Craftsman homes, first emerging around the turn of the century, have experienced a resurgence in popularity in the past couple of decades. These distinctive homes celebrate handcrafted details, natural materials, simple lines, and durability, making them a timeless choice.
Furniture selection plays a crucial role in maintaining the authenticity of a Craftsman home’s architectural style and interior design. Mission furniture is the ideal match for this home style thanks to its roots in the Arts and Crafts movement, creating aesthetic harmony and aligning with the philosophies of the Craftsman style.
Introducing the Arts and Crafts Movement
Before we can get into the details of the Craftsman architectural style, we must first understand its roots in the Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th century.
This aesthetic trend was developed in the mid-19th century as a response to both the ornateness of the art nouveau style and the mass production of the Industrial Revolution. It marked a return to practicality, function, and quality, with its beauty coming from its simplicity.
The Arts and Crafts movement influenced all types of design, from architecture to art to furniture. Both Craftsman homes and mission-style furniture have roots in this movement, making them the perfect complement to each other.
Understanding the Craftsman Style
While the American Craftsman style applied to decorative arts, as well, it’s most known for its influence on architecture. Its key characteristics include:
- Emphasis on handcrafted details
- Use of natural materials, including stone, wood, and brick, along with stucco accents
- Simplicity, durability, and functionality
- Low-pitched roofs with overhanging eaves
- Exposed beams, rafters, and brackets
- Large front porches with robust, tapered columns
While this style was prominent from around 1900 to 1929 before falling out of favor, it has once again become popular. Starting in the 1990s, we’ve seen more and more Craftsman-style homes being built across the U.S., with polls revealing that it’s the reigning favorite architectural style.
If your home fits the Craftsman aesthetic, choosing furniture that compliments these principles will create a cohesive interior design that ties together the interior and exterior.
What Makes Mission Furniture Unique
Because mission furniture shares its origins with the American Craftsman style, it’s an excellent choice for these homes. Its defining characteristics include:
- Straight, clean lines without excessive ornamentation
- Timeless designs
- Sturdy construction that’s built to last
- Focus on solid wood, including oak and cherry, and the use of natural finishes
- Practicality, simplicity, and functionality
How Mission Furniture Complements Craftsman Interiors
After taking a look at these defining principles, you can imagine why the two styles are a perfect match. With these characteristics in mind, let’s explore why mission furniture is perfect for Craftsman interiors.
Their shared aesthetic values create visual cohesion, celebrating natural materials, handcrafted details, and simplicity. The natural wood tones of mission furniture are an ideal match for the warm, earthy palettes commonly found in Craftsman interiors. Plus, both styles have stood the test of time, ensuring your home’s architecture and interior designs don’t look outdated as trends change.
Thanks to its focus on handcrafted quality, mission furniture is also known for its durability and ease of maintenance. This is ideal for family homes in the Craftsman style, providing practical benefits that make life easier.
How to Choose the Right Mission Furniture for Your Craftsman Home
As you choose mission furniture for your Craftsman home, prioritize quality and craftsmanship. Look for pieces made from solid wood and durable finishes. Match the wood tones with other elements in the room to create a cohesive, intentional look that ties the architectural features to the decor.
Because mission furniture is sturdy and robust, it’s important to select pieces that fit the space well without overwhelming the room and making it feel crowded.
For example, in your living room, opt for mission-style sofas, coffee tables, and armchairs to cultivate a cozy, inviting mood. Choose a mission-style dining room set to add both timeless appeal and functionality. For the bedrooms, add mission-style beds, nightstands, and dressers to create a sense of warmth and comfort.
Experience the Mission Furniture Difference
One of the biggest strengths of mission furniture is its ability to work with nearly any design style. From minimalist, modern interiors to historic homes, its versatile qualities can enhance a wide range of spaces.
If you’re ready to see for yourself the transformative power of mission furniture, stop by Sugar House Furniture today to browse our comprehensive selection of handcrafted pieces.
