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Posts Tagged ‘hardwood’

All About Hardwood Flooring

Tuesday, July 24th, 2018

You just gotta love the American Cherry Franklin Goddard Dresser sitting right on a hardwood floor inside this living room.

If you’ve been looking for the ultimate guide in buying wood flooring to use in your home, then you’ve come to the right place. Here’s an aid to hardwood flooring choices, what the different types are, why they’re good, and what to consider before investing.

First off, you probably already know that hardwood flooring is costly. But there is a reason behind the sky-high prices.

The Hardwood Flooring Benefits

There are various reasons why you should choose hardwood flooring instead of other materials. First, hardwood floors can enhance the look of any room. They are elegant to look at and they can instantly give the room a certain level of warmth, thus, your home becomes more inviting.

Hardwood flooring is also versatile. They can be used with almost any theme. There is also a wide range of finishes and colors to choose from so there’s a hardwood material out there that’s surely gonna catch your attention.

Hardwood flooring is also low-maintenance. This means that they are easy to clean. All you have to do is to vacuum off the dust and dirt as deep cleaning is only needed once each year.

Another reason why hardwood floors are so popular among designers and homeowners is that they are durable. They could be dented or scratched but it would take a lot of effort to do just that. And even when the surface becomes damaged, all you would need to do is to spot clean it.

If you’re also keen on adjusting the acoustic quality in a room, then hardwood floors are your go-to flooring. You will soon observe that wood is one of the best options for an awesome sound system or home theatre.

And for those of you with family members who are allergic to almost everything, hardwood flooring is also a viable solution. You won’t have to worry about allergens unless you don’t vacuum the floors often, then that’s a totally different story. But this material is unlike carpets that take on more dust, thus, increasing the possibility of an allergic reaction.

Hardwood flooring can also add to the value of your property. Come the time when you will sell your home, many buyers would be willing to pay more because of this one feature.

Hardwood Flooring Types

There are only two major categories for hardwood flooring and these are solid and engineered. Solid hardwood is what most people generally think of when talking about hardwood flooring. These are solid planks or pieces of wood coming from your preferred wood species.

Solid hardwood is known for its natural, rustic beauty. Install it right and you are sure to have a lasting flooring for many decades. Just check which rooms are the most humid because those are the rooms where hardwood flooring should not be installed.

The second type is engineered hardwood which is made by pressing several layers of wood together. This multi-ply flooring material is known to be less susceptible to damages caused by moisture.

Engineered hardwoods are also known to be flexible. They can be used even in basements all the way up to the upper story floors. They can also be directly installed over concrete subfloors. And unlike solid hardwood, engineered ones are less pricey. So for homeowners who are watching their budgets, these can be their best choice.

Hardwood Species

So what are the most common species of wood that are used as hardwood flooring? These include cherry (with American Cherry as its most popular variety), walnut, oak, hickory, maple, ash, Douglas fir (which is loved because of its pretty uniform appearance), teak, birch, pine, to name a few.

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Wood 101

Tuesday, September 6th, 2016

Hooker Furniture Home Office Ball Claw Desk 434-10-158 has a delicious wooden color that will surely invite attention.

Hooker Furniture Home Office Ball Claw Desk 434-10-158 has a delicious wooden color that will surely invite attention.

There’s plenty of wood on the planet. It is warm, cozy, it is strong and durable, it can even last for hundreds if not thousands of years. Wood has many uses including the building of bridges, manufacturing paper, or heating homes. This is one of the most versatile materials in the world with thousands of practical uses. But what do you think makes wood great?

What Is Wood?

Wood is grown in trees. If you could take a part of the tree and peel off the bark, you would immediately realize that there are two kinds of woods. The first, closest to the edge, is a light, moist layer referred to as sapwood. This is filled with tubes referred to as the xylem.

Deeper and darker into the tree is what’s known as the heartwood. This, in essence, is already dead because the xylem tubes were blocked with gums or resins.

