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new home style

8 years ago

Hi, I am in the early stages of building a new home. I have the lot and I am working with a builder with the home design. The house plan from the exterior is a craftsman style home. The house will be around 1500 sq ft. ranch style house with a 2 car attached garage. To comply with the neighborhood covenants the house must be 100% stone or brick on the front facing exterior. Since the style of the exterior will be craftsman I am thinking that stone would be a better style fit. I think I have the exterior ideas in place my dilemma is the interior. Before I decided on building this home I viewed a few condos that had exposed brick walls and had sort of an industrial look to them. I loved these condos so I want to incorporate some of that style in my new house.

I want to know your thoughts on using exposed brick (think of the type of brick in an old factory turned restaurant or office space) in a craftsman style ranch home. Am I trying to mix two different styles that will clash? I know that this is my house and I can do what feels right to me, but I have to think to the future and what would a potential buyer think of this style? If you have any thoughts or suggestions I am open to a conversation. Thanks for your help.

Comments (42)

  • 8 years ago

    i think that is a really bad idea, the styles 'clash', it probably will cost a bunch more $$$$

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    this is what I have in mind for using brick in the interior.

  • PRO
    8 years ago
    I think you can achieve your goal. Are you putting a fireplace into your design. Perhaps this would be a way to incorporate your brick inside. I wouldn’t go hard core industrial but lean to it. Some furnishings with wood and metal walks line in both styling schemes. I will find some inspiration photos for you. Bbl.
  • 8 years ago

    yes I will have a gas fireplace. Thank you in advance for looking up style ideas. I am going to look on my phone for the brick style used in these condos that I liked.

  • 8 years ago

    Brick from the condos I mentioned before





  • PRO
    8 years ago
    The main way to combine these styles is with judicious use of wood and brick. Here are a few ideas. I would consider a cement look around a fireplace and a brick wall that works with your interior design. I would use wood furniture to tie Craftsman style in and it would help warm up spaces as well.
  • 8 years ago
    Wow, thanks! Those all look like the style I am going for. Tomorrow I am going to post a picture of the exterior design that I am planing on.
  • PRO
    8 years ago
    I will check back tomorrow. There are some good ways to tie inside and outside together but keep design clever enough that a future buyer would be able to see themselves in the home. Exciting.
  • PRO
    8 years ago

    Yep, a ranch house or a craftsman house (you use both terms in your description) with stone on the exterior is unlikely to have brick (especially fake brick veneer) on the inside.

    You are mixing two radically different architectural styles which simply do not blend together: ranch/craftsman and industrial warehouse. There's a ton of reasons why each is what it is and why each isn't the other.

    Build a ranch/craftsman. Or... build an industrial warehouse. Don't try to combine the two. It's not possible to combine them in a realistic and believable manner.

    Good luck!

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    Just combine the two and call it a "Modern Farmhouse" or a "Pseudo-Modern Trainwreck". I think it could be pulled off, but have a very slim chance of success.

  • PRO
    8 years ago
    Nickolas - with all due respect to folks giving so much negative feedback, you can have features of both styles. You aren’t building a “pure” architectural house. You are building your home. I would say at least 80% or more of new homes today are mixes of crazy builder combinations. You are being thoughtful and intentional and planning ahead. The main thing to keep in mind is to not go to the extreme of either style. I hear people everyday describing their styles in multi-style ways. Most want comfort and affordable homes. So stick to your vision. Just be mindful of not doing too many permanent features to reach your goals.
  • PRO
    8 years ago

    Anyone has the right to build what he wants, even if it doesn't work. But it would still be a serious mistake. If a neighborhood is filled with ranchers with fairly traditional interiors, then those who like the industrial look probably will never even look in such a neighborhood, and those who are looking, will not like it.

    Yes, one can drive carpool in a ballgown, but don't expect to be universally praised for the choice to do so. Keep the design consistent.

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    The architects say, no, no, don't do it. The decoraters say, sure you can do anything in your interiors.

