Craftsman Style is Elegance in Simplicity
The American Craftsman style is most commonly associated with the Southern California bungalow or “beach cottage.” Due to its popularity, the simple-but-elegant design is now found all over the world. The American Craftsman style is over a century old and was born out of the Arts and Crafts movement of the late 18th and early 19th century.
Reacting to ornate decoration of Victorian architecture, the Craftsman style borrowed Arts and Crafts’ emphasis on simplicity and functionality. Simple angles and exposed beams showcased the workmanship in the design. For this reason, the bungalow-style homes were modest structures that served middle class Americans. The style’s clean lines and emphasis on built-in shelving and deep eaves make it both attractive and extremely functional. Over 100 years later, the Craftsman beach cottage is a classic style that is perfect for coastal South Carolina living.
Architectural Design Elements of American Craftsman Style
- Single or 1 1/2 story home: the simple floor plan can reduce structural costs for a simple and elegant home, whether a primary residence or Myrtle Beach retreat.
- Low-pitched roof lines with deep overhanging eaves. This design creates large, shady porches, perfect for outdoor living or respite from the sun during the summer months.
- Exposed rafters and beams: exposed, unfinished solid wood beams add aesthetics and a connection to the natural world, important elements of both Arts and Crafts and Craftsman movements.
- Taped, square columns: an iconic element of the bungalow, the beams offer a simple but strong entryway to the front of the home.
- Double-hung windows: double sliding means increased ventilation for the days when cool sea breezes are plentiful.
Craftsman Inspiration Doesn’t Require a Bungalow Home
Even then, you don’t need to love the bungalow floor plan to incorporate Craftsman elements into your Myrtle Beach cottage. The emphasis on simple design, natural materials, and symmetry blends perfectly with other structural designs. Love the square tapered columns or the rooflines? If so, these are easy to borrow and incorporate into a design as unique as your personality.
Odom Design, LLC specializes in one-of-a-kind living spaces. Want to blend Craftsman-style with elements of a rustic mountain retreat or a Martha’s Vineyard Greek Revival? We are here to put ideas together and help you find a style that works.
Of course, the best way to discover your home design style is to get out there and browse. We recommend visiting our Pinterest and Houzz pages where we curate weekly styles. We hand-pick our favorite home elements to inspire you.
Check out our new “Craftsman Beach Cottage” Pinterest board and fall in love with this classic American design.