At the sapwood’s outer edge is a thin layer known as the cambium. This is where the tree grows outward to form those annual rings which can tell you how old the tree is. If you take the time to cut the trunk vertically, you would get into the grain. There are also occasional ovals that interrupt the grains. These are the knots. Knots are unique and attractive parts of the wood but they tend to weaken the structure.

Is It Hardwood or Softwood?

There are two distinct kinds of wood – hardwoods and softwoods. While the names may convey hardness or softness, these don’t always refer to the sturdiness or suppleness of the wood. Hardwoods are woods that come from deciduous trees (those that have broad leaves). Examples of hardwood are birch, beech, ash, maple, teak, oak, mahogany and walnut.

Softwoods, on the other hand, come from coniferous trees (those that have cones and needles). Examples are cypress, cedar, pine, fir, redwood and spruce.

Generally, though, hardwoods are harder when compared to softwoods. One of the most famous exceptions is the Balsa wood which is classified as a hardwood but is actually soft.

Hardwoods come with beautiful grains which is why they are often used in manufacturing fine furniture. Decorative woodwork also looks great when done with hardwood. Softwoods are most suitable for construction work (e.g. poles and planks) because they are tall and straight.

Wood’s Chemical Composition

If you can take a look at some freshly cut wood right under a microscope, you will see that it – just like any other plant – is composed of many cells. These cells are made up of three substances namely cellulose, hemi cellulose and lignin.

There are literally hundreds of wood species so it is difficult to make a general adjective that would describe the word wood. See, oak is different from balsa in so many ways. Physically, wood is stiff and strong but if you compare it to steel, it is, of course, flexible and light. Still compared to plastic, metal and ceramic, woods have a unique isotropic inner structure.

Wood Is Durable

One of the greatest things about wood is that it can last for a very long time. This is why wooden structures made thousands of years ago are still being unearthed by archeologists. This means that wood can easily outlast the person who invested in it.

Wood can rot when forces of nature get a hold of it. Organisms like insects and fungi can also nibble at the cellulose and lignin. If you want your wood furniture to last, make sure that you know how to care for it. Ask your furniture retailer about cleaning solutions that could help you maintain your furniture’s beauty.

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The Wondrous Walnut

Thursday, June 30th, 2016

Universal Furniture Dining Room Uph Back Side Chair 016638-RTA elegantly fuses walnut, leather and fabric.

Universal Furniture Dining Room Uph Back Side Chair 016638-RTA elegantly fuses walnut, leather and fabric.

Do you agree that the furnishings you choose have a lot more impact compared to the accessories, textiles, window treatments and other interior design elements? Your furniture literally make or break the look that you have set up for your home. This is why one of the biggest decisions that you will be making is to find the right kind of furniture for your home.

There are many important features that call for a homeowner’s attention. And since furniture is especially important, you have to determine how durable it is, what makes it visually appealing, and what material it is actually made from.

When searching for long-lasting and beautiful furniture, there are but a few materials that you can trust. One of such materials is the walnut.

Most traditional furniture pieces are built using walnut. It is an excellent choice because it is a durable hardwood which can retain a beautiful finish for many, many years. This has also been part of many iconic designs in furniture history. There is no question as to why it is one of the most favored materials that are used in manufacturing furniture.

For many generations, walnut has been used by interior designers and master artisans. The only question left to ask now is this – which walnut furniture is right for you?

Walnut Is Hardwood

Walnut is a tree that loses its leaves during autumn and winter. The two most common walnut types used are black and English walnut. The cut wood has a grain that is often straight though it can become wavy the closer you get to the roots.

Walnut color can dramatically alter from light to dark brown. The middle part of the tree is able to produce dark wood while the outer layer produces the lighter colored wood.

