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Recently I was approached by a client to take on a project that they had waited years to tackle. The challenge: to design the interiors for a 1920’s Craftsman bungalow which included a full remodel of the existing kitchen, the addition of 576 square feet of interiors and160 square feet of covered patio that retained the period architecture will adding contemporary elements and making the spaces suitable for modern living.
Growing up in South Pasadena, I was surrounded by Craftsman architecture and design. I learned to love and appreciate everything about this style whose roots are based in the European Arts & Crafts Movement, a social reaction to the Victorian Era and industrialization. Machines began to appear in all types of manufacturing where mass produced items were created during a single work day. In response to the beginning of mass production, this reformist movement developed whose guiding idea is a romantic idealization of the craftsman taking pride in his personal handiwork using natural materials. Starting in 1880 this movement impacted architecture, furnishings and crafts the most on both sides of the Atlantic and ending in 1910 in Europe followed by the end of the American movement in 1925.
Surviving into the 21st century, Craftsman design still appears in new and updated construction. Even though we live differently today, we can still design spaces in Craftsman style updating the look to accommodate our lives. But in a way we have come full circle with Green and Sustainable design which aims to reduce the impact on the environment which has been impacted by industrialization. With all that in mind, creating contemporary Craftsman homes is a great blend of traditional, simple styling, quality craftsmanship, the use of earth friendly materials with all of today’s conveniences skillfully integrated into period architecture.
If you are thinking of creating your ultimate Art’s & Craft’s home here are some suggestions to celebrate the past while living today and looking into the future:
•DESIGN: Craftsman style, much like modern design, is all about clean simple lines. In America, architects like the Green Brothers introduced and encorporated traditional Japanese linear elements into their designs. So if living with a completely Art’s & Crafts home is too overwhelming, you can blend Asian design style and pieces along with contemporary ones to create unique spaces.
•MATERIALS: Traditionally oak, walnut and cherry woods, hand made tiles, stain glass, copper, brass and even the mineral mica were used to finish homes, build furniture and hand craft lighting. Today, whether you wish to stick to authenticity or make it modern just be Green about it: choose FSC wood cabinets, recycled porcelain or ceramic handmade tiles made by local craftsman and maybe purchase authentic period produced lighting.
•COLORS: The use of natural earth tones of brown is the overall color base and olive and sage greens, rust orange and fall reds were colorful accent colors to finish off a traditional scheme. Bring a modern twist by combining different species and color stains in a room. Try using a more primary color for a kitchen island base cabinet topped with a granite black countertop.
Check out some of my favorite contemporary Craftsman interiors
Growing up in South Pasadena, I was surrounded by Craftsman architecture and design. I learned to love and appreciate everything about this style whose roots are based in the European Arts & Crafts Movement, a social reaction to the Victorian Era and industrialization. Machines began to appear in all types of manufacturing where mass produced items were created during a single work day. In response to the beginning of mass production, this reformist movement developed whose guiding idea is a romantic idealization of the craftsman taking pride in his personal handiwork using natural materials. Starting in 1880 this movement impacted architecture, furnishings and crafts the most on both sides of the Atlantic and ending in 1910 in Europe followed by the end of the American movement in 1925.
Surviving into the 21st century, Craftsman design still appears in new and updated construction. Even though we live differently today, we can still design spaces in Craftsman style updating the look to accommodate our lives. But in a way we have come full circle with Green and Sustainable design which aims to reduce the impact on the environment which has been impacted by industrialization. With all that in mind, creating contemporary Craftsman homes is a great blend of traditional, simple styling, quality craftsmanship, the use of earth friendly materials with all of today’s conveniences skillfully integrated into period architecture.
If you are thinking of creating your ultimate Art’s & Craft’s home here are some suggestions to celebrate the past while living today and looking into the future:
•DESIGN: Craftsman style, much like modern design, is all about clean simple lines. In America, architects like the Green Brothers introduced and encorporated traditional Japanese linear elements into their designs. So if living with a completely Art’s & Crafts home is too overwhelming, you can blend Asian design style and pieces along with contemporary ones to create unique spaces.
•MATERIALS: Traditionally oak, walnut and cherry woods, hand made tiles, stain glass, copper, brass and even the mineral mica were used to finish homes, build furniture and hand craft lighting. Today, whether you wish to stick to authenticity or make it modern just be Green about it: choose FSC wood cabinets, recycled porcelain or ceramic handmade tiles made by local craftsman and maybe purchase authentic period produced lighting.
•COLORS: The use of natural earth tones of brown is the overall color base and olive and sage greens, rust orange and fall reds were colorful accent colors to finish off a traditional scheme. Bring a modern twist by combining different species and color stains in a room. Try using a more primary color for a kitchen island base cabinet topped with a granite black countertop.
Check out some of my favorite contemporary Craftsman interiors
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Even though the architectural details in this living room are pared down, the Craftsman feel still comes through. The technique is subtle but impactful.
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We are so used to choosing tile to cover our bathroom walls we forget about other materials. I love how the cherry wood panelling and trim, reminiscent of Green & Green interiors, is Craftsman rooted but contemporary at the same time.
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To update a period style choose elements that characterize that style and mix them with modern ones. The simple cabinet doors with recessed panels and the spindles on the stair railing define this great contemporary Craftsman kitchen.
Wonderfully eclectic! Architecturally the space is Craftsman and we would expect to see Mission style dining chairs and a mica chandelier. But the unexpected use of mid-century pendants and Danish chairs (inspired by classical portraits of Danish merchants sitting in Ming chairs) pulls a unique look together.
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| Here's another great way of mixing styles together. Because of the use of dark woods and colors, Craftsman homes usually feel "heavy". Here, it is great how the architectural details of the hardwood floors, wood wall panelling and cabinetry sets the home's period style and is lightened by the eclectic furnishings and art, including a modern metal dining table, a large Asian container and provincial chairs. |
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Built-in furniture is another design element that characterizes Craftsman homes. In this kitchen a period styled banquette is nestled in a corrner. Details like the granite countertops and glass pendants update the look.
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Pocket doors can be found in almost every period Craftsman home built in the 19th century. By simply replacing the doors central wood panel with glass, you have brought the look into the 21st century.
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With lower cabinets stained darker than wall cabinets and glass replacing the door panels, this modern Craftsman kitchen is sleek and modern.
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