What is a craftsman style home and cottage?

Craftsman style homes and cottages, also called bungalow house plans or "Arts and Crafts style" home plans, typically have one or one and a half stories and a low pitch gabled roof. The wide brackets and low overhangs have made these designs easy to recognize.

Usually a veranda graces the front elevation, supported by stone or brick piers. The most common wall cladding were wood clapboard and wood shingles.

The word "cottage" evokes a strong sense of comfort, coziness and charm. Whether it is a weekend getaway or a retirement home, it is a special place reminiscent of a simpler time. These craftsman style homes, cabins and cottages were planned with open interior spaces, abundant natural lighting, sleeping lofts, screen porches and timeless craftsman style detailing.

Craftsman or bungalow home plans are designed for entertaining and socializing and feature large, functional kitchens and eating areas with high ceilings and an airy feel. These home plans feature family-friendly eating areas adjacent to the kitchen, a formal dining area, or both. Many kitchens open onto a large family room with a fireplace or onto a rear patio overlooking a private garden area or pool beyond. Decorative columns, wood beams, stepped ceilings and nooks, placed strategically through the house plan, are some other features found often in this style of home.