The American Craftsman architectural style, also known as the Arts and Crafts style, is one of the most beloved and iconic design movements in American history. Emerging in the late 19th century and gaining popularity in the early 20th century, this style was a direct response to the Industrial Revolution's mass production and ornate Victorian architecture. The Craftsman style places emphasis on simplicity, handcrafted details, and harmony with nature.

 

Characterized by low-pitched roofs, wide eaves, and exposed rafters, American Craftsman homes exude a cozy, welcoming charm. You'll often find them with inviting front porches supported by tapered columns, and interiors featuring built-in cabinetry, natural woodwork, and stone or brick fireplaces. The use of natural materials—wood, stone, and glass—is a hallmark of the style, and attention to craftsmanship is paramount.

 

The movement was inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement in Britain, led by figures like William Morris, but it truly flourished in the United States through architects such as Greene & Greene and companies like Gustav Stickley's Craftsman Workshops. Stickley, in particular, promoted the Craftsman style as a holistic design approach that embraced not only architecture but furniture and interior design as well.