Craftsman Elegance: Elevate Your Home with a Timeless Style Door

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1. Introduction

The term “craftsman” refers to a specific period in American architecture which reflected a return to hand craftsmanship and traditional materials. It spanned the late 19th and early 20th century and today is a popular influence on many modern homes, especially in the western United States. The four most popular styles of doors used in craftsman architecture are the six-panel, three-panel, plank, and glass panel doors. Each of these has its own character and design, and all are usually made of warm woods such as mahogany, oak, or pine.

Doors serve many purposes in the home. Besides providing security and privacy, they can provide new light to a room or indeed the whole house and create the space or closure necessary to change a room’s function. With the advent of the open plan living space, interior doors have taken on a new role and importance. No longer are they simply a means to close off a space. They are used to define it. Glazed and French doors are also popular, and they provide both function and style. They can maintain the feel of an open plan space while creating separation.

French doors are often used to provide access to a study, living room, or conservatory, and glazed doors can provide new natural light to an interior room no longer on an outside wall. In new build houses, neither of these types of doors are used as exterior doors as building regulations require all doors to the outside to be of solid wood construction, but they are popular replacements for sliding doors in more traditional houses. Finally, doors can be an integral part of the style and design pattern of a room – often its crowning glory.

1.1. The importance of doors in home design

Homeowners and home designers are always looking to improve the overall appearance of the home. They spend countless hours and dollars designing the perfect home. They go back and forth about what defines the perfect look and the character of that home. What they came up with is that there is no one definition of a beautiful home, but there are certain common characteristics and subtle details that give a home that “wow” factor. These attributes are different for each person but when discussed overall, craftsman details are what give a home timeless elegance. One craftsman detail that carries tradition and elegance is the wood door. A home functions in much the same way. Each room flows into the next, bringing a sense of pride and belonging to those who live within it.

But what is a home without the entryway from the outside world? A door serves as the grand entrance or barrier to the sanctuary inside. Creating the first impression, the door reflects the style of the owner. It acts as the clearing house between the factors of the outside world and the isolation of the home. Doors are the first built-in feature that greets the visitor and says something about the home itself. A passage from The Oregon Encyclopedia states “Doors perform a number of visual and physical functions that are essential to the design hierarchy of a house”. It goes on to outline the visual and psychological aspects of doors with emphasis on making a progression through different styles of doors and the lasting impression they leave on the home.

1.2. The appeal of craftsman elegance

The appeal of the craftsman style is manifested in its commitment to artistic integrity and quality. The craftsman work ethic is revealed through the meticulous attention to detail and use of fine materials. The exuberance of the craftsman style seems to defy the effect of time. It harkens back to a day when work was a source of pride and the main goal, an honest expression of self. Craftsman styling is often associated with quality.

People are drawn to the craftsman style because they recognize that most of these homes were well built and that the style offers a unique quality and character. The longevity of the craftsman style is another of its appeals. Many people want a home that feels timeless, yet is still unique. Craftsmen style homes nearly always fit this description. Finally, some people are drawn to the craftsman style simply because it reflects a simpler time in our history. This is particularly true for families who lead fast paced, modern lives and see their home as a sanctuary.

2. Understanding Craftsman Style

Since the Craftsman style was so focused on quality natural materials and woodworking, the most characterizing features of Craftsman doors and windows are their design and their materials. Sometimes it is desirable to switch out older windows for newer ones that are more energy efficient, and sometimes it’s a necessity, but unless you are restoring a home to be showcased in museums across the country, it’s generally unwise to part with the original wood doors.

This is due to the fact that most modern doors are steel or fiberglass and trying to get the same design in wood can be incredibly expensive. In the case of windows, it’s not uncommon to find good deals on quality wood windows, and there are custom woodworkers across the country that can duplicate the originals, allowing for the installation of quality wood windows that still capture the essence of the Craftsman era.

The origins of the Craftsman style lie in the beginning of the 20th century. It was a revolt against the mass-produced, overly ornate elements of the Victorian and Industrial eras. It sought to return to a time when craftsmen took real pride in their work and it was a reflection of good quality. Because of this, the bungalow is the most representative of all the home types associated with Craftsman style, reflecting the same qualities in its simplicity.

