7 Iconic Craftsman Style House Features for 2025

Born from the Arts and Crafts movement, the Craftsman style is more than a home design; it's a philosophy celebrating simplicity, natural materials, and superb craftsmanship. Valued for its honest construction and connection to nature, this architectural style has remained a beloved choice for American homeowners for over a century. Unlike ornate Victorian homes that preceded them, Craftsman houses emphasize sturdy, functional beauty with features that are both decorative and integral to the structure.

This approach creates a warm, inviting, and distinctly American aesthetic that prioritizes quality over quantity. From the welcoming front porch to the intricate interior woodwork, every element tells a story of artistry and purpose. In this guide, we will explore the defining craftsman style house features that give these homes their timeless appeal. Understanding these characteristics is the first step toward recognizing, renovating, or building a home that fully embodies this classic and enduring architectural style.

1. Low-Pitched Gabled Roofs

One of the most defining craftsman style house features is the low-pitched gabled roof. Unlike the steep pitches found on Victorian homes, Craftsman roofs have a gentle slope, creating a strong horizontal line that visually grounds the house to the earth. This design choice reflects the Arts and Crafts movement's emphasis on simplicity, nature, and honest construction. The gables often face the street, prominently displaying the home's structural artistry.

These roofs almost always feature wide, overhanging eaves that extend well beyond the walls. This creates a sheltered space around the home and protects the exterior from the elements. This element is a key part of various house elevation design styles. The most iconic examples, like Pasadena's Gamble House by Greene & Greene, showcase this feature with magnificent exposed rafters and decorative brackets that support the eaves.

Key Characteristics & Tips

To authentically replicate this look, focus on the materials and structural details. The goal is to blend form with function, creating a roof that is both beautiful and practical.

• Exposed Rafter Tails: Instead of boxing them in, the ends of the roof rafters are left visible under the eaves. Use durable, attractive woods like cedar or redwood for a classic look.

• Decorative Brackets: Large, often curved or triangular wooden brackets are placed under the gables and eaves, adding structural support and visual interest.

• Authentic Materials: Traditional roof coverings include wood shingles, slate, or clay tiles, chosen to harmonize with the home's natural color palette and regional climate.

2. Decorative Exposed Beams and Brackets

A celebrated hallmark of Craftsman architecture is the use of decorative exposed beams and brackets. Rather than concealing the structural framework, Arts and Crafts builders chose to celebrate it. This design philosophy transforms functional elements like knee braces, corbels, and rafter tails into prominent artistic features, showcasing the beauty of honest construction and handcrafted woodwork. This focus on visible structure is a core tenet of authentic craftsman style house features.

These elements provide both structural support and significant visual weight, often found under gables, roof eaves, and porch overhangs. Influential architects like Greene & Greene mastered this technique, as seen in the elaborate timber work of the Thorsen House in Berkeley. This tradition was also widely adopted in more accessible forms, becoming a defining characteristic of the popular Sears Craftsman kit homes that spread across America in the early 20th century.

Key Characteristics & Tips

To integrate this feature effectively, the focus should be on craftsmanship, material choice, and proper scale. The goal is to make the structural elements look intentional and integral to the home’s overall design.

• Choose Durable Woods: Use naturally rot-resistant woods like cedar or redwood for longevity and authentic visual appeal. These materials stand up to the elements while aging beautifully.

• Maintain Proportions: Ensure the size of the brackets and beams is proportional to the house itself. They should appear substantial and supportive, not undersized or merely tacked on.

• Prioritize Finishing: Apply a high-quality stain or finish to protect the wood and highlight its natural grain. Regular maintenance is key to preserving its appearance and integrity.

• Consider Faux Options: For budget-conscious renovations or where structural additions are impractical, high-density polyurethane faux beams and brackets can offer a convincing, low-maintenance alternative.

3. Tapered Columns on Pedestals

Another essential of craftsman style house features is the use of tapered columns, often resting on massive pedestals. These columns are typically wider at the base and narrow as they rise, supporting the front porch roof. This design creates a sense of grounded permanence and structural integrity, visually anchoring the home. The pedestals themselves are substantial, usually built from stone, brick, or stucco-covered concrete, reinforcing the connection between the structure and its natural surroundings.

This distinctive feature became widespread through early 20th-century architectural pattern books and even mail-order house plans from companies like Sears, Roebuck & Co. Today, beautiful examples can be seen in historic neighborhoods like Oak Park, Illinois, and across Seattle. The combination of a robust, natural-material base with a refined wooden column above perfectly captures the Arts and Crafts philosophy of celebrating honest materials and handcrafted artistry, creating a welcoming and substantial entryway.

