There are many misconceptions between a craftsman style home and a farmhouse style home. Both may have similar architecture but are different from each other in many ways. Both styles are inherently American in nature; embodying every American’s dream home style.
There are a lot of differences between these two styles that make them distinct from one another. To ensure that you can correctly and accurately determine the architectural character of a home, it is important to know the differences between all these styles.
To give you a brief background, Craftsman style homes were coined after the magazine called “The Craftsman” written by Gustav Stickley. This magazine featured a variety of home designs that we know today as Craftsman style homes. This architectural style emphasizes craftsmanship and artisan construction.
On the other hand, farmhouse homes have evolved from the traditional folk homes of the past. Its simple feature, which focuses more on function than aesthetics, is what makes it stand out. Putting the two together, you will notice that farmhouse homes have plainer and simpler details compared to craftsman style homes.
Veranda
A distinctive feature of Craftsman style homes is its entrance. This is one element that makes a home truly Craftsman in terms of style. You will notice that the entrances of Craftsman style homes are mostly framed by a low-pitched gable roof and are often paired with two symmetrical slender columns.
On the other hand, a farmhouse-style entryway is usually flat. Since most farmhouse-style homes have a large floor area, the roof is usually sloped away from the walls of the home toward the front, making it possible to create a wrap-around porch.
In terms of floor area, farmhouse style homes typically wrap around the entire perimeter of the home.
Roof
Craftsman style homes are typically known for the low-pitched gable roof that frames the home from the front. This distinctive feature gives it a natural Craftsman vibe.
As a result, steep gable roofs are common in most farmhouse style homes. In other styles that are considered precursors to the farmhouse style, such as the Dutch Colonial style and saltbox architecture, steep roofs have been a mainstay.
Exposed rafters and trusses are a common element in both styles. However, in craftsman style homes this element is present on both the exterior and interior. Whereas in farmhouse style homes, exposed beams are usually only found in the interiors.
scale
In terms of scale, Craftsman style homes are typically on the smaller side, often measuring less than 3,500 square feet.
Farmhouse style homes often refer to homes located in rural areas. Along with that, the size of these homes often spans a larger floor area than the modest size of craftsman style homes. In terms of scale, farmhouse homes are larger in size.
Siding
In the case of wall siding, Craftsman style homes often use lightweight materials such as wood and shingles. Most Craftsman style homes take pride in the amount of detail and craftsmanship used in the construction of the walls, whether exterior or interior.
On the other hand, farmhouse style homes often use a combination of different materials for walls, cladding, and siding. Examples of materials include natural stone, brick, wood panels, vinyl siding, etc.
Although most Craftsman style homes have stone walls underneath, this cannot be compared to farmhouse style homes which have walls constructed from masonry.
Regarding orientation, craftsman style homes typically use horizontal siding. Farmhouse style homes, on the other hand, use wood planks that are positioned either horizontally or vertically.
Description
While Craftsman homes emphasize the detailing of artisan carpentry, farmhouse style homes lean toward simplicity in their overall design.
Looking back in history, Craftsman style homes were born out of the Arts and Crafts movement. This means that the style itself was inspired by man’s desire for art during the Industrial Revolution, where mass production of building materials became possible.
In terms of wood details such as door frames, cornices, and casing, it is evident that Craftsman style homes use more intricate details than farmhouse homes.
Window openings
In farmhouse style homes, you will notice that there is less surface area dedicated to openings and more surface area to walls. This basically means that windows in farmhouse style homes are smaller in terms of proportion and surface area. On the other hand, Craftsman style homes have a balance between walls and window openings. Wooden shutters are also a common feature in most farmhouse style homes.
Doors
Craftsman style doors typically feature a combination of wood paneling, plain glass, and colored glass inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement. Intricate wood carvings are also commonly used in this type of architecture.
On the other hand, farmhouse style doors focus on simpler designs and forms, featuring predominantly plain wooden frames. Unlike the Craftsman style, farmhouse doors are more streamlined and modern.
column
A key feature found in Craftsman style homes is the use of a slender column throughout the entirety of the plan. This distinctive feature is inherently Craftsman in nature. Farmhouse style homes, on the other hand, use straight and slender columns, usually coupled with diagonal braces to help stabilize the column structurally.
Planning and location
Due to differences in function and space, most farmhouse style homes have more rooms than Craftsman style homes. Most farmhouse style homes have a mud room, large and spacious kitchen, outdoor and indoor dining rooms, and an attic.
Craftsman style homes, on the other hand, typically work with smaller and more compact spaces. Room naming in this style is more general and multi-purpose than farmhouse style homes. Having an attic is also impossible due to the low slope roof design of a Craftsman style home.