Still, many older homes that aren’t necessarily bungalows are classified as Craftsman. This is because when the style began, it quickly spread throughout the country by various means and continued to have popularity for the next three decades. It was readily used for simple homes and the doors on those homes carry the same woodwork patterns you’d find in a large Craftsman manor, but to a different scale.

2.1. Origins and characteristics of craftsman style

The Arts and Crafts Movement, which began as a rebellion against the mass production of the Industrial Revolution, was a radical and influential 20th century design and social movement that still influences design today. The movement of craft work and the return to designing furniture and architecture which was both beautiful and functional began in Great Britain and flourished in Europe and North America. The term ‘craftsman’ was used to describe a woodworker or metalworker, more importantly, it was a philosophy during this period (1860-1910) that was minimal and also great skill was used to hand-make objects.

This was the second attempt to revolutionize the way consumer products were made in a space of 200 years. This movement began as a reaction against the Industrial Revolution and a decline in the quality of work and taste. Ike and Louise St Clair chose the craftsman style for their new home. The origins of such houses were to provide artfully handcrafted homes for the average middle-class worker. The craftsman house was the most popular in the United States. The style, from English Tudor and Georgian styling, was to provide well-crafted, artistic, and affordable homes. The architectural design and importance were not realized until the 1930s and 1940s when it was realized by critics that such a movement was to preserve the best of an earlier time and provided a simple and direct design in all craftspeople.

2.2. Elements that define a craftsman-style door

Craftsman style evolved in America in response to the mass-produced fussiness of the Victorian age, and was an attempt to build something that was more solid, long-lasting, and of higher quality that reflected the nation’s increasing confidence and rising economic power at the turn of the 20th century. True to this holistic ideal, its architectural vocabulary and attention to honest, hand-hewn materials made it the perfect expression for the new nation.

One of the more overlooked and undervalued components to a home that evoke craftsman ideals are doors. Because they are often installed and forgotten, not much consideration is given to the important role they play in defining the style of a structure. In many homes today, the unfortunate result is a house with craftsman features that had a modern-style door, which detracts from the overall concept. Divided lite windows are one of the signature elements of craftsman doors and provide the visual and tactile interest that typify the style.

In contrast to colonial or Victorian doors which may have a single large lite, commonly with decorative curving muntins to simulate a divided lite, craftsman doors have several smaller panes in a geometric or rectilinear configuration. Creating true divided lites is labor-intensive and therefore quite expensive, on the order of 2-4 times more than a similar door with one large window. However, it is possible to find high-quality doors with simulated divided lites that achieve the same effect at a somewhat more affordable cost; the difference is that each pane of glass is a separate sealed unit mounted to the insides of the exterior and interior pieces of the insulated glass door, as opposed to a single sheet of glass that has an adhesive muntin pattern on the outside.

3. Choosing the Right Craftsman Style Door

The materials of your door will affect its appearance, durability, and maintenance needs. Wood doors are the most authentic and high-quality choice and provide the best insulating and sealing capability. They are also the most expensive choice, but the investment can be worthwhile if you plan to stay in your home long-term. Always choose high-grade woods that are weather-resistant and seal well and avoid low-priced doors that use wood veneers over fiberboard cores, as these will delaminate easily. Fiberglass doors are a less costly option that can closely imitate the look of authentic wood doors and are more durable and weather-resistant than most wooden doors. Steel doors are relatively low-cost and provide good security and insulation but are not suitable for the appearance of a Craftsman style home. Avoid plastic or PVC doors, as they often look cheap and tacky, and are not as durable as other options.

It’s important to match the design of your door to your home’s architectural style to maintain consistency and aim for “fitting in” rather than making a bold statement. Consideration doors for bungalow or Craftsman style homes should be centered on simplicity and function. In keeping with the ideal of being handcrafted, many Craftsman style doors will look best in a wood finish (as opposed to painted) and can have a number of design details like beveled glass or vertical panels. Traditional Craftsman style doors have raised panels at the lower third of the door, and 9-lite prairie grid windows are a common addition to doors and are suitable to the design period. Generally, avoid fancy design work or excessive detailing, and remember that the original Craftsman builders were aiming to provide an affordable and simple housing solution.

