The Craftsman style home has long been a popular architectural choice, known for its attention to detail, use of natural materials, and timeless appeal. If you’ve ever wondered how to decorate a Craftsman style home, this guide will walk you through key design principles, from color palettes to furniture selection, helping you capture the essence of this historic style.
What is Craftsman Style Home Decor?
Craftsman style homes originated in the early 20th century as part of the Arts and Crafts movement, a reaction against mass-produced furniture and decor. This design focuses on handcrafted details, simplicity, and natural beauty. The most defining elements include woodwork, built-ins, exposed beams, and large front porches.
Key Characteristics:
- Exposed woodwork and beams
- Built-in cabinetry and shelves
- Earthy, muted color palettes
- Focus on handcrafted materials
Understanding these principles is crucial when decorating a Craftsman home because everything revolves around simplicity, functionality, and beauty.
Choosing the Right Color Palette
The color scheme of a Craftsman style home emphasizes nature-inspired shades that reflect the earthy tones found in natural landscapes.
Recommended Colors:
- Warm browns
- Deep greens
- Burnt oranges
- Soft creams
How to Use These Colors
Stick with muted, natural shades. For instance, warm brown woodwork paired with green or cream walls creates a harmonious look. You can also use stone-gray tiles or soft beige upholstery to balance out heavier wooden elements. Avoid bright or harsh colors, as they clash with the Craftsman aesthetic.
Furniture Selection for a Craftsman Home
Furniture in a Craftsman home should be both functional and beautiful, echoing the handcrafted nature of the architectural design.
What to Look For:
- Sturdy, simple designs with clean lines
- Use of natural materials like wood and leather
- Mission-style furniture or Arts and Crafts furniture is a perfect fit
- Avoid overly ornate or modern styles
When selecting furniture, opt for solid, wooden pieces with visible grain. Mission-style sofas and oak tables will fit right in with the decor. Leather armchairs are another great addition, providing both comfort and classic appeal.
Looking to add a touch of nature to your living space? Check out How to Decorate Your Home with Plants for creative ways to incorporate greenery into your home decor.
Lighting in a Craftsman Style Home
Proper lighting can elevate the warmth and coziness of a Craftsman home. The lighting should complement the simple, natural aesthetic.
Best Lighting Choices:
- Tiffany lamps with stained glass
- Recessed lighting for a soft glow
- Warm-hued sconces made from wood, metal, or stained glass
Always go for lighting that has an antique or handcrafted look. Tiffany lamps are especially iconic in Craftsman decor because of their intricate stained-glass designs. Copper or brass sconces also blend well with the rich tones of the woodwork.
Looking for ways to elevate the look of your home without a major renovation? Discover practical tips in How Do I Beautify a Simple House? for transforming a simple space into a beautiful sanctuary.
Incorporating Natural Materials
A hallmark of Craftsman design is the use of natural materials. Everything from the flooring to the accents should draw from nature.
Common Materials:
- Wood: For flooring, furniture, and cabinetry
- Stone: For fireplaces, countertops, and tiles
- Leather: For upholstery and decorative elements
Opt for oak or walnut floors to complement the woodwork throughout the house. In areas like the kitchen or bathroom, use stone tiles for an earthy, authentic look. You can also introduce leather accents through pillows or throws.
Flooring for a Craftsman Style Home
The flooring in a Craftsman home should be durable, simple, and made from natural materials. Hardwood floors are a staple in this style.
Ideal Flooring Options:
- Hardwood flooring (oak, walnut, maple)
- Natural stone tiles
- Handwoven rugs
Wooden floors are not only a traditional choice but also enhance the Craftsman home’s warmth and character. Add texture and comfort by layering handwoven area rugs in rich colors.
Bringing out the character in an older house can be a rewarding project. Learn how to enhance its unique features with timeless design ideas in How to Decorate an Older Home.
Decorative Accessories for a Craftsman Style Home
Decorative accents play a key role in bringing warmth and personality into the home without overwhelming its natural simplicity.
Recommended Accessories:
- Art glass vases and ceramics
- Handcrafted pottery
- Metal accents like copper or wrought iron
- Simple, geometric patterns
Look for accessories that are unique, handcrafted, and made from natural materials. Art glass bowls, ceramic vases, and metal sconces can all contribute to a cohesive Craftsman aesthetic.
