Below, we investigate Arts and Crafts house style - this prettiest of house styles - and how to make the most of it. What is Arts and Crafts house style? An Arts and Crafts-style home is a small-to-medium sized, single family home that usually is a square shape with two stories. The Arts and Crafts Movement was a reaction to the excesses of Victorian industrialisation.
It grew from a desire to revive traditional craftsmanship and restore simplicity and honesty to how buildings and furnishings were made. We care for a number of Arts and Crafts houses across England designed by the leading lights of the movement, many of which feature interiors by the textile designer. By the close of the 19th century Arts and Crafts had become the dominant style in the design of domestic interiors for the British middle and upper classes.
Drawing on national and regional traditions, the Arts and Crafts home celebrated individual expression, simplicity and 'honest' forms. Our collections contain a huge number of items. You may have noticed that the Arts and Crafts movement is having a bit of a moment, with some of today's naturalistic wallpapers and fabrics, rustic furniture and pared-back interiors seeming to have their roots in this style.
Spanning 1860 to 1920, Arts and Crafts was a celebration of simple, honest craftsmanship. Home Architecture Seven of the UK's best Arts and Crafts buildings. The original Arts and Crafts wallpapers, furniture and textiles mingle with the 17th and 18th century furniture, and furnishings from the Middle East and China, demonstrating the sources of inspiration that the Arts and Crafts practitioners drew on to create their aesthetic.
Arts and Crafts houses continue to be a popular choice for homebuyers and are highly sought-after. Their timeless design, and the quality of the materials used, ensures they maintain their appeal. Contemporary Arts and Crafts-style houses are still being built, and will occasionally incorporate some traditional building methods and craftsmanship.
The architectural style which developed from Arts and Crafts has at its heart five main principles: clarity of form or structure, variety of materials, asymmetry, traditional construction and craftsmanship. Buildings were constructed within the local vernacular - that is, using local materials and traditions. Whether yours is a 1910 Bungalow or a new Craftsman home, learn about Arts & Crafts house styles, vintage kitchens, furniture, old-house restoration, and contemporary artisans.
Look for our annual print edition each year in October. The best Arts and Crafts houses to visit in England, perfect for the Slow Traveller. Photos, history and visiting details.