In the early 1900s, the Arts and Crafts Movement, which originated in England, made its way to the United States. Architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright and Gustav Stickley applied the simplicity of this style to their work, creating what came to be known as the American Craftsman style of architecture and design. Craftsman architecture was the complete opposite of the Victorian-era architecture that had previously dominated American designs. Simple and functional rather than elaborate and elegant, it emphasized right angles and the use of natural materials.

There are still many American Craftsman homes across the United States today. Some of these are original Craftsman-style homes, built in the early 1990s, while others are newer homes made with this architectural style in mind. Here is a look at a few of the elements commonly seen in American Craftsman-style homes.

Low-Pitched Roofs

Roofs of Craftsman homes typically have a low pitch with many different eaves and gables. They also feature substantial overhangs. Single dormers outfit the roofs of many Craftsman homes.

Square Columns

On most Craftsman homes, you'll spot these square columns acting as supports for the roof that overhangs the front stoop. You may also see them incorporated into the interior design, especially in the spacious, open living and dining rooms of newer Craftsman homes.

Mixed, Natural Materials

Most Craftsman-style homes feature a combination of wood and stone throughout the home, in both the interior and exterior. It's not uncommon for more than one type of wood to be used in a single home, and rarely is the wood painted. Some Craftsman homes also incorporate bricks.

Multipane Windows

The windows in Craftsman-style homes often feature a four-paned window hung over a single-pane window. Front doors in these homes also often feature window panes. Usually, a door on a Craftsman home will have three individual panes across its upper half, but no panes on the lower half.

Exposed Beams

It's common to see exposed beams under the eaves of the roof. You're also likely to note exposed beams in the interior of the home, especially over staircases and in large living rooms. These exposed beams are rarely painted. When any element of a Craftsman home is painted, it is generally in neutral, earth-toned colors.

If the elements described above sound appealing, you'd likely be happy living in a Craftsman-style home. This famous architectural style can be found throughout the United States. Talk to your realtor about finding Craftsman-style homes in your area. To learn more, contact a company like Gambino Realtors with any questions you have.