Craftsman-style interiors are certainly classic and beautiful, with their dark woods, stained glass windows, and fireplaces acting as centerpieces. But what happens when you step outside? How are you bringing those storied visuals steeped in historic architecture to the exterior of your home, while still maintaining your personal style? We suggest starting with the front porch.
When it comes to Craftsman style, there are some signature characteristics that you should think about. The front porch is typically covered, and framed by columns, offering plenty of shade. The roof eaves hang over the porch as well, and exposed beams can branch out. While many people dream about owning an authentic Craftsman home (and if you're really lucky, one designed by Frank Lloyd Wright), others have to improvise to incorporate the classic style into their house.
Video of the Day
Video of the Day
Either way, we know that you'll absolutely love these eight Craftsman front porch ideas as much as we do.
1. Consider a modern take on Craftsman style.
This home dreamed up by Jenny of Juniper Home features a contemporary interpretation of the classic style. With its sleek pergola, black exterior, and checkerboard tile floor, the front porch exudes Craftsman spirit but is undeniably modern.
2. Weave in coastal charm.
Rebecca of Rebecca Rowland Interiors included some coastal-inspired accents in this Craftsman front porch. You can emulate the look with wicker furniture, handwoven baskets, a patterned area rug, and a few throw pillows.
Get the look: Mexitems Mexican Falsa Blanket, $17.97
3. Make it a farmhouse masterpiece.
Craftsman style often lends itself to farmhouse visuals because they're both inspired by the same time period and they both wrap in vintage-inspired pieces. Lisa of Farmhouse on Boone brought some country appeal to her Craftsman front porch with the help of a white exterior, lots of ferns, and relaxing seating like a rocking chair and a bench.
Get the look: Style Selections Wood Rocking Chair with Slat Seat, $129
4. Emphasize symmetry.
A Craftsman front porch is all about symmetry, with its matching columns and cohesive aesthetics. You can bring that same symmetry to your home's exterior by doubling up on lanterns, hanging plants, and potted flowers. That's what Brittany of Addison's Wonderland did when she styled this lovely situ.
Get the look: World Market Blush Chunky Woven Throw Blanket, $39.99
5. Create a current look with black accents.
If you want to inject your own sense of style into your Craftsman front porch, look no further than a few cans of black paint. It's an on-trend hue that will add a dreamy pop of contrast to your front door. Here, Annie of Most Lovely Things embraced the dramatic color with a hanging chair, lantern style wall sconces, a mailbox, and even black flooring.
Get the look: Rejuvenation Ribbed Galvanized Metal Planter, $51 - $67
6. Stay true to tradition.
On the flip side, you can stay true to the style by keeping the look of your Craftsman front porch classic and traditional. With its posts and stonework, Tamara of CITRINELIVING chose to reinforce bygone visuals with time-honored pieces, including wicker chairs, shutters, and lanterns.
Get the look: BANBERRY DESIGNS Black Decorative LED Lantern with Cross Bar Design (set of two), $31.99
7. Keep it simple.
At its heart, Craftsman style is a fairly unfussy design approach. Its stonework has been known to be fairly intricate, but beyond that, the visuals often rely upon straightforward materials and details. Your Craftsman front porch can look simple and pretty with only a few touches, like the black rocking chair and basket of throw pillows that Marcella of Modest Marce chose for her outdoor space.
8. Showcase a clean look.
Rachel of Shades of Blue Interiors worked her DIY magic when creating this Craftsman front porch. With newly-constructed columns and shutters, the look is made complete with clean aesthetics, such as painted white brick, topiaries, and house numbers in a complementary font.
Get the look: Rustico Brick 2-1/3 in. x 10 in. Matte Porcelain Floor and Wall Tile, $5.22 per square foot