When it comes to selecting the right door for your home, you are faced with a broad range of options. The choices can often seem overwhelming. To a large extent, what your home needs is based upon its architectural style. For some homes, that means a decorative door with distinctive Victorian accents. Others prefer a simple look. Their bungalow is more likely in need of a simpler touch. For this reason, they might consider American Craftsman doors.
What is the American Craftsman Style?
If you own what is called a typical American home, it may be based on the American Craftsman style. It was considered a revolution in design for American homes – a distinctly different home than the Victorian style that preceded it. Its name is from The Craftsman, a magazine published early in the 20th century by Gustav Stickley. It featured many furniture and house designs by such people as the Greene brothers and Harvey Ellis. It incorporated the British movement of Craftsmen as well as American developments in design by the Shakers and in the Mission style. The style quickly came to dominate architecture and design principles spanning from 1905 until the early years of the Great Depression.
This approach was known for its simplicity. Like the Shakers-style, it focused on function and excellence in craftsmanship. Local handcrafted pieces, such as craftsman doors, were created by skilled crafters using what was available in terms of quality wood, handcrafted metal and glass. With its clean, straight and harmonious lines, the American Craftsman movement was a reaction to Victorian excess. It also influenced the Art Deco concepts of design but was soon lost until the recent revival.
What Are Craftsman Doors?
In the current approach to the American Craftsman style, there is often little separation form a predecessor – the Mission style. Craftsman doors may be lumped together with Mission style doors. In reality, there is a slight difference. However, the two are closely related on various levels. They are:
* Clean lined
* Minimalist in their design approach
* Commonly three-panel doors but with variations including the use of glass and the arrangement of the panels
* Functional or utilitarian
Mission doors, unlike traditional American Craftsman doors, may feature arched doors and entryways.
When it comes time to selecting a door for your home, it is always wise to look at the overall appearance of your home. You need to be aware of how it looks as this should affect the type of door you choose. If your home suits the purpose, go ahead and buy American Craftsman doors. If, instead, it is Victorian, Georgian or Contemporary, you may want to talk to a professional about the effect American Craftsman doors will have before you go ahead with you purchase.
One of the latest trends in residence is replacing the current doors with Craftsman Doors. This once popular style is making a comeback. If you want to see the styles and variations on this type f door and others, contact the expert staff at Nick’s Building Supply.