When choosing the right Craftsman style door for your home, there are several important things to keep in mind. The architectural style of your home is a key consideration when narrowing down the many door designs available. The materials used and the design details of the door are also important practical and aesthetic considerations. Craftsman style doors are available in a variety of designs, and with different finishing options, so knowing what to look for can be crucial in making the best selection.

3.1. Considering the architectural style of your home

Looking at these features can guide you in determining the architectural style of your home and whether a Craftsman style door is the best fit.

– Low-pitched roof lines, gabled or hipped roof – Deeply overhanging eaves – Exposed rafters or decorative brackets under eaves – Front porches with square or tapered columns – Double hanging windows, often in groups, so that there are multiple windows in a row.

Craftsman-style architecture is historically found in bungalow-style homes. This article from American Bungalow magazine provides a brief but excellent overview of bungalow architecture (see link below). In the article, they list these identifying features of a bungalow, which are helpful things to look for in considering the architectural style of your home to determine whether it is a good fit for a Craftsman door:

The style of your Craftsman door should be compatible with the architectural style of your home. If you have a historical Tudor, Mediterranean or French style home, then you want a Craftsman door with the appropriate details that will complement your home. Many homes today are a mix of styles, but bear in mind that most Craftsman style doors are best suited to homes that have been designed to reflect the Arts and Crafts aesthetic. If your home is a modernist tract home or a sprawling McMansion, then your home is not in the Arts and Crafts tradition, and a Craftsman style door may seem out of place.

3.2. Selecting the appropriate materials for a craftsman-style door

Selecting the right wood to match the existing decor is very important. A stained door allows the wood grain to provide a rustic feel while painted doors are more at home in a light and playful decorated space. Oftentimes people find themselves wanting to install a mahogany door, as it is known for its quality and durability. Unfortunately, mahogany is a tropical wood and should be thus avoided due to its negative impact on the world’s rainforests. A suitable alternative would be to use Spanish cedar, which provides a similar aesthetic to mahogany. Another alternative is the usage of reclaimed wood. Doors can be made of wood from old barns or other buildings and be refinished to fit the desired look. This is a great way to be environmentally friendly and an added bonus is the wood is already fully expanded and thus it will have minimal warping and shrinking as it acclimates to its new environment.

The materials selected for a craftsman style door are crucial to the overall look and feel of the finished product. Craftsman style emphasizes natural materials and their colors, furniture and appliances in an effort to downplay mass production and embrace hand-making. Often times missions or craftsman style doors invoke the usage of large amounts of glass and divided lite windows.

3.3. Exploring different design options and finishes

When choosing the design of the door, the next thing to consider is the glass. Glass is very common in craftsman style doors as it adds a unique elegance to the door and allows light while still maintaining partial privacy. If you decide to use glass, there are a few options for the type of glass to use. These options include clear, beveled, and glue chip glass. It is also possible to order a custom glass design. While glass definitely adds a unique touch to your door, it is entirely optional. If you desire absolutely no glass on your door, this is also a valid option to consider.

Exploring different design options and finishes. The fun part of choosing a craftsman style door involves being able to select a door that is uniquely yours. The craftsman look is known for its simple yet elegant design, and it is easy to dress it up with special accents. There are many designs to select from, the most common being a 6 or 9 lite design. This refers to the number of window panes on the door. Another popular design is the dentil shelf. This, of course, would be a shelf featuring dentil work, a series of “square” tooth-like cuts on the underside of the shelf. Other decorative accents could include adding a shelf and/or other carving designs. Carving designs could range from precisely carved floral designs to more eccentric nature themes.

4. Installing a Craftsman Style Door

It is important to have a good idea of what kind of door you want to install before you start, as you will need to obtain the correct type of door and handle. Measure the doorframe and write down the dimensions. You should take note of how wide the doorframe is, as well as the height from the floor to the top of the doorframe. The proportions of a craftsman style door are typically wide in relation to their height. It is not uncommon for a craftsman style door to be around 3 feet wide and 7-8 feet tall, however, the dimensions can vary widely depending on the size of the house. It is crucial to purchase a door that will fit the doorframe and be in good proportion to it.

