Sun Mountain Blog

Craftsman Style Moulding

Perhaps you haven’t heard of a craftsman style home, but you are probably familiar with the term “bungalow.” Bungalows got their start in the early 1900s on the laid back west coast— California to be exact— and they are an ideal choice for anyone who is on a restricted budget or simply has no need for frill and excess. They can take on several different looks, but are often characterized by having a long, horizontal shape; large porches, centralized living rooms, pedestal-type pillars, exposed exterior beams and rafters and built-in shelving and seating. Because they are often one and one half stories, they are popular choices with older couples or anyone who isn’t a fan of stairs. They also make good “starter” homes for couples who may just be starting out in their first houses.

As can be imagined, these simple, low-cost homes have rather plain and nondescript mouldings. They are purposefully designed to be high on functionality and low on style.  This may be a turn-off for some, but those who are into more elaborate designs would likely have little interest in a craftsman style home to begin with.  Craftsman style moulding grew out of a rejection of and reaction to the intricate detailing of the Victorian era moulding. Their design caters to a more straightforward, uncomplicated style. Because of their simplicity, wood is a good choice for them, as the clean lines and unadorned surfaces leave room for the wood grain to show.  Minimalists will love this type of moulding.

One detail that can be considered stylish and possibly a bit out of character for a Craftsman style home is wainscoting, a wall design that involves installing flat and raised boards (traditionally referred to as “tongue and groove paneling”) on the lower portion of the wall. These are often painted white, and they stand out against the walls, which are usually of some deeper hue. For the most part, Craftsman style has remained true and unchanged through the past two centuries, but there are some more stylized renditions, known as Western Stick style. These are concentrated in California. The inability of the Western Stick style to catch on and spread comes from the popular notion that Craftsman style homes are known for and defined by their simple design. Any type of interpretation that disregards that feature is commonly rejected and considered inauthentic.