A Guide To Craftsman Architecture & Natural Stone Detailing

The craftsman style is a uniquely American architectural and design movement that arose in the early 20th century. It was inspired by the Arts and Crafts Movement of England, which emphasized simple, handmade objects made from natural materials.

The American version of this movement was influenced by:

• Ideas about the efficient use of space
• The need for affordable housing
• Social reform ideals of the Progressive Era

Craftsman style homes typically feature a low-pitched roof, large front porches, and natural materials such as stone, wood, brick, and stucco.

Building Blocks Of Craftsman Style

While there is a range of expression, particularly depending on what part of the country you’re in, craftsman style homes are characterized by:

• Regionalism: The style was inspired by the surrounding environment. Designers utilized materials common to the area, including wood and stone. For instance, Craftsman homes in California were designed to take advantage of the climate, and often made from redwood, which is plentiful in that state.
• Simplicity: Simplicity is a key element of the craftsman style. It emerged as a reaction to the heavy ornamentation of Victorian styles. The simplicity of stone-forward design reinforces connection to nature.
• Natural Materials: The use of natural materials is foundational to craftsman architecture. Architectural elements, from craftsman door surrounds to mouldings, give the home a timeless feel.
• Straight Lines: The use of straight lines is often employed to create the illusion of space and balance, as well as to give the house a sense of permanence.

Exterior Features Of Craftsman Style

A few hallmark features can help you recognize a craftsman-style house at a glance.

• House Color: The color palette is rooted in neutral earth tones. Think warm browns, soft beiges, and muted grays. You’ll also find carefully chosen accent colors—such as white, black, green, yellow, and blue—used to complement the overall natural aesthetic.
• Asymmetrical Roofs: Low-pitched roofs with wide eaves and exposed rafters are characteristic, often featuring an asymmetrical design style.
• Outdoor Oasis: Outdoor spaces are designed to foster a strong connection to nature, often featuring exterior architectural elements that enhance the natural surroundings. Natural stone columns or exterior stone fireplaces transform spaces into a seamless outdoor oasis.
• Porches: Entrance porches are a common feature in Craftsman-style homes. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes but often feature a simple, unadorned design.
  

Interior Features Of Craftsman Style

• Furniture: Characterized by clean lines and sturdy forms, craftsman-style furniture emphasizes the integrity of handcrafted pieces.
• Windows and Lighting: Functional and bright, the windows are often asymmetrical, maximizing natural light.
• Exposed elements: Interiors often celebrate structure by leaving core materials visible. Instead of concealing them, stone walls and architectural stone features are intentionally exposed to highlight the home's integrity and connection to nature.
• Material Finishes: True to the tradition, finishes emphasize simplicity and substance, offering texture, warmth, and a sense of permanence without excess.

What Is The Philosophy Behind Craftsman Style?

So, what defines craftsman style beyond its architectural features? At its core, it’s a philosophy rooted in the British Arts and Crafts movement, which made its way to the United States in the late 19th century.

The Arts and Crafts movement was a reaction to the Industrial Revolution, which had led to an increasing division of labor in society and a life lived further away from nature. The movement was also a reaction against the idea that art should be seen as a commodity. Philosophical components of the Arts and Crafts movement that are expressed in Craftsman style include:

• Valuing One-Of-A-Kind, Handmade Objects: Creating and prizing handcrafted goods by skilled artisans over mass-produced goods, as the ultimate statement of respecting quality over quantity.
• The Connection to Nature: People resisting industrialization and modernization wanted to return to a more natural way of life, emphasizing simplicity and self-sufficiency. This is achieved through the use of quarried stone and organic materials.
• Simplicity Over Excess: The shift away from elaborate styles, such as those found in Victorian homes, reflected not just an aesthetic preference but a broader effort to make high-quality design accessible to a wider audience.

The style gained traction in the U.S. after the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Illinois. The exposition provided an opportunity to demonstrate how the craftsman's style was a considerable contrast to the European styles that were popular at the time. Gustav Stickley and architects like Greene & Greene helped define and spread the style, which emphasized hand-craftsmanship over industrial production.

How Has Craftsman Style Changed?

While the core values of craftsman architecture — simplicity, function, and honesty in materials — remain intact, modern interpretations have become more refined. Today’s craftsman-inspired spaces often blend architectural tradition with contemporary forms and finishes.

At MATERIAL Bespoke Stone + Tile, this evolution takes shape through the Craftsman Family Collection: a range of timeless mouldings and surrounds that pay homage to the original movement while embracing timeless stonework.

Triangular motifs echo gabled rooflines. Crown mouldings, base mouldings, and chair rail mouldings are a few of our best-loved elements hand-carved from natural stone. Hues of Charcoal Limestone to White Marble ground your home in a palette of warmth, texture, and authenticity.

The Craftsman Door Surround, in particular, captures this spirit—each detail carved with precision, shaped from stone that naturally varies in tone and veining, making every install one-of-a-kind. These elements don’t just reference the past—they refine it. Each quietly commands attention and celebrates the enduring beauty of craftsmanship.

Ready To Add Craftsman Style To Your Home?

Craftsman style remains popular today, especially for interior designers who value quality craftsmanship and a connection to the natural environment. Whether you're building from the ground up or adding a touch of luxury with natural stone, MATERIAL invites you to explore our curated selection. Inspired by Arts and Crafts tradition, our fireplaces, architectural mouldings, and door surrounds add timeless character with classic, Craftsman-inspired detailing. Contact us or visit one of our showrooms for more information.

Sources:

1. Craftsman Perspective. English Origins: 1830-1860. https://www.craftsmanperspective.com/history/origins.html
2. Love to Know Home & Garden. Understanding Craftsman Style Homes: Designs and Features. https://interiordesign.lovetoknow.com/Craftsman_Style_Homes
3. House Beautiful. There’s A Reason Original Craftsman Style Homes Are Still Around After 100 Years. https://www.housebeautiful.com/design-inspiration/a25227127/craftsman-style-houses/