Craftsman style doors are typically solid wood and can be heavy, so if you are unsure of the weight of the door, have an assistant help you with the next steps. Remove the current door, the door handle, and the door stop. The door stop is the strip of wood 1/2 inch wide that runs the perimeter of the doorframe and keeps the door in place when shut. If you are planning on reusing the current door handle, consider buying a new one. Old door handles tend to not fit well with new doors and can be difficult to install.

4.1. Preparing the doorway for installation

Take careful measurements of the height and width of your old door and laterally, from the inside edges of the casing. Next, remove the old door. For exterior doors, first check to see if there is a door sill, as your new door may need to be installed on top of it. Some older doors will be removable by pulling the hinge pins out with a screwdriver, while others may need to be unscrewed. When removing an old exterior door, it is wise to have an assistant help support the door as it is being removed, as older doors can be quite heavy. Be sure not to damage the surrounding trim, and hopefully the old door will be removed with little effort on your part. Interior doors are typically easier to remove, especially on carpeted floors. Be sure to remove all old nails or screws from the door frame, and scrape off any old paint that may interfere with the new door.

4.2. Step-by-step guide to installing a craftsman-style door

To install the door, place the door in the rough opening on shims and with the hinges attached to the door jamb. Close and latch the door, checking the reveal—the space between the door and the door jamb. The reveal should be uniform around the door. Shim the door as necessary to achieve this and to ensure the door is plumb and level. This is especially important for proper operation of doors with latching mechanisms. A non-plumb or non-level door may not latch properly. Once the door is shimmed in place, attach the hinges to the door jamb with screws. Open and close the door a few times to verify proper operation. Then remove the door knobs, locks, or latches and the strike plates, and apply finish or paint to these pieces, and attach them to the door.

Before installing the door, apply a finish or paint to the door and all of its edges. This will help prevent warpage of the door due to moisture changes as the unfinished surfaces will absorb moisture at a different rate than finished surfaces. Allow any freshly painted or finished door to dry in a clean, dust-free area. Then lay the door on a flat surface—placing something under the door to allow air to circulate underneath—while finishing or painting the door edges. This is especially important for any exterior door. Elevation of the door from the ground will help prevent moisture absorption from damp ground.

Begin by measuring the doorway opening and then select a door that will fit within the opening. If the door is too wide, use a saw to trim the door to the proper width. Determine the location of the door knob, lock or latch, and the hinges. Many doors are sold without hinge locations routed into the edge of the door. To determine where the hinges should attach to the door and the swing of the door, place the door in the door opening on shims and with the hinges attached to the door jamb. Predrill holes for the screws in the hinges, then remove the door and using a wood chisel, carve out a recess for each hinge. Do not remove too much wood; the hinge should rest flush with the door edge.

4.3. Common challenges and how to overcome them

Being prepared for common problems that may arise during the door installation will be helpful. Having a plan for how to solve each issue before it arises will help reduce the amount of time the job will take and will also help reduce stress. The most common issue that comes up during an installation is the discovery that the door no longer fits the opening. Often craftsman doors are being used to replace existing doors which are not true rectangles.

Not all older homes have been fitted with standard pre-hung doors and a lot of the time the door opening has been custom built to fit the door. On many occasions the discovery is made that the door is larger than the opening it is intended to go in. This can be a challenge to retrofit the opening but one option that should be considered is shaving some of the material off of the door to make it fit into the existing opening. Note this is only applicable if the amount that must be removed from the door is less than the width of the door jambs, otherwise the jamb positions will have to be altered and the material that must be taken off of the door can be spread evenly from both sides. This method has the advantage of maintaining equal spacing between the door and the jamb on all sides.

If you are uncomfortable with this it may be worth hiring a skilled carpenter to assist with this. Another challenge in installing a craftsman door can be the discovery that the floor of the house has settled and is no longer level. The first sign of this is often discovering that door jambs are no longer square, and hence the door will not fit. If it is only a slight settlement it may be possible to force the jambs into position but this is not recommended as it may weaken the structure of the house. The best course of action is to diagnose the severity of the settlement and then purchase a door that will fit the dimensions of the new non-level doorway. Make sure the jambs of the new pre-hung door will match the dimensions of the doorway. Depending on the severity of the settlement it may be necessary to custom order a door that is not a true rectangle, but this is a rare case. If in doubt it may be worth consulting a structural engineer.

