Ask Dowd Contracting: What is a Craftsman Style Home?

Houses come in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes all the choices that go into a new home are overwhelming. Craftsman style homes are wildly popular in Missouri, and have been for a really long time. Maybe you’ve heard the term, but what all does that really mean? Craftsman style homes have a rich history and a timeless look that just about anybody would fall in love with. That being said, let’s dive into the details of a Craftsman style home, its origins in the U.S., and why the house plan remains a fan favorite among home builders in the Cape Girardeau area.

What Makes a Home Craftsman Style and How Do I Get One in Cape Girardeau, Mo? 

Craftsman style homes can vary in coloring and other features, but all of them typically have a few central characteristics. The idea of the Craftsman style home is to show off man-made handiwork and cozy simplicity. One distinctive feature is a low roof with eaves that extend over the home. They have spacious porches upheld by columns thick and tapered, along with stone or stucco accents. The exterior of a Craftsman style home is normally horizontal and painted wood siding in earthy tones, though color schemes have become more diverse over the years.

The interior of a Craftsman style home is just as unique as the exterior, sporting ceilings of different heights, small eat-in kitchen nooks, and thick framed wooden doors and windows. In many cases, the living room has a fireplace surrounded by stone to tie the space together, but there’s really no wrong way to do it! The Craftsman style home is a flexible, non-minimalist house plan that draws in a natural, warm atmosphere. 

If this house sounds like it's calling your name, then you’re in luck! Dowd Contracting is more than happy to build a custom Craftsman style home in the Cape Girardeau, Mo area with all the little details you’ll love. We understand that it’s your dream house, so whether you’re wanting farmhouse decor or a more minimalist look, we can make it happen.

Where did Craftsman Style Homes Originate? 

The Craftsman style home was born out of resistance to the Industrial Revolution. This movement occurred from 1900 to 1920, and wanted to emphasize the beauty of handmade craftsmanship as opposed to machines. In the beginning, the Craftsman style home was primarily seen in California and Midwestern neighborhoods. However, after furniture designer Gustav Stickley brought it to light in his monthly magazine The Craftsman, the new home style spread like wildfire all around the country. Now, at least a century later, the Craftsman style home remains beloved among homeowners and home builders in Cape Girardeau alike. 

Why are Craftsman Style Homes Still Appealing Today?

Now that we have a basic understanding, what is it about the Craftsman style home that has withstood the test of time? It could be the fact that it holds both simplicity and complexity both internally and externally. The love that goes into the details of a Craftsman style home are rarely achieved in modern or contemporary home design. The overall build of the home feels safe and inviting, and it stands as a monument to what humans can do without the help of machinery. It’s impossible not to feel inspired by the underdog attitude this home style possesses, and that’s more than likely why we’re still drawn to it today. If you’re thinking about building a Craftsman style home, just know that Dowd Contracting will be on the job without hesitation.