Tapered Columns and Stone Piers
Substantial, battered porch columns rising from hand-laid river-rock or stone piers anchor the home to the ground.
Craftsman Home Design
Craftsman Home Design
Honoring the “honesty” of construction through exposed structure, tapered proportions, and generations-deep artisan woodwork.
Craftsman design offers a sense of warmth and integrity that few other styles can match. In the foothills and valleys of Western North Carolina, this aesthetic creates a grounded, handcrafted home that feels as though every joint and joist was placed with intention.
The Heart of Honest Construction
The appeal of a Craftsman home lies in its refusal to hide its own bones. Rooted in the Arts and Crafts movement, this style rejects excess ornamentation in favor of visible structure and natural materials – exposed rafter tails, tapered porch columns set on stone piers, and low-pitched gable roofs that hug the landscape.
At Herrington Homes, we specialize in translating this century-old American design language for the modern mountain lifestyle. Many homeowners worry that a Craftsman’s low-slung silhouette might feel tight, but we solve this by opening the interior into generous, light-filled great rooms beneath the classic exterior. Our design-build approach ensures that while your home reads as a timeless bungalow, it functions with the space and efficiency of a 21st-century estate.
Architectural Pillars of the Craftsman Style
Achieving an authentic Craftsman look requires a deep appreciation for architectural detail and high-level craftsmanship. We focus on specific elements to ensure the home feels genuine rather than a modern imitation.
Exposed Rafter Tails and Brackets
Hand-cut rafter tails and decorative knee braces extend beyond the roofline, celebrating the structure rather than concealing it.
Deep, Covered Porches
Wide, welcoming porches with substantial roof overhangs create shaded outdoor rooms and a strong sense of arrival.
Interior Character
Inside, we prioritize Custom Millwork such as built-in bookcases, box-beam ceilings, and quarter-sawn oak cabinetry that honors the Arts and Crafts tradition.
Natural Material Palettes
The Craftsman style is incomplete without a connection to the earth. We design Modern Outdoor Living Spaces using river-rock, cedar shakes, and timber accents that root the home in its site.
Experience You Can Trust
Crafting a Heritage Home in Asheville
Building a home with this much visible structure requires a builder who understands historical scale and proportion. Herrington Homes’ 30 years of experience as a general contractor allow us to execute the heavy timber framing and stonework required for this style. Meanwhile, we work with your interior designer to balance rustic elements with refined finishes, ensuring the home feels sophisticated rather than purely rustic.
We also specialize in hiding modern technology within these traditional frames. Through our Smart Home Integration, we can hide high-fidelity speakers behind plaster walls and place motorized shades within deep window casings. You get the charm of a century-old bungalow with the security and climate control of a luxury new build.
FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions About Craftsman Design
Not at all. While the exterior celebrates honest, hand-built structure, the Craftsman interior is famous for being warm without sacrificing sophistication. It is a style that welcomes mudrooms, built-in window seats, and lived-in spaces, making it one of the most family-friendly luxury styles.
The deep porch overhangs and substantial roof pitches common in Craftsman design shed rain and snow effectively while shading the home from summer sun, making it a very practical choice for the Asheville region.
Yes. We often design “Heart of the Home” kitchens that feature quarter-sawn oak cabinetry and farmhouse sinks, while tucking modern conveniences like steam ovens and wine fridges into a hidden butler’s pantry.
Our Traditional Home portfolio includes a “Mountain Craftsman” archetype as one of several traditional lineages we build. A standalone Craftsman home leans more fully into the style’s signature tapered columns, exposed rafters, and bungalow proportions as the primary design language for the entire residence.
Create Your Own Piece of History
A Craftsman home is more than a residence; it is a legacy. Discover how Herrington Homes can bring hand-built charm and world-class construction to your property in Arden or Asheville.
Call or Text Herrington Homes at (828) 712-3616 to begin your architectural journey.