    That's just about it. Flip a coin.

    Good luck!

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    Anyone will sell you anything if they can make a buck doing it. Look at pet rocks. Beware the self interest wanting the fee, or the commission, or the good review, in virtual exchange for agreeing that any kind of goofy plaid pants and flowered shirt combo is a good idea. The most valuable thing that can ever be said is NO, that is a bad idea.

  • 8 years ago

    Sophie...seriously? Are you saying that the individuals who have posted in this thread (and agreed with the poster) have done so in order to get a good review??

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    Well...why would anyone want to have one architectural style...ranch/craftsman, and want to do some entirely different on the inside...industrial brick? And why would any experienced and skillful professional want to encourage it?

    Architectural design is about the outside and the inside...one integral whole. It's not about a stylized façade on the outside. And another and conflicting stylized design on the inside.

    That's simply ridiculous in design terms.

    Of course, it's America...and anyone can do anything they want...so long as they can afford it...and suffer the long-term consequences.

    But the OP is asking for advice. The architects are saying no. The decorators are saying yes.

    Draw your own conclusions.

  • 8 years ago

    oh I think that there are a LOT of very high end architecturally designed kitchen reno's that are VERY modern in some OLD NY townhouses - the horror!... Your Craftsman rancher shouldn't have exposed ductwork and metal conduit on a huge brick wall, but there are ways to incorporate a large massing of a fireplace or other touches to achieve the goal - tastefully, without offending either designer or architect.

  • PRO
    8 years ago
    Nicholas, I thought I read you are complying with neighborhood covenants for your exteriors but would like to incorporate some more “modern loft” type styling on your interiors. I stand by my previous inputs and reject any hidden motives. Anyone who follows me on Houzz knows I don’t sugar coat anything and am honest while trying to be kind too. So, lucky you. You can decide what to listen to and what to reject.
  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    As was mentioned earlier, many of today’s home styles are a mix of things, and right or wrong, just as many homeowners are not looking to be boxed into one specific architectural style. Must someone’s character be judged because they allow others the freedom to think outside the box and are even willing to guide them in their pursuit? Concluding they are doing so for their own self interest in order to get “good reviews” is an utterly judgemental and presumptuous conclusion with no basis in fact. To publically and unashamedly judge someone’s character and motives in this manner is incredibly distasteful.

    There is just as much poor advice here from other pros that is completely wacky and unlivable but none the less has been put down and accepted as “law” because they seem to yell the loudest and be the most dogmatic. Many are so stuck in their box they can’t see any other way than their own.

    This is all very ugly.

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    There's nothing "ugly" here at all. The role of a professional is to give their best professional advice based on their education and experience. It doesn't have to be popular. But it should be professional.

    In fact, so many of the threads posted here where the OP laments their lack of satisfaction dealing with a drafter or CAD operator, or employee of a builder is specifically because those folks don't offer critical advice. They simply do what they are asked to do. And, as it turns out, many of the consumers aren't satisfied with what they asked these folks to do.

    Obviously, in this thread as in all threads, the OP is free to do whatever s/he wants to do. But the OP asked for advice. And the advice is conflicting, based on the disciplines of those giving the advice.

    So...it's not "ugly"...there are simply different opinions by those who practice in different spheres.

    As I said earlier...take your pick!

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    Virgil.....What’s happening here is not “simply different opinions”. Differing opinions on decor and architectural design is perfectly fine. You are missing the point. The “ugly” is the judgement that has been made of ones character and motives, which is completely uncalled for and should have no place here.

