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Craftsman style decorating was a backlash against mass production and Victorian excess

Simple style and function with fine attention to detail marked the Arts and Crafts era

Craftsman style is a term most often connected with the popular home called the Bungalow. This popular style found it's roots in the Arts and Crafts movement which followed the Victorian era.
These small quaint beloved houses were originally built in planned neighborhoods in the early 1900's and were the more modest version of the Arts and Crafts home.

Craftsman Style, Mission Style, or Prairie Style?

What many people don't realize is the fact that all of the above styles had their roots in the Arts and Crafts movement. Each of these terms describes a specific style that evolved from this movement. The differences are mainly regional. While bungalow style homes were being built across America, Frank Lloyd Wright was building Prairie-style homes in the Midwest, and Mission style homes doorways and tiled roofs resembling the old missions were erected in Texas and California.

Bungalow Home_photo courtesy of Art.com

Characteristics of the Bungalow Style Home

Bungalows were not only unique but also practical. Emphasis was placed on using natural materials inside and out. They were typically one to one and a half stories high with a hip or gabled roof and projecting rafters. One of the more endearing characteristics of the bungalow is the deep shaded front porch with it's front posts. Exteriors were wood shingles, stone, or brick and windows often contained beveled glass or brightly colored art glass.

The interior of bungalows had clean lines, plastered walls, wainscoting, and exposed beams. They incorporated beautiful details in the construction. Bungalows often contained custom-made built-ins. This is a reflection of the craftsman style and it's philosophy of simple function and pride of fine craftsmanship. Kitchens were fully equipped and the bathrooms contained fine porcelain. Craftsman style kitchen decor

Colors of the Craftsman Style

Colors used in the Craftsman style came from the natural colors of nature. All the colors of the sunrise and sunset were used but the shades were muted to blend with natural surroundings. Muted greens, browns, grays were used in the exterior colors. Soft blues and purples were also incorporated.

If you wish to see the actual colors, your local paint store will have charts with historical colors used during the Craftsman Style era.

Furniture Used in Craftsman Style Homes

People were looking for relief after the excesses of Victorian times and the influx of massed produced furniture from the Industrial Revolution. The furniture maker, Gustav Stickley produced the Arts and Crafts style furniture of the period. This was plain oak furniture that was upright, solid, and handcrafted. This type of furniture is often referred to as "Mission Style". It is plain, unpretentious furniture that is functional with no adornment.

mission style bedroom decor

Fabrics and Wallpapers of the Craftsman Era

The most famous maker of fabrics and wallpapers of the time was William Morris. His inspiration was the Middle Ages and to this day you can find reproductions of his work in fabric and wallpaper stores.

The Allure of Bungalow Homes is on the Rise

Although the appeal of bungalow homes dropped off in the 30's and 40's, bungalow style homes are now enjoying a revival. People are now appreciating the love and craftsmanship that went into bungalow construction. These now vintage homes are being appreciated for their beauty and efficient use of space.