Client Story Time: Move-In Madness With a Craftsman-Style Home
It's client storytime!
I'm always thrilled when clients give me the green light to share their design stories with my readers. There are some incredible takeaways from each and every interior design project that I work on, and this particular consulting journey left me with some serious gold nuggets of info that I'm excited to share.
If you're considering buying a classic craftsman-style home, read on to learn about how we approached the design of this beautiful old home.
What is a Craftsman Style Home?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of the design process, let's first answer the question: What is a craftsman-style home?
The craftsman-style home is an American architectural tradition that was first introduced in the early 1900s. It’s often characterized by its use of natural materials, like wood and stone. These homes also tend to have low-pitched gabled roofs, charming front porches, and plenty of double-hanging windows to flood the rooms with natural light.
The signature interior features might be my favorite part. You'll often see stunning exposed beams and a variety of unique built-in spaces like reading nooks, window seats, bookcases, and prominent fireplaces that help make the room feel cozy and inviting.
Another important design element of the craftsman-style home is the focus on handcrafted details. These homes were designed at a time when people were moving away from mass-produced items and instead valuing quality, artisanal goods.
Things to Consider Before Buying a 100-Year-Old House
If you're considering buying a craftsman-style home that's over 100 years old, there are a few things you'll want to consider.
The first is the condition of the home. Many craftsman-style homes have been well-maintained and updated over the years, but some have been neglected and are in need of a serious facelift.
You'll want to get a thorough home inspection to identify any:
Outdated electrical work
Plumbing issues or leaks
Mold, mildew, or asbestos
Structural damage
Signs of pests or insect damage
Outdated heating
Inefficient insulation and windows
Old roofing
These don't have to be deal-breakers; they're just something to be mindful of. These necessary updates can eat into a renovation budget quite quickly before you've even had the chance to do any fun design projects.
It's critical to get a clear understanding of the work that will need to be done before you buy the home so that you can factor it into your budget.
Another thing to consider is the layout of the home. Many craftsman-style homes were designed with a more traditional floor plan in mind, meaning they might not have the open concept layout that's so popular today.
Lastly, craftsman-style homes are known for their charming details and unique character. While this is undoubtedly a selling point for many people, it also means that these homes can be more challenging to update. You'll want to be mindful of that before buying a craftsman-style home and ensure that it's the right fit for your personal style and desired functionality.