The 7 Best Tiles for Craftsman-style Homes
For more than a century, homeowners looking for warm, welcoming designs have turned to Craftsman decorating ideas.
With an emphasis on natural materials and handmade items, Craftsman-style homes are a refuge from the industrial world. The best tiles for Craftsman-style homes will help you bring this look into your living space.
What Is Craftsman Style?
Craftsman-style architecture and decorating became popular in the early 1900s.
Its origins actually reach a bit farther back, though. During the late 1800s, some British designers began to rebel against ornate Victorian looks and factory-produced items. This was the start of the Arts and Crafts movement, which focused on simple, handmade goods.
As the style made its way to the United States during the early 20th century, Craftsman architecture and design became particularly popular in southern California. The Greene brothers, Henry and Charles, were two well-known promoters of this style. The Midwest area of the country was another area where the look really took off.
Although the Craftsman style originated more than 100 years ago, it’s still a beloved design choice today. Homes with a Craftsman look often feature:
- Bungalow-style architecture
- 1.5-story height
- Colors reminiscent of nature, especially browns and greens
- Contrasting or complementary colors
- Shaped or patterned tiles
- Bold lines
- Visible rafters
- Tapered columns
- Natural stone elements
- Dark wood floors and trim
- Large, homey fireplaces
- Built-in cabinets, seats and shelves
How to Create a Craftsman Look with Tiles
1. Antique Limestone
Using the best tiles for Craftsman-style homes begins before you even walk in the front door. This architecture style usually features a front porch accented by tapered columns. The columns rest on sturdy piers, which are often made of natural stone. This could be a great spot to incorporate antique stone tiles into your design.
Antique Stone Tile - View Details>>
2. Fireplace Accents
Indoors, Craftsman homes aim for a cozy, homey feel. One of the best ways to achieve that is with a large fireplace in the main living area. Some Craftsman-style homes even have two or more fireplaces.
These fireplaces may be surrounded by bricks or tiles. Square tiles, often about 4 inches by 4 inches, are particularly popular for this job. Slate and unpolished marble are sometimes recommended as top choices for natural stone fireplace surrounds. To make the most of traditional Craftsman color schemes, you might want to select a neutral dimensional.
Diemensional Tile- View Details »
3. Stone Elements
Because this style emphasizes a connection to nature, wood and stone accents are at home throughout Craftsman houses. Either River Rock or Pebble tiles could add an authentic Craftsman element to your bathroom decor. The front entryway or the kitchen backsplash might be other smart spots to incorporate these stones.
4. Geometric Mosaics
Craftsman decorating emphasizes straight lines, but that doesn’t mean that tile patterns need to be perfectly uniform. Rather, this style allows you the freedom to play with fun arrangements of straight-sided shapes. Try the bathroom floor as a spot to highlight such designs.
The Marla Waterjet Mosaic line features circular tiles of varying sizes that fit together in a cohesive pattern. The light taupe color option plays with the white shade that will fit right into a traditional Craftsman scheme. If you’d prefer a bolder color contrast, this pattern can be produced in darker colors that could be another mosaic pattern to consider.
Geometric Tile - View Details »
5. Hexagonal Tiles
For a look that’s drawn straight from the original Craftsman period, try hexagon-shaped tiles. Hexagons are a common shape for tiles, so you’ll be able to find them in ceramic, porcelain and marble options. They’ll work especially nicely for bathroom floors or walls. You can even arrange small hexagons into larger hexagonal patterns.
6. Floral Tile Designs
Since the Craftsman movement came out of a desire to get back to made-with-care artistry, there may be no better addition to your Craftsman-style home than a Cherry Blossom Mosaic. Nature designs were particularly popular for painted tiles during the original days of this decorating style and now mosaics are another option.
Cherry Blossom Tile - View Details »
7. Art Nouveau Patterns
While steering away from excess ornamentation, in general, some original Craftsman homes still drew inspiration from Art Nouveau styles. Art Nouveau developed around the same era as the Arts and Crafts movement, and both styles share ties to natural elements.
If you want to capture a bit of an Art Nouveau look in your Craftsman house, consider using a custom stone mosaic.
Backsplash Mural Tile - View Details »
Using the Best Tiles for Craftsman-style Homes
For a warm, down-to-earth feel, think about decorating your house in a Craftsman style. Natural elements, rugged lines and inviting fireplaces will welcome you in and help you feel right at home.
Tile was a common element in original Craftsman-style buildings, and it can play a key role in your Craftsman remodeling project. Whether you’re interested in rough stone, colorful squares, ornate nature patterns — or a mix of them all — Artsaics can help you find the right tiles for your project.