Key Characteristics & Tips

To achieve an authentic look, the proportion and material choice for these columns and pedestals are critical. The goal is to convey strength and a handcrafted feel that defines the Craftsman aesthetic.

• Mind the Proportions: A common rule of thumb is to make the pedestal roughly one-third of the total column height. This creates a visually pleasing and structurally sound appearance.

• Durable Pedestal Materials: Use high-quality, weather-resistant materials like fieldstone, river rock, or clinker brick for the pedestals. Ensure they rest on a proper foundation to prevent settling.

• Column Construction: The tapered columns are traditionally made from wood. For longevity, use durable species like cedar or redwood and ensure they are properly sealed or painted to withstand the elements.

4. Mixed Natural Materials

A core tenet of the Arts and Crafts philosophy is the honest and prominent use of natural materials. Craftsman style house features celebrate this by artfully combining different textures and colors on the exterior. This approach avoids a uniform, manufactured look, instead creating a rich, organic feel that connects the home to its landscape. Common pairings include sturdy stone or brick on the lower portion with wood shingles or siding above, grounding the structure visually.

This blending of materials adds significant visual interest and highlights the home's construction. For instance, Chicago bungalows often mix brick lower levels with stucco gables, while homes in the Pacific Northwest might combine locally sourced river rock with warm cedar shingles. The goal is always harmony, with each material chosen to complement the others and reflect the surrounding environment, a principle championed by early proponents like Gustav Stickley.

Key Characteristics & Tips

To successfully mix materials, the focus should be on balance, regional authenticity, and proper construction techniques. The result should feel intentional and integrated, not random.

• Regional Sourcing: Whenever possible, use materials native to your area. This not only supports local suppliers but also ensures the home’s color and texture palette feels authentic to its location.

• Proper Flashing: It is critical to install correct flashing where different materials meet, such as between a stone foundation and wood siding. This prevents water intrusion and protects the home’s structural integrity.

• Plan for Maintenance: Different materials have different needs. A wood siding section will require staining or painting more often than a brick base. Create a maintenance schedule that accounts for each material type.

• Consider Thermal Expansion: Materials expand and contract with temperature changes at different rates. Ensure your builder accounts for this in the design to prevent cracking or warping over time.

5. Deep, Welcoming Front Porches

Among the most cherished craftsman style house features is the deep, welcoming front porch. More than just an entryway, this substantial outdoor space acts as a transitional room, blurring the lines between the home and the community. Often extending across the full width of the facade, these porches are designed for living, not just for shelter, embodying the Arts and Crafts philosophy of fostering family and neighborhood connections. They serve as an inviting extension of the home's interior living area.

These porches are typically supported by massive, tapered columns that rise from heavy masonry piers, grounding the structure and adding to its sturdy, handcrafted appearance. From the classic bungalow neighborhoods of Pasadena, California, to the historic districts of Portland, Oregon, these porches are a signature element. Their design was popularized by early 20th-century mail-order house companies like Sears, which made the style accessible across America. You can discover more about the enduring charm of these homes by exploring the appeal of Craftsman housing.

Key Characteristics & Tips

To create an authentic and functional Craftsman porch, focus on generous proportions and durable, natural materials that encourage outdoor living.

• Tapered Columns: Use stout, square columns that are wider at the base and taper toward the top. Often, these sit on prominent piers made of brick, stone, or stucco-covered blocks.

• Sufficient Depth: Ensure the porch is deep enough to comfortably accommodate furniture like rocking chairs or a porch swing without impeding foot traffic. A minimum depth of eight feet is ideal.

• Natural Materials: Use weather-resistant wood like cedar or Douglas fir for the flooring and ceiling. Tongue-and-groove planking for the ceiling is a classic touch.

• Thoughtful Amenities: Integrate features like built-in benches, overhead lighting, ceiling fans, and electrical outlets to maximize comfort and usability through different seasons.

6. Handcrafted Built-in Furniture

Another of the most beloved craftsman style house features is the seamless integration of handcrafted built-in furniture. Rather than treating furniture as separate, movable objects, Craftsman philosophy views it as an integral part of the home's architecture. This approach maximizes space, creates a cohesive aesthetic, and showcases the high level of woodworking skill central to the Arts and Crafts movement. Common examples include breakfast nooks, bookcases flanking a fireplace, window seats, and intricate china cabinets.

