I haven’t run any posts on small house plans in a while, so I decided this post would focus on a particular style of home that really got its start on the West Coast (really England, then California): Craftsman (sometimes called Bungalow). Craftsman style homes were introduced in the early 20th century with the Arts and Crafts movement focusing on simplifying designs from the previous Victorian era of extravagance and doilies. Craftsman, or bungalow style homes, are recognized by their low sloping roofs, large, square or rectangle shaped porches with wide, decorative support beams, and wood or stone siding. They have few hallways and the living room is the home’s central focus. A traditional bungalow is usually earth-tone in color with simple, and sometimes repeating, lines.
Craftsmans can vary in size. Some of the first homes were on the small size, under 1,000 square feet. However, as the Craftsman style has evolved over the past century, some floor plans have grown to over 2,500 sq. ft. I looked up current floor plans that replicate the Craftsman style home and found that most of the plans ranged in size. Here are some examples of these charming homes:
- The Home Plan’s Charming Bungalow: total square feet: – 936 (this plan comes with a basement, but in California this is not such a good idea)
- House Plan Gallery’s Lexington: total square feet – 1816 (many options can be added to this plan)
- ePlan’s Sunny Centerpiece Craftsman: total square feet – 2010 (this plan is two stories)
Charming Bungalow
The Lexington
Sunny Centerpiece
I especially love the Charming Bungalow plan. It is under 1,000 sq. feet, which makes it less of an energy hog, and the floor plan is simple and open. I would ditch the stairs in the kitchen that lead to the basement (I live in CA, I don’t need to protect myself from tornadoes) opening up the kitchen and expanding the eating area.
Charming Bungalow Floorplan
I also like the Lexington floor plan. Yet, it looks HUGE in comparison to the Charming Bungalow. The square footage doesn’t include the garage, so maybe that’s throwing me off.
The Lexington's Floor Plan - 1800 + sq. ft.
My goal of owning my own home, or building it myself, is still a long way off. I guess that leaves me with plenty of time to research existing home styles and dream of what my home might someday look like!
Do you live, or have your lived, in a Craftsman style home? Are any of these style homes in your area? What is your favorite style of house?
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Tell me you are a fan of Frank Lloyd Wright. While many of his structures were not modest, his students as I recall had to build a live in a small structure near Taliesin West. If you ever have a chance, you should visit it in Scottsdale AZ
.-= LeanLifeCoach´s last blog ..Lean – Life – Learn =-.
@Lean Life Coach – last time I was in AZ I did look into checking out Taliesin West. I ended up not having enough time (and the entrance fee was kind of high!) Yet, it still remains one of my goals. I adore his architecture!
We looked at a Craftsman/bungalow-style home before settling on our house. I liked the layout except for the second half-story floor, which had two bedrooms in railroad-fashion. The exterior wasn’t nearly as cute as some of the ones you posted — the front porch was enclosed. It was on a main street, otherwise, the price was right. Cramped kitchen, though. I kind of miss house-hunting.
.-= RainyDaySaver´s last blog ..Quick-and-Dirty Yakezie Carnival: Girls’ Weekend Edition =-.
These are great houses LH. Too bad they all cost $1-2 million bucks here in San Francisco!
.-= Financial Samurai´s last blog ..The Mental To Physical Connection For A Healthier Lifestyle =-.
@Rainy Day Saver – Many Craftsman style homes have been renovated, so I can see your disappointment in the ones you looked at. However, I totally see where house-hunting can be really fun. Seeing all the different styles of homes is exciting. I really think I should have studied residential architecture!
@Financial Samurai – They’re expensive here too. But isn’t everything in San Francisco over priced?
I LOVE Craftsman style homes. We don’t get them back in MO and it’s one of my favorite things about living out here in CA. A friend of mine is currently renting a gorgeous one (not sure which of the above examples you cited) and I used to work in a convent that was a beautifully restored 2-story Craftsman. Ohhhh, how I loved that place!
I love salt box houses and Spanish style homes as well. Basically, I prefer smaller, simple and clean lines. Right now, I’m like you–dreaming and saving my pennies. One day!
.-= ConsciouslyFrugal´s last blog ..Peak Everything =-.
@Consciously Frugal – I’m with you, clean and simple lines can make a house great. Good luck on your quest for your own little house. I’ve got a long way to go, but I can dream for now.