5. Maintaining and Caring for Your Craftsman Style Door

Most Craftsman style doors on the market today are engineered using advanced techniques and manufacturing processes that offer consumers the best possible product, but one that looks like its old-fashioned counterparts made generations ago. With this said, they are designed to be relatively easy to maintain, but the following instructions are meant to cater to the different door materials and component configurations. Please note: It is important to read and follow the correct instructions for the care and maintenance of your specific Craftsman door as different door materials and finishes may require special care. If you are unsure of the door material or how to maintain it properly, please consult with an experienced Craftsman door manufacturer.

One of the easiest ways to keep your Craftsman door looking like the day it was installed is to keep it clean. Washing your door regularly with a hose and a soft bristle brush will remove surface dust, dirt, and other particles that can accumulate over time. This process will remove foreign material before it has a chance to build up and become difficult to remove. If more cleaning is necessary, a mild detergent mixed with water can be used to remove stubborn dirt or stains from the door. After cleaning, you may need to touch up the finish of your door with a high-quality liquid or paste wax. Apply a thin coat, let dry, and buff to a high sheen. This will also help to protect the finish from harmful UV exposure. Periodic use of a quality non-abrasive car wax can also be used to protect and enhance the finish.

Please note: To avoid injury, exercise caution and provide adequate light when using cleaning or finishing products. Do not over-apply cleaning or finishing agents and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and precautions. Always use personal protective gear such as safety glasses, gloves, and a dust mask when using power tools and follow safe work practices.

5.1. Regular cleaning and maintenance tips

Dirt Pick-up: Loose surface dirt, dust, mud and grime are to be better removed by rinsing down the surface of the door. Use a garden hose with low to medium pressure, avoiding high-pressure power washers, and hose in a downward motion. High-pressure hosing may force water into glued joints and cause them to fail and should be only used when absolutely essential in heavier cleaning (see below). After the surface dirt is removed, the door may be hand washed or cleaned using a soft sponge or cloth and a solution of mild detergent and water. Doors should then be rinsed with fresh water and the water dried off with a soft cloth. High-pressure hosing and cleaning using scrubbing brushes is not recommended on any finish.

Avoiding damage to anything of value is always cheaper and less time-consuming than fixing or replacing it. Regular cleaning and upkeep of your Craftsman door should result in it lasting for many decades. Timber doors require very little maintenance and the following guidelines should only be carried out if absolutely necessary. Too frequent cleaning may damage the finish of the door, for example: cleaning a painted door more than twice a year is not recommended. Cleaning a stained or varnished door every three months would also not be recommended for the first three years. This is after which the frequency may need to be increased depending on the severity of the conditions the door is exposed to. Always begin any maintenance work by referring back to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

5.2. Addressing common issues and repairs

Problem: Joint seams on door become loose Dismantle door and allow wood parts to dry out completely. After drying, reglue joints using a waterproof glue. Wipe off any excess glue with a damp cloth. Clamp joints until glue is dry. If glue joint repair is not successful due to insufficient glue removal from previous repair, use a heat gun to help soften and remove the glue; then repeat repair steps.

Problem: Water is absorbed by wood causing swelling of door parts Locate areas with excess standing water around door or leaking rain gutters. Redirect water source away from door. Take the door out of service and place in a dry, warm environment until the excess moisture has been released and the door has returned to its original dimensions. Osmosis occurs when wood reaches 18% moisture content. To measure, control and maintain wood moisture content, use a moisture meter and if necessary, employ a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from air around door.

Problem: Surface staining due to mold or mildew Remove finish using 120-grit sandpaper. Clean door with an appropriate mildew stain remover. Clean fresh water and allow door to dry. Recoat with appropriate finish.