  • 8 years ago

    Thank you everyone for your input. Here is a little more information on the house and neighborhood. The street I am going to be building on wraps around the neighborhood that is next to a golf course and on this street there are a mix of different size and style ranch homes. Other streets around mine have 2500-4000 square foot homes of different styles. All of the houses have 100% brick or stone, or a combination of the two on the front facing of the house. Most of the homes have vinyl siding on the sides and back. All of the homes have attached garages (I am not sure if attached garages are a common thing in other parts of the country). Craftsman style seems to be a common way to build a ranch home in this area. Unless you are in a spec-home subdivision and then you'll see your typical all vinyl exterior basic ranch homes. My last ranch home that I just sold was built in 2010 and I can say it didn't have certain style to it. I loved that house, but there are things that I did for interior style that I would not do again (very dark woodwork, dark color accent walls). It was a beautiful home but I felt that a lot of the things done in the interior would be considered dated or out of style in a few years. I get that house styles change and come and go. I'll admit, I am not good at determining what's-what when it comes to putting something in a room and being able to tell if it fits a style or it clashes. I tend to see something and decide I want it for my decor because I like it. This time around I am trying to put together a house that isn't considered trendy for 2018. I am looking for something that is more classic or timeless (if that's a thing). That's why I thought the brick on the inside of of the house would be a good idea. When you see this style brick it has a look to it that says it been there awhile and I think that's the purpose it serves. I am looking for more of this timeless look vs trendy tile around the fireplace wall that will feel dated in a few years. So here is a picture of the exterior that I am going for.


  • 8 years ago

    To give you an idea of what I mean by "trendy for 2018" style, I just went to a parade of homes this past weekend. If you are not familiar with the term parade of homes its a showing of newly built, not lived in yet homes that builders are showcasing. In 95% of the homes, no matter the size or style, you'd see sliding barn doors used somewhere in the house. Almost all of the homes had white trim and a lot of white in other places in the house (kitchen island, railing spinals....). These homes were all beautiful but all shared that same trendy style. I call this trendy because in 2010 when I built my last home these things were not in style then. Maybe I am the kind of person that should have bought an old craftsman with the old character woodwork but I did not want a fixer-upper project.

  • 8 years ago

    Are you planning on putting stone on the second floor area? That is not craftsman. The idea of stone on a craftsman is that it uses natural materials and that the material is used where it would feel like it was used to build the actual house. So brick and stone would many times be used to create the foundation and the bottom of the columns for example.

    I loved that house, but there are things that I did for interior style that I would not do again (very dark woodwork, dark color accent walls). It was a beautiful home but I felt that a lot of the things done in the interior would be considered dated or out of style in a few years. I get that house styles change and come and go. I'll admit, I am not good at determining what's-what when it comes to putting something in a room and being able to tell if it fits a style or it clashes. I tend to see something and decide I want it for my decor because I like it. This time around I am trying to put together a house that isn't considered trendy for 2018.

    I want to know your thoughts on using exposed brick (think of the type of brick in an old factory turned restaurant or office space

    I hate to tell you but I see that look you want as very much late 2000 teens. Every restaurant I go to now has that look which tells me it's trendy and not a look that will last.

  • 8 years ago

    Yes, the house must have stone or brick on the entire front of the house. It is one of the requirements for the neighborhood.

  • 8 years ago

    To paint a picture started by Mark... I am tempted to call front only brick / stone something of a hospital gown - simply not enough to go around.... and it leaves SOMETHING flapping in the breeze.

  • 8 years ago

    For this area, stone/brick around the entire exterior is very uncommon. This goes for a 3 bed/2bath home up to a 4500+ sq ft 2 story home. I am not sure why it is like that here. I spent a month in the Dallas Fort/Worth area and I could not believe how many homes had stone/brick exteriors. That's not the case here. You'll see a mix of materials on the homes around here Unless you are looking at very old homes, then you'll find all stone/brick homes.

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    Putting makeup on on the very front of your face and getting that jawline stripe is as bad as putting stone only on the front. Except, add sweatpants and a T shirt to the rest of the person too. And a tiara. The very front face view is pageant worthy. Not so the rest.

    Its a house mullet.

