The masters of the Arts and Crafts movement contributed greatly to the architecture of today, even though their main goal never materialized. Nonetheless, this Movement in America is not forgotten. The plan was to use native building materials, handmade to perfection, and to keep the spirit and quality of individual craftsmanship alive. Oak wood that as sanded and stained to a magnificent orange glow, large roof gables that introduced side-by-side windows, and wide front porches that flowed easily from garden to front door, was the idea.
Arts and Crafts architecture was more of a revolution in protest of an emerging industrialized world. Started in 1895 and ending in 1920, this movement took the best of the Victorian era and revamped the design to bring art, nature and simplicity to housing designs. But handmade craftsmanship was no match for the production lines that could provide affordable housing with charm, good ventilation, lots of natural light and indoor plumbing.
Arts and Crafts bungalows with 1 to 1 ½ stories began dotting the outer layers of cities and were geared toward middle-income families. Unlike the roaming Victorian houses that had high ceilings and large rooms, these homes had a smaller amount of living space. However, the wood carvings, stained glass and mosaic art left an aesthetic presence. While John Ruskin and William Morris, innovators of the Arts and Crafts movement, were never able to fully implement their ideals, their ideas helped to form the Craftsman style, Mission furniture and the Art Nouveau art style.
Because of the robust structure and craftsmanship of these homes, many Craftsman style homes are still in good shape today. This has led to a new generation of young people scooping up these beauties. The interior spaces can be turned incredibly modern by opening walls, adding walk-in closets and updating kitchens. Exteriors may also receive a new color scheme of neutral shades. The best part is the history and the Arts and Crafts movement was able to remain as an example of carefully crafted medieval arts.
Over 100 years later, the Craftsman style is still alive and well. In fact, it is one of the most popular contemporary models of newly built homes today. Low pitched roof lines or overhanging eaves with tapered, square columns that support entrance porches, and decorative thick glass panes are all signs of quality craftsmanship started during the Arts and Crafts movement. It is often easier to build one of these homes if square footage is a factor. The old bungalows can only offer one to two bedrooms and a single bath. Weight bearing walls can also cause the removal of walls impossible.
More than a century later, Craftsman design remains popular in American housing, both in restored older homes and in new builds inspired by its familiar porch-and-gable forms. Art Nouveau’s flowing lines and nature-inspired ornament are also being revisited, though mostly in custom homes and individual design details rather than as a widespread affordable-home style.
William Morris died without ever feeling the satisfaction of his cause and hard work. However, the legacy of the Arts and Crafts movement has had a tremendous effect on how architectural art is perceived and displayed today.