Universal Furniture Home Entertainment Entertainment Console 016966

Universal Furniture Home Entertainment Entertainment Console 016966

Choose Walnut

Walnut is durable and hard so it carves well. It can also hold its shape for many years. This is one of the best choices for ornate furniture requiring intricate woodworks. The headboard or mantelpiece would look great if carved in walnut.

Walnut furniture can easily become heirloom pieces. All that you need to do is to care for them properly.

Know What to Look For

Walnut comes with straight grain that will be beautifully accentuated by a coat of urethane. Be careful with stains, though, as they can make the beautiful grain less noticeable.

The finish that you choose is all a matter of taste. Wood furniture that comes with burly or wavy grains can be easily covered with walnut veneer if you want to make the appearance improve. Walnut furniture can also be covered with walnut veneer.

Solid walnut furniture naturally costs more. Decide whether appearance is more important for you than material or construction.

Restore or Discard?

Looking for ways to restore any walnut furniture that you might already have is wonderful idea. This is good way to revitalize the furniture piece. Restoration frightens a lot of people but it shouldn’t since the process is quite simple.

The easiest way to restore or fortify the look of walnut furniture is to merely reapply the wood’s existing finish.

Clean finishes are shellacs, lacquers and varnishes. Apply just a small amount of denatured alcohol to a small section of the finish and you should be able to determine what finish was used. Shellac is absorbed by denatured alcohol while varnish and lacquer tend to stay.

Natural wood finish comes with oils or waxes. They are rougher to your touch and do not have a glossy look. Natural finishes can be reapplied to restore the beauty of walnut. If the surface is damaged, though, the furniture piece might already require resurfacing.

If all else fails, it is best to invest in new walnut furniture.

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Why Hardwood Flooring?

Tuesday, June 14th, 2016

FFDM's American Cherry Collection offers a wide range of wood furnishings that will surely suit your hardwood flooring.

FFDM’s American Cherry Collection offers a wide range of wood furnishings that will surely suit your hardwood flooring.

Many homeowners who are remodeling their dwelling places make improvements on their flooring based on what they want or on what price is most affordable. Not a lot consider what kind of flooring material makes for a good investment. The very few who take the time to consider this often resort to hardwood flooring – and for a good reason.

So why hardwood flooring?

Dollar Value in Hardwood Flooring

The major reason is its durability. Hardwood floors are a great investment but the sad news is that a lot of people shun away the possibility of having a great-looking and functional floor all because of price issues. What these people fail to realize are the long-term costs.

Carpet and other such flooring materials have to be replaced every 10 to 15 years. If they completely wear out, they can’t be mended anymore. Wood floors, on the other hand, can last a lifetime (even beyond). Some of the oldest homes in the country have beautifully maintained their original hardwood flooring.

Take the time to spread the cost in the installation of wood floor throughout a lifetime then compare it to the possible cost of having to replace the carpet. Here, you would be able to realize that hardwood floors are actually much more economical.

Hardwood floors have the highest demand in high value real estate properties. People who own such properties are willing to pay the higher price for hardwood flooring because they want the appeal that comes with the material. Also, hardwood floors can blend with almost any kind of décor so there is no need for homeowners to change their theme.

Health Benefits, Too?

Hardwood floors are also a great investment for your home because they are healthier to keep. Carpets are known for trapping dust, debris, pollen and other kinds of allergens deep in their fibers. Having a carpet means family members could develop respiratory conditions like asthma.

Hardwood floors can be easily cleaned using a broom; no need to vacuum.

Less Maintenance

One of the things that you should consider when buying flooring materials is their maintenance. While wood does change based on moisture and temperature yet the homeowner has the power to control these. If you are able to control these two, then you won’t have any trouble having hardwood flooring in your home.

It’s Too Beautiful

Hardwood flooring also offers natural beauty. Just flip through the different interior design magazines and you would notice that this material is often featured especially in posh homes. The best flooring option for grand ballrooms, restaurants, offices and galleries has always been hardwood.