  • 8 years ago

    Are you building the floor plan that goes with that pic? If yes, I'm not sure how much leeway you have for changes, but it could be significantly improved upon

  • 8 years ago

    Here are a few examples of houses that are in the same neighborhood as my lot. Both of these homes are just down the street. Maybe this look of stone/brick on the front and vinyl on the sides and back is something that is only done around here but it is very common.





  • 8 years ago

    I will need to have a house plan drawn up. The house i used as an example will have to be modded to fit properly on my lot.

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    Maybe this look of stone/brick on the front and vinyl on the sides and back is something that is only done around here

    Not at all!

    Pasted-on facades of different materials is a common marker of the predominant late 20th c. favourite American style, Neo-eclectic. Practically speaking, vinyl is a fraction of the cost of brick or stone, so economy trumps everything else.

    Front Stone, side brick. Don Mills, Ont., 2015. worthy-build(l) 1989, is brick all round.

    An interesting variation predominates in my neck of the world, where higher-end homes are most frequently clad in stone, natural and manmade, on the front, but the rest is brick. However, most builders taper the stone around rather than abruptly changing material at the corners.

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    Just because something is commonly done doesn't make it a good idea. Stone on one side of the house and vinyl siding on the other three falls into this category.

    Do the design guidelines allow for any appeal/alternate proposal? Perhaps you could petition for permission to do something that involves stone all the way around on the bottom only if you show it is the same amount of stone (or more!) and more true to the architectural style?

    Also, if you're seeking to avoid the trendy in favor of the timeless, you'll be much more successful if you stick with a consistent architectural style. So craftsman (which isn't 100% stone front) interior and exterior. Cpartist has done this. Alternately, if they won't bend on the stone/brick guidelines, perhaps others here can guide you to an architectural style that will be a better fit.

  • 8 years ago

    Also, assuming you're not in an industrial/warehouse conversion, industrial/warehouse style is trendy, not timeless.

  • 8 years ago

    I get what you are saying. Like the pictures below. I could check with the village to see if they would be willing to allow this.



  • 8 years ago

    Here's mine.

    Front before columns were finished.

    Side of house. Notice stone continues around and the stone looks like it's part of the foundation?
    And here's on the other side

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    NO! The half-stone wall is also a bad look. People do this thinking they are adding character, but it just looks silly, forced and fake.

    Edit: CP your "foundation" wall is an appropriate look and use. I am referring to the OP's photos.

  • 8 years ago
    The front only in stone/brick is a common practice in our area too. I knew I didn’t care for the look, but wasn’t sure why until I came here, and learned the term “House Mullet.” In a subdivision where a friend recently built, they are slowly changing. While vinyl siding is still not allowed, they are now permitting the Hardie type siding or LP Smartside on the front, along with stone or brick. I agree with the others that for the type of home you seem to want, stone or brick could work up to the height of the threshold, all the way around. Then, use another siding type product the rest of the way up. It never hurts to ask for a variance. Best of luck to you!
  • 8 years ago

    Chia that's why I posted mine for the OP to see, because I agree with you 100%

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    Nicholas - As I look at the photos you posted, I don't see much in the neighborhood I would call Craftsman styling. It is more "European/American" type looks. I would be considered about your Craftsman in this area. If this is your first new home build, be very wary and make sure you READ ALL the ruling documents. Not sure what builder you are working with, but be aware that the "contract" will spell out all the details the builder will be obligated to meet. All specifications are noted in the "contract". The Plans, are merely considered secondary information to the "contract". In looking at the area, I believe you have what I call a "semi-custom home" area, meaning you get to pick some finishes on the outside and inside but they are fairly minimal, so do make sure you have a very good understanding of the specifics. Talk to neighbors who live in the area now, if you haven't already. I know it is daunting to walk up to a door and knock, but you can glean some very important information from people who live there. You could benefit greatly from a designer with construction background in the area to help you avoid mistakes. Tough learning curve for first time buyers building their first home. We can only help so much here. Good luck!

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    auto correct is driving me mad. I meant above, that I would be "concerned" about putting your Craftsman exterior in this neighborhood.