Welcome Home to Elegant Simplicity

Here at MorningStar, we love to build Craftsman-style homes whenever we have the opportunity. It is a passion of ours, and the style reflects much of what we love about homebuilding and business, as well as some of our beliefs about life: Gustav Stickley (one of the founders of the Craftsman style) said, "We have planned houses from the first that are based on the big, fundamental principles of honesty, simplicity and usefulness...."

What characterizes a Craftsman home?

The hallmark of a true craftsman home is its simplicity, strong construction and the lack of elaborate and ornate architectural adornments. Most true Craftsman homes were 1 ½ stories with exposed rafter tails on the overhangs and were built with local building materials (such as locally available stone and lumber) for the exteriors. Some other features of Craftsman-style homes include:

> plenty of natural light

> interior woodwork

> detailed mullion work on windows, often painted in contrasting colors

> recessed porches, terraces, pergolas and entryways for outdoor living

> built-in furniture, including bookcases, shelving and other nooks and crannies

> Low roof pitch

> Wide overhangs for protection from the elements

> Natural building materials, such as cedar shakes, stone and wooden lap siding

Where did Craftsman homes come from?

Most would agree that three people were largely responsible for the Craftsman-style of home: Gustav Stickley, Charles Sumner Greene and Henry Mather Greene. These three gentlemen were home designers and furniture builders during the Arts and Crafts era in the first two decades of the 20th century. They began to design Craftsman homes that were practical, understated and simple in style and layout but without sacrificing good construction ... all qualities of the furniture that they were designing and building. Most of these homes were designed to appeal to a growing middle class population during this time period and were built by local craftsman whose style had strong roots in homebuilding as a craft and not just as a job.

How do we accomplish this today?

At MorningStar Homes, we have tried to imbue our Craftsman-style homes with as many elements of a true Craftsman home as possible. Local and National building codes and lack of period-correct materials and knowledgeable craftsman make this a challenge, but one that we relish. We have worked hard to put together a team that can take these elements, blend them with current technology and deliver a delightful Craftsman-style home that will blend into its setting and provide you with many years of old world practicality and enjoyment.

These homes are special. Typically the right setting is usually an expensive one (inside the Beltline), and the attention it takes during construction can mean a longer build time (9 months to year is not unusual). If you are looking for a piece of American history and heritage and are up to the challenge, give us a call. We would love to help you realize your Craftsman dream.

We have not attempted to provide a complete history of the Craftsman Style or the Arts and Crafts movement. Much information can be found on this for the person desiring more detail. Resources used for this web page and for additional information can be found below.

RESOURCES

Craftsman Homes - Architecture and Furnishings of the American Arts and Crafts Movement
Craftsman Bungalows: 59 Homes from The Craftsman
More Craftsman Homes
Fine Homebuilding Great Houses. Craftsman-Style Houses.
117 House Designs of the Twenties
The Old House Book of Cottages and Bungalows
Homes & Interiors of the 1920's
The American Bungalow - 1880-1930
Greene and Greene #1 - Architecture as Fine Art
Architecture of the Arts and Crafts Movement
Redesigning the World: William Morris, the 1880's and the Arts and Crafts
The Art That Is Life: The Arts and Crafts Movement in America, 1875-1920
Chapters in the History of the Arts and Crafts Movement
The Arts and Crafts Movement
The Arts and Crafts Movement: A Study of Its Sources, Ideals and Influence on Design Theory
Gustav Stickley: The Craftsman