Hardwood Is Resilient

Solid hardwood is a piece of solid wood from the bottom up. They are generally ¾ inch thick though there are also 5/16” and 3/8” thick pieces. The most recognized width is the2 ¼”  strip flooring. Other widths are 1 ½”  to 7” planks. The lengths vary from 12” to 96” long.

There is also custom made solid hardwood flooring that can be milled to the customer’s specifications. Plank or solid strip floors can be installed using the nail or staple down procedure right on the wooden sub-flooring.

The difference between the solid hardwood and engineered flooring is the way the wood is cut. Solid wood planks are sliced lengthwise deep into the log. Engineered wood flooring, on the other hand, is rotary cut with a very sharp blade. Each sheet is only about 1/8” thick. The sheets are then glued then pressed atop a plywood substrate for added strength.

Order your hardwood flooring as plain sawn or quarter sawn. The latter has to be customized to suit your preferences.

 

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Woodcarving and Your Furniture

Saturday, April 30th, 2016

 

Fine Furniture Design Bedroom Riesling Double Dresser 320-142

Fine Furniture Design Bedroom Riesling Double Dresser 320-142

Wood carvings are a natural part of many traditional homes. There are different kinds of wood carving, though. This can be anything from relief, chip, letter, to carving in the round.

Carving can only be done with the use of tools such as chisel, knives, mallets and gouges. Carving the round can be accomplished with the use of files and rasps.

Gouges come in different shapes and width. Short and long handles are also available.

Woodcarving History

If you love the look of carved wood in your home, then you should be prepared to learn about its rich history. This craft has been around for the longest time. For as long as man existed, wood has always been there in one form or another so there is no way of dating when woodcarving actually began. If you believe in the Bible, then it is probable that Adam could be the first woodcarver.

The Bible mentioned woodcarving in the Exodus, Chapter 35. The Dark Ages showed the ups and down of this work of art. European woodcarvers were mostly monks as this art was confined to the monasteries back in the day.

Wood is not one of those materials that can withstand elements for many years. This is why woodcarvings must be protected if you want them to endure. Unlike the stone carvings that can stay the same for thousands of years, woodcarving cannot withstand harsh conditions. Between insects and weather elements, woodcarvings should be protected in order for them to last.

Egypt is a rare country that offers favorable conditions for woodcarvings. In there, wood is able to survive for many years even minus the usual care.

Egyptian climate preserved 11 wooden panels under sands for approximately 4,000 years. It was only in 1860 when these were unearthed once more. Called relief carvings, these woodcarvings were found in Pharaon Hesy-Ra’s tomb.

The oldest churches in England feature decorative carvings to this day.

If you want your woodcarvings to last through time, you need to learn to take care of them. Woods come in different types so you need to know their individual characteristics so you would know how to keep them from being damaged.

FFDM Vintage Classics Collection

FFDM Vintage Classics Collection

Softwoods vs. Hardwoods

The most common softwoods used in woodcarving are – basswood, cottonwood, and butternut. As for the hardwoods, the raw materials most often used are – walnut, mahogany, teak, rosewood and maple.

Basswood comes with little grain patterns that often appear bland which is why they are painted over. This is related to the European lime but the best basswood for carving comes from the northern states of Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Cottonwood’s bark is popular among those who carve wooden spirits. It has a tendency to split, though, but it is pretty when unpainted.

Butternut is quite difficult to find but it has a beautiful grain and color.

Walnut is a hardwood that is difficult to carve with the use of hand tools. The sharpest tools and a mallet are often used to produce the most beautiful carvings.

Mahogany, on the other hand, is reddish, lightweight and has a straight grain. This can be easily worked with power or hand tools though it has a tendency to split.

Woodcarvers who are just starting should seek out other raw materials first. He can only progress to harder pieces of wood once he experiences success in his first few carvings. Not all carvers show progress right away. Some slink away because of the lack of progress in their work. The wood that they are using could be too hard or too soft that they split.

