7 Steps to Nailing Craftsman Style Inside Your Home

"Design movements are often in response to what has come before - and Craftsman interior design is one of the most clear examples of this cyclical nature at play. While the Victorian design of the late 19th century believed in more is more when it came to ornamentation and formality, Craftsman interiors focused on a return to simplicity, nature, and, well, craftsmanship."

"In 1901, furniture designer Gustav Stickley released the first issue of The Craftsman, and a titular design and architecture movement was born. He left behind the heavy ornamentation, formal styling, and intricate design of the Victorian movement, and pushed design toward a simpler, back-to-nature philosophy. Olson adds that he's also seeing a shift toward more custom, handmade finishes and details."

"You'll often find beautifully rich wood built-ins nestled into Craftsman-style rooms. Whether it's built-in glass cabinets in a dining room or bookcases flanking a fireplace, these elements show off both the craftsmanship and an emphasis on the natural grain of the wood. "Inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement and traditional Japanese woodworking, Craftsman style architecture focuses on high-quality workmanship featuring detailed woodworking and custom built-ins," Olson explains."

Craftsman interior design arose as a reaction to Victorian excess, emphasizing simplicity, nature, and skilled workmanship. The movement gained prominence in 1901 when Gustav Stickley published The Craftsman, promoting a back-to-nature philosophy and simpler design. Contemporary trends show renewed interest in custom, handmade finishes and details that echo original craftsmanship and contrast with mass-produced, big-box products. Common Craftsman traits include richly grained wood built-ins, built-in glass cabinets, bookcases flanking fireplaces, and detailed woodworking. Influences include the Arts and Crafts movement and traditional Japanese woodworking, with an emphasis on high-quality workmanship and custom built-ins.

Read at Apartment Therapy