As time passes, it is common for all wood doors to show age, collected wear or sustain specifically defined damages. The extent of damage to the door or its finish will determine the best way to restore it to its original condition. But there are a number of solutions that can be utilized to maintain and perform repairs to damaged areas that will restore a craftsman-style wood door to its original condition. The easiest way to maintain a wood door is to make regular inspections of the finish and door condition. If the finish remains in good condition, it will help preserve the door’s condition underneath.

If the finish has deteriorated, it should be cleaned and re-coated immediately to prevent further deterioration to the wood. If there are any damaged areas to the finish or wood, it is important to perform repairs as soon as possible. Setting aside a day each year to inspect the finish and door condition will help prevent any serious problems with the door’s condition in the future. Common problems that occur with wood doors and their solutions are listed below:

5.3. Enhancing the longevity of your craftsman-style door

A dead giveaway to the age of a craftsman-style door is a cracked or peeling finish. The most common culprit is exposure to the elements without proper protection. Maintaining a finish will take some time and elbow grease, but the finish must be maintained to ensure maximum protection and prevent degradation of the wood itself. The frequency of maintenance to a finish depends on the severity of exposure to the elements.

To help maintain the finish, consider applying a water-repellent coating to the door, use of storm doors and maximizing the door’s protection from the elements. A water-repellent coating should help reduce the frequency of finish maintenance, and is good added protection, especially for doors with high exposure to sun and rain. Storm doors provide a barrier between your craftsman-style door and the outside elements, and greatly reduce the exposure to the sun and rain, thus extending the life of the finish.

Consider a storm door with low-e glass to further reduce the effects of UV rays on the Craftsman Style door. To maximize the craftsman-style door’s protection from the elements, consider installing an overhang or portico. Any reduction of exposure to sun and rain will extend the life of the wood and finish on your craftsman-style door.

6. Showcasing Craftsman Elegance in Your Home

At times, homes are built or modified to include craftsman style doors but none of the other elements to match. To imply a sense of false history, Strang suggests constructing custom cabinetry or built-ins either DIY or by using a custom cabinet maker. This includes replacing white melamine wardrobes and kitchen cupboards with custom storage solutions which the homeowner can design themselves. Using a custom cabinet maker will be costly, but will result in optimum quality. An alternative to built-ins is purchasing imported European traditional furniture. These furniture pieces can sometimes be inexpensive as many are imitations of the style, and it is better to buy quality used imported furniture rather than new modern furniture at the same price. The aim is for a gradual process of replacement until the furniture suits the home’s real age.

Often, an elegant craftsman style door can be let down by modern, out of place hardware and detracting accessories. For a timeless feel, stick to wrought iron or oil rubbed bronze hardware. There are expenses involved to replace existing hardware, however hardware is an investment as quality iron and bronze will last a lifetime, holding off a weathered look. Period style lighting can also add to the entrance, Wayne Strang recommends an interesting glass pendant light and an adequate porch light. A nice timber bench seat or quality outdoor chairs will encourage time spent on the porch or in the open entrance way. Be sure this furniture is high in quality and matches the timber-based characteristics of the home.

6.1. Complementing the door with appropriate hardware and accessories

When the lovely craftsman door has been chosen to be the focal point of the home, it is important to complete the look with appropriate hardware and accessories. Even the most beautifully designed door can lose some of its charm when fitted with generic hardware readily available at the local home improvement store. In contrast, artisan crafted hardware and accessories in styles reminiscent of the arts and crafts era can greatly enhance the appeal of the door without much additional cost.

From door hardware and porch lights to house numbers and mailboxes, craftsman style accessories for the home are now more readily available than ever before. In addition, many of these offerings are reproductions reminiscent of early 20th-century designs which can be found in various antique catalogs. For those lucky enough to come across the real deal at an antique store or salvage yard, one can expect to pay a premium price for authentic craftsman hardware and accessories.

6.2. Incorporating craftsman style in other areas of your home

Step outside the home to the outdoors. Craftsman style homes often extend living space to the outdoors through large porches, patios, and decks. Consider our polywood outdoor furniture as a durable and attractive option for your outdoor seating area. This environmentally friendly furniture is crafted from recycled materials and is built to withstand all outdoor conditions. This is a great way to add low maintenance, high-style furniture to your outdoor living space.