Since woodcarving is difficult, you should have more appreciation for the master artisans that offer their skills in creating the furnishings that you have in your home.

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Redesigning Flooring: Hardwood or Carpeting?

Friday, February 19th, 2016

 

Capel Incorporated Floor Coverings Carpet Grip 12' x 15' Rug 8330RS12001500000

Capel Incorporated Floor Coverings Carpet Grip 12′ x 15′ Rug 8330RS12001500000

The floor is defined by an online dictionary to be the surface of a room wherein one stands. If you are looking into redesigning the floor of your home, then you have to know where your starting point is. There are so many factors to look into such as the textures that are going to be used, also the palette, quality and patterns. You wouldn’t want to overlook these crucial elements once the redesigning project is on its way.

There are various floor designs that you can choose from which makes it difficult, at times, to decide on what details to use. If you are working alone, without the help of an interior designer, then you know that you need to consider your budget and style seriously.

The lighting inside your home will also affect the kind of flooring that you will install. There are flooring designs that could look lighter or darker depending on the amount of light that is focused onto it. Such flooring materials may look different inside the showroom so be careful when you harmonize the lighting and flooring.

You can find inspirational photos online which can help you personalize your flooring. You can choose from colorful tiles, wooden planks, hand-painted floors, terrazzo flooring, even porcelain tiles. Choose the style that speaks to you and have fun as you begin your flooring design project.

The Accessories Uttermost Chouteau Floor Clock 06086 will look perfect on a light hardwood floor.

The Accessories Uttermost Chouteau Floor Clock 06086 will look perfect on a light hardwood floor.

Redesigning Flooring: Using Hardwoods

Hardwood floors present a unique splendor that can make decorating a tad more daunting. Hardwood floors can account for a huge part of your interior design budget only because they are built to last.

Since you are choosing hardwood for your flooring, you also have to consider the design for your entire home. The wood type and finish of the flooring you selected will inevitably set the atmosphere. A traditional style requires oak or ash floors. Other such woods have grains that have a timeless look. They also come in a variety of finishes and stains.

Those who want to have a contemporary home should look for the monochromatic options such as maple, or the unique patterns offered by sapele or tigerwood.

Cherry, hickory and other hardwoods would be perfect for those who choose a rustic style.

Another aspect of hardwood flooring is to check on the finish. There is a huge array of stains and finishes for hardwood floors. Should you prefer contrasts, then use a dark finish on the flooring combined with light furniture.

  • Match the flooring material with the rest of the design elements in your home. Dark stained flooring with a high gloss will look perfect in a modern setting. Rustic lovers will want to use hand-scraped hardwoods in different hues. Honey and mahogany hues will surely be embraced by traditionalists.

Redesigning Flooring: How About a Carpet?

Buying a brand new carpet can be your next best option. This is for those who are still undecided on the final material that they will use for their flooring.

Find out how you can buy the best carpet with these helpful tips –

  • Examine the carpet with a foot traffic test.
  • Do your interior painting a month before carpet installation.
  • Check out different carpet colors and styles by taking home some samples.
  • Ask for estimates from your carpet dealers. Visit McCreery’s Home Furnishings or check out our carpet choices here on our website.
  • Do not be pressured into buying anything on your first visit to the store. Take your time as you choose the carpet that you would install in your home.
  • Measure the rooms where the carpet will be installed.
  • Always keep the sales receipt for purposes of warranty.

Whether you choose a hardwood floor or to cover up the current floor with a carpet, is really up to you. Redesigning flooring can be an exciting phase of your life as a homeowner so enjoy while you are at it.

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Hardwood Furniture: Characteristics and Benefits

Thursday, January 28th, 2016

 

Biltmore desk from FFDM. It may be traditionally classy but it also comes with modern features to accommodate your gadget needs.

Biltmore desk from FFDM. It may be traditionally classy but it also comes with modern features to accommodate your gadget needs.

