Back to Arts and Crafts Basics

Before

A basic craftsman house with a mixture of design features loses its mismatched elements and returns to its craftsman roots. A new porch, paint job and landscaping all tie together to give the house a clean, open look.

Homeowners Ryan Smith and Krista Miller are ready for their house to take on a new look. Designer John Zanakis will help them restore it to its original craftsman style by emphasizing clean, straight lines, and the boxy look authentic to Craftsman homes.

After

Here’s how they accomplish it:

• Remove porch railing and replace with new wood railing with straight lines
  
• Rebuild porch floor with redwood floors for a handcrafted look
  
• New planks for the steps, and porch columns
  
• Foundation gets painted dark brown, body gets painted medium brown
  
• Front door gets painted red
  
• Extensive landscaping: the pine tree comes down and a maple goes up in its place.
• There’s also a new lawn, low-growing plants and a plum tree for color
  
• New gate for the fence
  
• Decorative accents: lamps, birdbath, and wind chimes