Next, let’s plan an inviting, elegant, timeless bedroom that will be the perfect escape. Start with a Craftsman style bed, featuring gently tapered legs, clean lines, and possibly inlays on both the headboard and footboard. An oak bed is a classic choice, but cherry or maple will also create a striking look. Stay consistent and add matching nightstands and a dresser. With a Craftsman bedroom set from us, you can even custom build to ensure you get all the features you want. By selecting a softer palette and coordinating the wood stain on your furniture pieces with your trim and doors, you can create a soothing retreat. Don’t forget the simple yet refined detailing in your window casings with Mission style window trim. A slightly steeper backband lends an authentic Craftsman feel.

You can integrate elements of Craftsman style throughout your home. When planning a kitchen remodel, consider Mission style kitchen cabinets. The kitchen is often the main gathering area in a Craftsman home, so paying attention to detail in this room will make a big impact. A built-in breakfast nook with storage is a charming addition, and staying true to style, using coordinating patterns in your seat cushions and window treatments will give the nook an elegant look. For your great room, an oak entertainment center will blend in seamlessly with Craftsman decor. Our wide selection of TV stands has something to fit every lifestyle. For a smaller room, a corner TV stand is a great space-saving option. Enhance the functionality by adding a fireplace TV stand that warms up the ambiance of any room.

6.3. Tips for creating a cohesive and elegant interior design

The best kind of design is one that is held together by a unified theme and consistent attention to detail. Craftsman style can be undermined if it is not continued throughout the interior of the home, or worse, if it is interrupted by garish or inappropriate design choices. One thing to consider is the design of built-in features such as shelves, cabinets, and seating.

These are opportunities to make craftsman elements permanent and obvious in your home. Techniques for creating visual unity is a relevant consideration and can be achieved using color, or an accent color, defined as a single color used in small amounts that calls attention to itself because it contrasts with the other colors around it.

The use of oak furniture is also a common aspect of craftsman design; again it is important to consider design unity and to ensure that the furniture follows the overall theme. Artwork and fabrics are often what make a home unique and inviting, but are often overlooked with regard to whether or not they actually follow what the home is about. Consider shopping specifically for arts and crafts style prints and frames, or even for local art in the same vein. With these considerations in mind, you can ensure that your home maintains a craftsman look that is devoid of strife and disunity.

7. Conclusion

When it comes to adding character and beauty to your home, there is no easier way to accomplish this than through the addition of a craftsman door. This style of door has been popular since its inception around the turn of the 20th century. Despite the Great Depression forcing the style of door to decrease in popularity, it has recently seen a bit of a resurgence and for good reason. The simplistic, yet elegant look is extremely versatile and can be added to nearly any style of home. However, it is particularly well suited to a bungalow, cape cod or colonial style home.

The warm appeal and the handcrafted look will add a distinctive and personal touch to your sanctuary. Craftsmen doors are also perfect for matching any interior wood doors you may already have. These doors may not be the cheapest on the market, but they are certainly worth the investment. With the durability and the timeless look and beauty, they will add style and value to your home for many years to come.

7.1. The enduring beauty and appeal of craftsman style doors

Beauty of style and sophistication of architecture, as described by the American Craftsman Society in a recent article, “Craftsman design tells the story of its roots and expresses its owner’s tastes,” a statement very true of the craftsman style door. Craftsman style doors are a simple and elegant design which features clean lines, and work to highlight the beauty of natural wood. Whether the door features a glass light with a wood grille, or a single lite, craftsman style doors are an elegant and timeless solution to any home. Beauty in simplicity is further epitomized in the function of craftsman style doors. Craftsman style doors are traditionally built to be wider and taller than the standard doors of today; this modestly changed in recent years with the depression and wartime eras where scrimping on materials meant skimping on style.

Crafted with raised panels and built from sturdy timbers, the weight and durability of craftsman style doors bring a sense of stability to any home, all the while working to reduce the noise pollution from one room to another. The natural look and feel of real wood, and the shape and build of a craftsman style door have an inherent appeal unmatched by any modern door available today. Combine these attributes with modern safety and security standards and one would be hard-pressed to think of replacing a craftsman style door with any other door available today.