Window Treatments and Doors
Windows and doors in a Craftsman home are functional yet aesthetically pleasing, often featuring simple lines and natural wood finishes.
Ideas for Windows:
- Wood-framed windows with stained glass accents
- Simple curtains in soft, muted colors
- Roman shades in natural fabrics
For doors, consider paneled wooden designs that match the overall tone of your home. Stained glass inserts or mission-style hardware will enhance the look further.
Craftsman Kitchen Design
The kitchen in a Craftsman home should be practical but with an emphasis on natural materials and handcrafted details.
Elements of a Craftsman Kitchen:
- Built-in wooden cabinetry with clean lines
- Copper or brass fixtures
- Stone countertops and subway tile backsplashes
Incorporate open shelving or glass-front cabinets to display handmade ceramics and dishes. Keep the color palette warm and simple, opting for wood countertops and stone floors.
Craftsman Bathroom Design
In a Craftsman bathroom, simplicity and functionality go hand-in-hand. Choose natural materials and classic fixtures for an elegant yet understated look.
Design Features:
- Pedestal sinks or simple vanities made of wood
- Freestanding tubs for a vintage vibe
- Stone or ceramic tiles
To add warmth, opt for wooden cabinetry or a stone vanity top. Accentuate with simple hardware in brushed nickel or antique brass.
Landscaping Around a Craftsman Home
Outdoor spaces are just as important in Craftsman design. The idea is to extend the natural beauty of the home into the surrounding landscape.
Landscaping Tips:
- Use native plants and shrubs
- Create stone pathways or a patio area with natural stones
- Consider adding a pergola or trellis to blend with the home’s design
For a cohesive look, opt for landscaping materials like stone and wood that tie in with your interior decor. Use native plants to create an organic, low-maintenance garden.
Mistakes to Avoid in Craftsman Style Decor
While decorating a Craftsman home can be rewarding, there are common pitfalls to avoid.
Common Mistakes:
- Overmodernizing the space, which takes away from the traditional look
- Using too many bright or bold colors that clash with the natural tones
- Incorporating overly ornate or fussy furniture
Always aim to maintain the balance between functionality and aesthetic appeal. The decor should blend seamlessly with the architecture.
Final Thoughts
Decorating a Craftsman style home is about honoring its historical roots while creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. By focusing on natural materials, earthy colors, and handcrafted furniture, you can bring out the true beauty of this architectural style. Pay attention to the details—from the color palette to the lighting—and ensure every choice you make reflects the style’s emphasis on simplicity, functionality, and elegance.
FAQs
What colors work best for a Craftsman style home?
The best colors for a Craftsman style home are inspired by nature. Earthy tones like warm browns, deep greens, soft beiges, burnt oranges, and muted grays are ideal. These colors harmonize with the natural materials used in Craftsman decor, like wood and stone. Stick to warm, muted shades to maintain the cozy and inviting atmosphere that defines Craftsman design.
What type of furniture is most suitable for a Craftsman style home?
Craftsman style furniture is simple, sturdy, and made from natural materials like wood and leather. Mission-style furniture is a great fit, featuring clean lines and handcrafted quality. Oak, walnut, and cherry are popular wood choices, while leather upholstery adds warmth. Avoid overly ornate or modern pieces, as they can detract from the home’s traditional look.
How can I incorporate lighting in a Craftsman home?
To complement Craftsman decor, choose lighting that is warm and handcrafted in appearance. Tiffany lamps with stained glass, recessed lighting, and sconces made from natural materials like wood or metal are all excellent choices. Opt for fixtures with copper, brass, or wrought iron accents, and use soft, warm-toned bulbs to create a cozy ambiance.
What flooring options are best for a Craftsman style home?
The best flooring options for a Craftsman home are hardwood floors like oak or walnut. These materials provide a natural and warm foundation for the home. For more rustic areas like the kitchen or bathroom, consider using natural stone tiles. Adding handwoven rugs in earth tones or geometric patterns can enhance the traditional look and bring warmth to the space.
How do I choose decorative accessories for a Craftsman style home?
When selecting accessories for a Craftsman home, focus on handmade and natural elements. Art glass vases, ceramics, pottery, and metal accents like copper or iron work well. Incorporate textiles in soft, natural fabrics, and avoid overly ornate or mass-produced items. The key is to highlight craftsmanship and authenticity in every detail, staying true to the Arts and Crafts movement.
