The Arts & Crafts, Craftsman and Greene & Greene Styles

Known as the Arts & Crafts movement in England and the Craftsman style in America, this aesthetic was embraced by the Greene brothers in California who innovated their own style by adding Oriental aesthetics and motifs, such as the "cloud lift". These three related styles emphasize detailed craftsmanship, using local materials and being in harmony with the surrounding environment.

The Arts & Crafts, Craftsman and Greene & Greene styles are perfect for Craftsman bungalows, California / American bungalows, Greene and Greene style homes, Prairie School houses and Art Deco inspired architecture.

For examples of my work in these styles please click on an image above. Below is more design ideas and related links to other web sites.

Design Elements For Arbors, Fences, Decks & Gates

To translate the Craftsman style to garden architecture -- I draw inspiration from period sources, carefully select the right type of wood, incorporate distinctive construction details and use Craftsman inspired hardware.

Wood: One of the hallmarks of the Craftsman style is using materials which blend with the surroundings. I like to use woods of tones from honey to dark brown to match the wood used inside the home and in other garden structures. I plane these smooth and radius the edges to create rounded edges and profiles.

Construction Techniques: I like to create simple yet elegant joints to highlight the superior craftsmanship which is a major theme of this style.

Metalwork: The style is enhanced with simple authentic looking hardware, such as iron strapping, copper accents and strong simple gate pulls.

Lighting: Outdoor Craftsman porch and patio lights (like Arroyo Craftsman) and up lights can create an elegant nighttime ambiance.

Additional Resources and Related Links

Good resources for inspiration and ideas include:

• Outside the Bungalow: America's Arts & Crafts Garden by Duchscherer & Keister
  This book provides a detailed look at Arts and Crafts gardens and features over 250 photos of gardens, entryways, courtyards, porches, fences, walls, arbors, pathways and more.    LA Public Library book
  

• In Harmony with Nature: Lessons From The Arts & Crafts Garden by Rick Darke
  This book showcases many Arts & Crafts gardens and discusses the philosophy behind their design.    LA Public Library book
  

• Craftsman-Style Houses by Fine Homebuilding
  This book features articles that have appeared over the years in the magazine and can provide lots of ideas. LA Public Library book
  
  
• Greene & Greene Masterworks by Smith and Vertikoff
  This book provides detailed photos of 25 Greene and Greene homes, along with photos of their entryways and gardens.     LA Public Library book
  
  
• In The Arts & Crafts Style by Barbara Mayer
  This book examines the furniture, accents and objects of the Arts and Crafts style. It is filled with photos of rooms and furniture which can inspire a design.      LA Public Library book
  
  
• American Bungalow Online
  Premier magazine that promotes the restoration and lifestyle of the American Bungalow home and the Arts & Crafts style.
  
  
• Greene & Greene Gamble House
  Outstanding example of American Arts and Crafts style architecture built by Greene & Greene in Pasadena, California. Site features seven exterior photos. You can go on a tour and be inspired by what you see.
  
  
• Craftsman Perspective
  A great resource to find Arts & Crafts, Craftsman, Mission, Prairie and Greene & Greene history, architecture resources, publications and links.
  
  
• Period Links by Fellhandler and Steeneken - Architects
  Over 40 links for 16 specific architectural and period styles, including the American Arts & Crafts Style, Romanesque, Gothic Revival, Spanish Colonial Revival, Prairie School, and Architecture of the West.
  
  
• Period Plans
  A good source for reviews, ratings and links to period architecture and furniture suppliers, web sites and organizations.

Good resources for hardware and accessories include:

• Crown City Hardware of Pasadena, CA
  Pasadena area store that carries Craftsman, Art Deco and Victorian hardware for doors, windows, cabinets bathrooms and more.
  
  
• Arroyo Craftsman of Houston, TX
  A site that believes lighting creates mood and drama. They offer residential and landscape lighting and sell a variety of exterior fixtures.
  
  
• Historic Lighting of Monrovia, CA
  Local artisan gallery that specializes in Craftsman lighting and furniture.
  
  
• Online Arts & Crafts Movement Resource Directory
  A directory of artisans, businesses and organizations providing Arts & Crafts furniture, renovation, accessories and information.
  
  
• Period Homes
  A good resource to find links to craftsman and artisans creating Arts & Crafts period furniture and accessories.