charming interiors, and the decorative finishes – all contribute to the undeniable aesthetic appeal of these homes. This combination of elements explains why craftsman style has remained beloved for over a century and continues to be one of the most popular home designs in the United States.

If you are researching a home design for your new build, you might want to check out the craftsman style house design. 

Craftsman Style House Plans, in a Nutshell

The term "craft" in this home design's name already hints at the artistry inherent in the style. The Craftsman movement emerged from the Arts and Crafts Movement, which protested against the Industrial Revolution's emphasis on mass production and called for a simpler way of living. Modern craftsman homes contrast overly sophisticated designs, emphasizing simplicity, functionality, natural materials, and harmony with the surrounding landscape.

Craftsman style house plans are characterized by distinctive features both inside and out.

Exteriors typically showcase low-pitched gable roofs with wide, overhanging eaves that reveal the exquisite craftsmanship of exposed wooden beams and rafters. Front porches - a craftsman hallmark - are supported by tapered columns. Natural materials such as wood, stucco, and stone foundations are commonly used, and the color palette draws from earth tones - clay reds, mossy greens, warm browns, and sandy beiges - reflecting the beauty of nature.

Interiors embrace open floor plans, fostering a fluid connection between living spaces. 

Cozy focal points, such as fireplaces and intimate nooks, are thoughtfully placed around the house, and are complemented by solid wood furniture in natural hues. Natural textures like tile backsplashes, bronze hardware, and mid-tone woods like oak and maple enhance the interior's character, adding depth and warmth to the overall charm.

Meet The Blackberry - Our Featured Home

BLACKBERRYTo give you an example of this architectural design, we'd like to introduce our featured craftsman style home design—the Blackberry. This stunning design is perfect for families who enjoy the beauty of simplicity.

Let's move on to some technicalities. The Blackberry is a one-story home covering 1,640 square feet. It features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a two-car garage, a deck, and a covered front porch.

As you step through the front porch, you'll be greeted by a spacious open floor plan. The living room flows seamlessly into the kitchen, creating an expansive entertainment area that serves as the heart of the home. The layout divides the space, with two guest bedrooms on one side, each featuring walk-in closets and a full bathroom centrally located between them. On the opposite side is the spacious primary bedroom with a large walk-in closet and primary bathroom. Adjacent to the primary bedroom is a convenient walk-in laundry room.

Exterior Features:

  • Double-hung low-maintenance windows 
  • Low-maintenance cement siding 
  • Low-maintenance exterior trim
  • Covered front porch
  • Stained cedar shakes
  • Fiberglass exterior doors
  • Limited Lifetime Warranty on asphalt shingles 

Interior Features:

  • 9’ ceilings with smooth finish
  • 12’ ceilings in the living, dining, and kitchen area
  • Cabinets with solid maple dovetail drawers and soft close hinges/slides 
  • Large open kitchen with island
  • Quality plumbing fixtures
  • Open floor plan
  • Ceramic tile flooring in bathrooms
  • Walk-in laundry room
  • Granite and/or quartz countertops
  • Tiled shower enclosure in primary bath
  • Vaulted ceilings, where indicated
  • Engineered hardwood or luxury vinyl flooring in main areas 
  • High-quality carpet in bedrooms
  • Two coats of paint on the walls with flat finish walls and semi-gloss trim 

HVAC & Electrical: 

  • 14 SEER Heat Pump with dual zoning where applicable
  • Ceiling fans in all bedrooms and covered deck areas
  • Stainless appliances
  • Lighting package to include recessed kitchen lights and pendant lighting over bar/island 
  • Attractive standard lighting packages
  • 36” ventless gas fireplace with mantle and stone face finishes 
  • Various finishes available for all hardware

Customization Ideas for Craftsman Style Homes

While the craftsman style dictates some general guidelines, it doesn't mean you can't make your craftsman style house have its own unique touches. Customizing craftsman style homes involves blending timeless elements with personal finishes. 

For instance, interior customizations include modifying the open floor plan to suit modern lifestyles, like creating a larger kitchen for entertaining or adding a home office. Custom built-in furniture, like bookcases and window seats, can be tailored to specific needs, enhancing practicality and character. You could also update the color palette to reflect your individual taste.

Exterior customizations include selecting materials and finishes that suit your taste and local climate, like unique stone types, specific wood species, and landscaping choices (how about adding dog-friendly landscaping features?). Architectural details like porch railings, window styles, and door hardware can be customized to complement the homeowner's vision. The goal is to balance individual preferences with Craftsman principles of craftsmanship and natural harmony.

With that in mind, all of our Sample Floor Plans, including The Blackberry house design described above, are customizable too!

How Do You Envision Your Home?

At Vista Developers, we are committed to turning your dream home into a reality. Whether you envision a craftsman style house or have another design in mind, we are here to guide, support, and provide expert construction services.

Vista Developers is your trusted partner in building the home of your dreams. We’d love to hear from you! You can reach us by phone at (866) 519-2400 or contact us online at any time.

View our new home floor plans! View our homes here.

Tags: Floor Plans