There is reason behind the liking for hardwood furniture among sophisticated homeowners. This kind of furniture can provide a different level of appeal in any home.  While both softwood and hardwood materials are great for furniture creation, there are benefits and disadvantages for both.

Hardwoods come from angiosperm trees which produce covered seeds. This is a sturdy material that has been used for centuries in the manufacture of furniture and flooring, too. It is heavier, harder and classic looking when compared to many kinds of softwoods.

One of the best examples of a hardwood is the good, ol’ reliable oak. Oakwood is super solid and has been used in manufacturing heirloom furniture pieces. Oakwood bedroom furniture sets look elegant and will surely leave a lasting impression with anyone.

There are many styles of hardwood furniture that can be found in the market these days. If you want to use a classic, contemporary, traditional, periodic or rustic theme, then this is the material to acquire. All hardwoods are solid and long-lasting.

HARDWOOD. ffdm biltmore

Biltmore pieces come with durable and beautiful hardwoods that will make your home stand out.

 

Hardwood Furniture Advantages

It may be tempting at times to just choose furniture made with inferior materials since they are cheaper. But that is all that they are – inferior. You will, eventually, spend more as you buy a replacement for the low quality furniture which you settled for.

So, to save yourself a lot of money and energy, even time, consider buying hardwood furniture in the first place. Hardwood furniture is an investment that can give you a lot of benefits. First on this list is its natural beauty.

Mahogany, oak, mango and acacia are all naturally beautiful. They automatically up the level of warmth and coziness in your home. Genuine pieces of hardwood furniture are not difficult to spot. Just run your hand through the surface of the wood and you would know that you are touching the right thing.

Another benefit that comes with hardwood furniture is its sturdiness. Invest in quality oak or mahogany furniture and this will surely become an antique years from now. Hardwood even improves with age and is even built to outlast the owners. This means that hardwood furniture is the perfect kind of heirloom piece that you can pass on to your posterity.

Fine Furniture Design Salisbury Home Entertainment Left Wall Unit Top 1020-692TL.

Fine Furniture Design Salisbury Home Entertainment Left Wall Unit Top 1020-692TL.

Toughness also comes with all the other benefits of hardwood furniture. Of course, you already know that buying cheap flat-pack pieces can be easily damaged by children and pets. Traditional woods can withstand scratches and even bigger problems. They are repairable and can be polished to look new all the time – this you cannot expect with cheap furniture.

The classification of wood as to its hardness or softness comes down to its physical characteristics. While it is generally true that hardwoods are harder than softwoods, there are also exceptions like in the case of yew. This is classified as softwood yet it is relatively hard. Balsa, on the other hand, is a type of wood that is much softer than most softwood.

Hardwood vs. Softwood

Most hardwoods are used in the creation of sturdy desks, cabinets, flooring materials, and decks. Softwood is used in some building components although most are used in paper manufacturing and the creation of medium-density fiberboards.

Hardwood furniture pieces are also easy to clean. To maintain, all you would need is daily dusting and an occasional application of polish or cleaning with mild detergent.

Choosing hardwood furniture that can live for hundreds of years means investing in the toughest and densest materials; you will never be wrong to select hardwood furniture. It won’t just last for years, it is also stunning and classy, one that would elevate the way people see you.

Hooker Furniture Dining Room Vintage West 54in Round Dining Table with 20in leaf is made with hardwood solids, resin, decorative nails and aluminum. This traditional dark wood comes with a dark charcoal finish, unsurpassed quality, and solid frame. This lovely piece will never contract or expand during extreme weather changes.

Hooker Furniture Dining Room Vintage West 54in Round Dining Table with 20in leaf is hardwood furniture made with hardwood solids, resin, decorative nails and aluminum. This traditional dark wood comes with a dark charcoal finish, unsurpassed quality, and solid frame. This lovely piece will never contract or expand during extreme weather changes.

