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Architectural Development

The American Arts and Crafts movement is an American domestic, interior design and decorative arts style popular from the last years of 19th century to the early years of 20th century. Because of their lasting influence and attention to detail, Craftsmen style homes are extremely popular today. Craftsmen style homes imply a devotion to quality and simplicity.

About one-third of the Craftsmen style homes have a front-gabled roof. Porches, which may either be of full- or partial-width, and are almost evenly divided between those sheltered beneath the main roof and those with separate, extended roofs. Columns for supporting the porch roofs are a distinctive and variable detail. Typically short, square upper columns rest upon more massive piers, or upon a solid porch balustrade.

Craftsman houses usually have an open floor plan inside, which facilitates the display of large art pieces as well as big gatherings. In addition, the Craftsman house plays with negative space to highlight accents of the home, while also using space very efficiently. Most Craftsman houses also incorporate Arts and Crafts style light fixtures, which are an integral part of the home design, rather than an afterthought. Some also feature stained glass windows, to provide a play of light as well as privacy.

Since Craftsmen style homes were made to harmonize with the natural surroundings, so attention was paid to gardening as well. The garden furniture had to be appropriate, sturdy and well-built. The home's combination of open floor plan, exposed wood supports and built-in cabinetry made it very easy to live in. The original Craftsman homes ranged from very small, relatively inexpensive cottages and bungalows up to very large and expensive homes.

The Craftsmen style homes are designed to be a home for life, a solid and simple dwelling which serves homeowners. Craftsmen style homes are definitely a class apart!

By: Katherine Hill

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