This "total design" concept, championed by architects like Greene & Greene, ensures every element works in harmony. These built-ins are not mere afterthoughts; they are planned from the initial design phase to enhance both form and function. For anyone considering a custom build, understanding the process is key. For more on this, you can explore the important things you should know if you want to modify your house plan. The result is a beautifully unified interior where storage and seating feel like natural extensions of the walls themselves.

Key Characteristics & Tips

To successfully incorporate this feature, the focus must be on quality craftsmanship and thoughtful integration. The goal is to create pieces that are both practical and artistically expressive.

• Premium Hardwoods: Use high-quality, durable woods like quarter-sawn oak, mahogany, or cherry. The natural grain and rich color of the wood are central to the aesthetic.

• Artisanal Details: Incorporate signature Craftsman details such as exposed joinery (mortise and tenon), custom art glass panels, and hand-forged metal hardware to elevate the design.

• Functional Integration: Plan for modern needs by discreetly including electrical outlets, charging stations, or media connections within the built-in units to blend traditional style with contemporary living.

7. Multi-Paned Windows with Divided Lights

Windows are a signature element of Craftsman architecture, serving as a key component of the home's connection to nature. Multi-paned windows are one of the most recognizable craftsman style house features, prized for their geometric artistry and functional design. Characteristically, these windows feature multiple small panes of glass, or "lights," in the upper sash, often arranged in a distinct grid pattern. The lower sash is typically left as a single, large pane of glass, creating an unobstructed view when seated.

These windows are usually double-hung, but casement styles are also common, and they are almost always made of wood with substantial casings. To maximize natural light and foster an indoor-outdoor feel, builders often grouped them in banks of two, three, or even four. This technique creates an expansive wall opening that floods the interior with sunlight, a core principle of the Arts and Crafts philosophy. Famous examples, like the Thorsen House, even incorporate elegant art glass into these designs, elevating them from simple windows to works of art.

Key Characteristics & Tips

To achieve an authentic Craftsman look, the proportion and arrangement of the window lights are crucial. The goal is to balance decorative detail with clear, functional sightlines.

• Classic Configuration: Stick to the traditional pattern: a top sash with three, four, or six individual lights and a clear, single-pane bottom sash. This preserves the historical aesthetic.

• Group Windows Together: Install windows in pairs or threes along prominent walls, especially in living rooms and dining areas. This creates a powerful visual statement and enhances natural light.

• Choose Quality Wood: Use durable wood species like Douglas fir or oak for the window frames and mullions. This ensures longevity and provides the warm, natural texture central to the style.

• Consider Modern Efficiency: For new builds or replacements, look for energy-efficient reproductions that mimic historic divided lights with modern insulation and performance benefits.

Craftsman House Features Comparison

Bringing Your Craftsman Vision to Life

The enduring appeal of the Craftsman style lies in its honest and intentional design. The key craftsman style house features we've explored, from the sheltering low-pitched roofs and deep front porches to the sturdy tapered columns, all work in harmony. They create a home that feels both grounded and welcoming, a direct reflection of the Arts and Crafts movement's core values: simplicity, natural materials, and superb hand-craftsmanship.

This architectural language emphasizes a deep connection between the home's structure, its inhabitants, and the surrounding environment. The use of mixed materials like wood and stone, along with features like exposed beams and handcrafted built-ins, reinforces this philosophy. It's a style that celebrates utility as an art form, where every element has a clear purpose and is executed with care.

Your Next Steps to Building a Craftsman Home

Whether you're embarking on a full-scale build, planning a thoughtful renovation, or simply looking to introduce Craftsman elements into your existing space, the path forward is rooted in these foundational principles.

• Prioritize a Cohesive Plan: Before making any decisions, focus on how these distinct features will work together. A successful Craftsman design feels integrated, not like a collection of separate ideas.

• Invest in Quality Materials: The style's integrity comes from its use of authentic wood, stone, and brick. Honoring this commitment is the most important step in capturing its timeless spirit.

• Focus on the Details: The beauty of a Craftsman home is often found in the details, such as the joinery of a built-in bookcase, the pattern of multi-paned windows, or the graceful curve of a decorative bracket.

Mastering these concepts allows you to create more than just a house; it allows you to build a sanctuary that is both a functional masterpiece and a testament to enduring design. By embracing the principles of quality, artistry, and purpose, you can create a home that will provide comfort and beauty for generations.

Ready to turn your inspiration into a reality? The expert team at RBA Home Plans specializes in creating authentic and functional Craftsman designs. Explore our extensive catalog of award-winning blueprints at RBA Home Plans and find the perfect foundation for your dream home today.