Early on in the twentieth century, Craftsman Style or Art & Crafts Style homes became very popular in America. These homes were built to be very efficifent and with very fine craftsmanship. They were defined by their simplicity, a revolt against the highly ornate Victorian era. This timeless and simplicitic design has transcended from the 1920's into the modern day home in so many ways. Take a look at these kitchens for example...
Craftsman style is the height of fashion right now. You cant open a Pottery Barn catalogue (especially PBK) or watch HGTV without seeing one of these kitchens. They are gorgeous! These kitchens are just as popular today as they were during the peak of the Roaring Twenties because of their clean lines, effecient storage (note the cabinets use all the vertical space in the room), and substantial yet simplictic hardware. I just adore those top glass cabinets.....{sigh}
Another defining feature of 1920's home design is the extensive amount of millwork, wainscoting, and built-ins. This is a rendering of a traditional Craftsman style living room...
This is a brand new modern day home...
Note the built-ins, millwork, and beamed ceiling. Isnt it gorgeous? Oh how I wish I owned the key to that house! Here is another example, of a renovated Craftsman home...
All these homes have such an attention to detail and common sense about them. Look at this columned room...
{Sigh} I am in love. One day I will own my dream home, a 1920's Craftmans style bungalow. Until then there have been a few very creative gals improvising and recreating this effect in their own homes. Like Thrifty Decor Chick's staircase...
This was a just a plain-jane, regular staircase until she added her own wainscoting. Click here to see how she did it!
Lastly, I cant write a post about Craftsman home design without mentioning inglenooks. Ahh, inglenooks... Wouldnt it be lovely to have a room soley devoted to a fireplace? Especially with chilly days of Fall approaching, how wonderful would it be to curl up on one of these benches with some hot cocoa and a good book?
Phew! You made it to the end of this post! Sorry its such a long one, but it was worth it wasn't it? :)