 

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The Craftsman Living Space: Where Handmade Art Rules

Wednesday, January 27th, 2016

 

Living Room Uttermost Citographie Gray Linen Armchair 23168. This chair is made of hardwood and made perfect by craftsman detail right on the gray linen tailoring. See how the brass nails streamline the fabric trim giving the needed contrast to the solid oak bare frame.

Living Room Uttermost Citographie Gray Linen Armchair 23168. This chair is made of hardwood and made perfect by craftsman detail right on the gray linen tailoring. See how the brass nails streamline the fabric trim giving the needed contrast to the solid oak bare frame.

Craftsman dwellings were inspired by architect brothers Henry Mather Greene and Charles Sumner Greene. These ingenious minds worked together during the 20th century in Pasadena, California. The Greenes were quite inspired by the English arts and crafts movement and Oriental architecture. In their own promoting handmade stuff rather than those created inside factories and were machine-made.

If you want to have a first-hand look at the beauty of craftsman design and architecture, you could visit Southern California where a few bungalows from 1905 till the 1920s still stand. You will surely love this style if you like things that may be old but have got a timeless appeal.

Characteristics to look for include gabled roofs, front porch, tapered columns, partly paned doors, multi-pane windows, and a lot of earthy colors.

Craftsman houses are typically painted in any nature-inspired color. You will see a lot of browns and greens. The low-profile homes often blend with their natural surroundings. The muted palette comprising of just one or two contrasting colors are used to highlight the breathtaking architectural features.

Regardless of the style that you choose for your home, keep in mind that painting an architectural feature with a contrasting color is an effective way to highlight such feature.

Another characteristic that is unique to a craftsman home is the stone detailing. See the mixture of different materials with the siding typically made of wooden clapboard. There are some that feature shingled siding as this was a pretty common style, too, back in the day. The foundations and porch piers are generally made of stone with some concrete block, bricks or stucco used at times.

Craftsman style also comes with roof eaves, exposed beams and rafter tails. All these reflect the influence made by the Arts and Crafts movement, thus, visible handiwork was featured and were considered in style.

Living Room Uttermost Ardusin Hobby Cupboard 25589 is made from select hardwoods. It is hand-finished in worn black. The mahogany dovetail bins are solid wood and are great for your any storage needs.

Living Room Uttermost Ardusin Hobby Cupboard 25589 is made from select hardwoods. It is hand-finished in worn black. The mahogany dovetail bins are solid wood and are great for your any storage needs.

Democratic Mixing

Get a craftsman style book and mix materials that you can get your hands on. Think of cladding a little addition of brick or stone even when your home already has existing clapboard siding. The addition of exposed rafter tails or beams should not mean that you are supposed to reconstruct your home or even replace your roof. Such details are commonly decorative in nature and can be easily added below a home that already has deep roof eaves.

There is something inviting and warm about a craftsman home. It celebrates the fusion of building materials, lovely structures, and most especially, the 20th century architectural features.

So, how to begin?

Start with a view of some of the craftsman homes still in existence. Take note of the window detailing, those exposed rafters, the facade, stained glasses as decorative accents, and the overall warm glow of the place.

Consider also the kind of lighting used which mirror the exteriors. Find sconce and pendant lighting that will cast a warm, golden glow throughout a room. While this is the general rule when it comes to craftsman homes (warm lighting plus earthy colors), this does not mean that you can’t put your own personality into it. You can opt for the bright home approach where you balance the bright hues with the wooden accents which are the staple materials of a craftsman home.

Other colors that you can add to your palette are white and blue. Gray can also give your craftsman home a contemporary appeal. Include white wooden accent pieces, modern pendant lighting fixtures, and some contemporary art. The result is a comfortable and trimmed yet modern and posh at the same time.

Isn’t it fun to make historical homes appear modern inside? This can be your take on retro meets the contemporary look.Craftsman design is sure to captivate both young and old spectators.

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