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 these books and magazines (links may earn a commission).
 
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Outside the Bungalow: America's Arts and 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
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In Harmony with Nature: Lessons from the Arts and Crafts Garden
by Rick Darke
This book showcases many Arts & Crafts gardens and discusses the philosophy behind their design. LA Public Library book
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Bungalows (Updating Classic America)
by Louis Wasserman, Caren Connolly and M Caren Connolly
This book highlights ideas and examples of how to update Bungalows while preserving and enhancing their Arts and Crafts style. LA Public Library book
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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 |
 
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Greene and 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 and 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 |
 
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The Artful Garden: Creative Inspiration for Landscape Design
by Sweden and Christopher
This book provides practical insight and advice for how to use art, from jazz to painting, to inspire your garden architecture and landscaping. More client inspired designs ...
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Gardens of the Arts and Crafts Movement: Reality and Imagination
This book features the gardens of the leaders of the Arts and Crafts Movement, along with period sketches and updated photos.
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Greene & Greene: Design Elements for the Workshop
If you are looking for a better idea about the history and details of Green & Greene style furniture that you can incorporate into your outdoor structure, this book might give you a few great ideas - although it is aimed more for the woodworker.
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American Bungalow
The premier magazine which promotes the restoration and lifestyle of the American Bungalow home and the Arts & Crafts style. American Bungalow Online |
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The Craftsman on CD-ROM
The premier magazine for the Arts & Crafts style, this CD-ROM recreates every page of the magazine in a searchable PDF format and includes all the color pages, line drawings, photographs and ads. |
I also recommend checking out these resources for more ideas.
- 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.
Good resources for hardware and accessories include:
- House of Antique Hardware
Online store that carries Craftsman, Art Deco and Victorian hardware for doors, windows, cabinets bathrooms and more.
- Period Homes
A good resource to find links to craftsman and artisans creating Arts & Crafts period furniture and accessories.
Permission is granted to anyone who wants to
use my work for inspiration outside of the LA area.
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