Craftsman Lighting

What are craftsman and mission-style ideals?

American designers such as the Greene brothers were inspired by the plain wooden structures found in China and Japan. British designers Webb, Ruskin and Morris admired simplicity also. These craftsman-style designers agreed that natural materials and simple forms defined their philosophy. Some say that only homes that appear in Gustav Stickley's architectural magazine from 1901 to 1916 are true "Craftsman" homes. However, these craftsman ideals are carried to much wider structures such as the prairie home, bungalow, mission house and Western Stick home. Don't forget the simple, economical pueblo and foursquare homes too.

What does a craftsman home look like from the outside?

Neighbors passing your home will notice the stone chimney and thick square columns of your stone porch. Your roof will be low-pitched and you will have an enviable number of windows. If you have a mission-style variation, you will have a red-tiled roof and maybe a quatre-foil window. This type of window is inspired by Spanish churches of the Southwest with windows like four-petaled flowers. Expect Spanish motifs in the mission table lamps. Arroyo Craftsman Lighting excels in this style.

What are some decorations commonly found inside the home?

  

When you invite guests into your home, they can expect handicrafts from the Arts and Crafts movement. You are likely to decorate with worn Southwestern rugs and rectangular arts and crafts lighting. Your molding and wainscoting will be dark. You won't have to pull up a chair because Craftsman homes have built in seating and mission style table lamps. You can look up and you'll see handsome roof rafters and beamed ceilings. Some of the windows will be colorful leaded or stained glass. Mission style lamps will showcase handmade craftsmanship.

How is the bungalow related to Craftsman style?

This Indian Bengali word is for a single-family home with the living room at its center. The bathroom, bedroom and kitchen huddle to surround the living room. The home has few hallways. The living room and dining room are only separated by an arch. Anticipate craftsman lighting and mission style lighting to be humble rather than showy.

When were Craftsman style home especially popular?

In the early 1900s people could purchase bungalow kits to create this modest home.

Some might call this rustic. However, you'll notice the artisan woodwork and glasswork made by hand during the machine age. These artists, architects and designers appreciated the handmade.