The Craftsman style can be a bit confusing. Depending on your geographic location, a Craftsman house can take different forms. The most familiar type is the bungalow, which has an inviting front porch, deep roof eaves and tapered columns. Stucco exteriors are prominent in the Southwest, whereas brick and wood are constant in Eastern states. However, there are subtle signs that give away a Craftsman home as soon as you see it. These refreshing architectural details can work on your own home to bring a touch of this style to your exterior.
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Stunning Wood Corbels
Corbels are projections that are popular on Craftsman- and Mission-style homes. Not overly ornate, they add just the right amount of artistic design to rafters, overhangs or eaves. Corbels are not only lovely but can serve a purpose in houses that need a little support from rotting wood. Adding corbels would be a great way to bring a little style to a house that has rotting end beams. After getting an opinion from an architect or a contractor, selecting corbels can be exciting. Cedar corbels will never rot, giving your home protection. Since most are custom made for an owner’s particular angles and measurements, you can select a design that fits the style of your home.
Decorative Corbels
Many people are choosing to add flair with decorative corbels. These are for ornamentation only. For example, adding a hint of design to the roof pitch of a house will remind you of the awesome Craftsman-style homes. With a decorative corbel set against a well-defined eave, your home will stand out with that once-missing charm. Depending on your exterior, there are different options for natural cedar or PVC. Both are extremely weatherproof and will keep their beauty for years.
Window Boxes and Brackets
There is nothing more inviting than seeing window boxes on a Craftsman-style home. When these are paired with gable brackets, a house looks like home. Without much trouble (unless you have plate-glass windows), you can set boxes under almost any window. Make your own boxes or purchase them at your local garden store. However, don’t go overly crazy and put a flower box beneath each window on the house. One or two boxes spaced appropriately are usually enough. No-rot window boxes that look like wood are a great way to keep moisture from gathering in the bottom. There are also self-watering systems to keep your plants healthy and bright.
Window brackets can really show off your Mission, Cottage, Craftsman or Colonial style. If you feel your home is too plain or too contemporary, window boxes with custom brackets will bring it to life. Keep in mind that PVC brackets, which require little to no maintenance, need additional support.
Mission-Style Shutters
Mission-style shutters are often referred to as Craftsman-style shutters. They were part of the Arts and Crafts movement and continue to exist today. Shutters that are simple with clean lines are often used on windows that are in need of a little flair. The color should match the trim, and the length and width should be proportionate to the area. Some shutters have a second duty, especially in areas where hurricanes and high ocean winds occur. Colonial shutters are simple and can be used as decor or as hurricane shutters. There are now designs that mimic wood using a special type of PVC that will not rot, split, deteriorate or warp. These should be professionally installed with the correct hardware.
Tapered Columns
You may have noticed that many new contemporary or modern-style homes are borrowing the tapered column look. Either one- or two-story homes are implementing the Craftsman style with front porches and tapered columns to dress up an entrance. Not all have actual porches, but the impression of the style is really coming on strong. If you have a plain-looking entryway, consider using tapered columns, a small front porch or a pitched roof. Different styles can be combined when done in a balanced and proportionate manner.
Craftsman-style homes have been in existence for over 100 years, and they never go out of style. Maybe it is the time period that keeps our interest, or the custom design that seems to belong to each one. Whatever the reason, homeowners are drawn to this special look. Consider one of these ideas for improving the appearance of your house’s exterior. It could be exactly what your home needs.
Author Bio
Matt Buquoi works at FlowerWindowBoxes.com, a company that offers premium-quality, no-rot flower window boxes, exterior shutters, cedar gables and outdoor planters at affordable prices.
