A truly craftsman designed home will never “go out of style.” It is a historic American style. Now, all of these production neighborhoods that tack on what they consider “craftsman details” may very well be overtaken by “modern farmhouse” production neighborhoods or a neighborhood filled with “modern” touches like flat roofs, large expanses of glass, whatever. But if done properly, a craftsman house won’t be ”out of style.”

I think it depends on how you do it. Pay attention to how many of your choices are true Craftsman style and how many are reflective of current trends. I tend to find that wood trim, doors, etc date a house more than almost any other element (think blonde, cherry, oak, or look at listings of houses for sale from past decades). Craftsman style does use a lot of wood, so I would be cautious.

There’s certainly a difference between trendy, in style, and classic. Craftsman is classic, but also experiencing a trendy phase.

17 miles away from us is a town where Craftsman houses, old and new, are quite common. In my more immediate area I can't think of any. So when we designed our custom house, we went with touches of Craftsman - beautiful C. door, 3-panel stained interior doors, C. interior trim - but painted it a creamy white. Debated about C. windows, but didn't want to clean around all of the muntins. Thought long and hard about a C. fireplace, but decided not to do it in this neighborhood, since whatever we'd choose for C. tile would be limiting when we have to sell the house.

We're on an acre of wooded land, and wanted a light airy feeling to the house, even though it's surrounded by dozens of very tall oaks and hickories. So even though I love the Craftsman style, I didn't want all of the dark wood. I guess our style is very simplified barely Craftsman.

Look around your sub and neighboring ones to see if there are C. - style homes, or ask a realtor in your area about people's reactions to C. homes. Since you're in a sub in the Puget Sound area and building on 5 acres, seems like you'd be reasonably safe building what you want.

Anne

Does Colonial ever go out of style? Does Cape Cod ever go out of style? Does Ranch ever go out of style? Does Country French ever go out of style? Does Tudor ever go out of style? Does Mediterranean ever go out of style? Does Spanish ever go out of style? Do dome homes ever go out of style? Well, maybe scratch that last one.

Craftsman is a recognized style that's been around in the U.S. for well over 100 years. While it has waxed and waned in popularity over that time, it has never gone away and never been considered undesirable. I don't see it as going away any time in the foreseeable future, particularly in the PNW. My only caution is that, if you're serious about Craftsman, study up. I see many houses these days -- new and remodeled -- that are called "Craftsman" that are an embarrassment to the name. Some architect or designer decided to take a mundane plan, slap a couple of wooden columns on the front porch, and christened it Craftsman. If you want to do this, do it right. Don't do faux Craftsman.

IMO Craftsman is a style that will never go out of style but IMO trying to mix other styles with it can be very tricky. Maybe post some pics of what you are thinking becuase in my head they really do not work together but something like this maybe

Patricia--that's so funny! The photo you posted is already on my Pinterest board as one of my favorite entries! Here are some others that I like. If this style isn't "Contemporary 80% Craftsman 20% Lodge", what would you call it?!

These old and new designs say Craftsman to me:

These new designs -- advertised as "Craftsman" -- do not:

I'm not saying that a new Craftsman house has to look like what was being built 100 years ago, but I am saying that adding a few superficial details to a bland contemporary design and calling it "Craftsman" is meaningless.

If you want to go to the source of much of the best Craftsman design for inspiration, check out this: Greene and Greene

A friend of mine who sold traditional men's and women's clothing gave this advice: purchase style not fashion. So it is with homes. Fashion comes and goes; style is enduring.

I haven't heard Whistler Contemporary, but I like it! Hopefully, architects will know what I mean.

Craftsman homes will not go out of style and have been around a long time. I think that home styling is dictated by the region/area and your personal preference. It sounds lovely, enjoy it.

I wouldn't consider any of the homes you posted as true Craftsman. But if you like them, go for it.

Diana- Which pictures are you commenting on? I don't see any pictures that the OP posted. Just curious...not trying to give you a hard time. :-)

If you scroll up, kudzu9, you'll see that the OP (Teresa Wenta) posted her photos directly above yours!

No craftsman in my current area, but I love the style and used to own one on a gorgeous 2 acre lot.

Most of the pictures that you showed are not Craftsman. (I agree with kudzu9) IMHO, the houses you picked will go out of fashion because they are 'contemporary' take on Craftsman style when the fashion moves on. In order to do Craftsman well, you have to have a lot of high quality cabinetry with good quality wood. Even if you paint it, you still need good workmanship to start with. That is very expensive. If you do not have enough good quality woodwork, that type of Craftsman-wanna-be-house can look bland and cheap.

If I were you, I would teach myself about the Arts and Crafts architectural movement so I know what makes Craftsman style home enduring.

I see plenty of contemporary modern new constructions here... People snap them. Looks like switch from the "modern farmhouses" to "contemporary moderns".

Diana- Thanks...don't know how I missed the fact that that was the OP's post. :-(

Don't think you can go wrong.

None of what you posted is craftsman. They are builders ideas of what the public thinks is craftsman. I built a craftsman house. I think i did a good job because everyone who sees it, thinks i renovated an old craftsman.