If you are a fan of this blog, I think it’s safe to say that you have a deep love (or at least hefty fondness) for a home full of soul. It’s basically our main goal to inject as much of it as possible into any home, regardless of when it was built. But let’s be honest, there is just nothing like a home with actual history…like 100 years of it. A home that has seen some sh*t. I find that when the phrase, “they just don’t build em like they used to” is uttered, I either slightly roll my eyes and halfway smile in silent defense of my generation or I immediately (and audibly) agree because well, it’s the truth. So when I opened my email a few weeks ago and saw this beautifully restored craftsman home, my heart filled right up. I was immediately struck by its visible soulfulness and needed to know more.
Enter the “soul keepers,” Jamie and her husband, Craig. These two are no strangers to a historical home remodel. They actually do this more or less as a hobby or as Jamie says, “it’s an addiction… but it’s an addiction to beauty and craft.” So never mind that Jamie had given birth to their second child one month (yes, ONE MONTH) prior when they saw this house for sale. Because as soon as they saw it they knew they had to bring it back to life.
This house is now for sale (I know!) because Jamie and Craig already have a beautifully restored home they aren’t ready to leave. So after they restored this beaut, they called upon one of EHD’s favorite staging and design firms, A 1000 X Better to really make sure that it felt as welcoming as possible for their potential buyers. And since we are all about beautiful homes AND teaching you how to create them, we are going go through the 7 main design elements you will want to consider when designing the perfect (and slightly unexpected) craftsman home. In Jamie’s words, “you don’t open up a Craftsman home and make it an open concept. You embrace their quirky personalities and enhance them where you can. It’s a labor of love really.” We couldn’t agree more. So let’s talk about the ways to design a historical home that will stand the test of time, so the tradition of bragging to future generations will stay firmly intact:)
Embrace The Original Wood and Keep It Matte
The wood mouldings and accents are what make craftsman homes so darn special. The warmth and texture they bring are off the charts. I mean, just look at this living room. Instead of painting and/or putting a high gloss finish all over that stunning wood, they brought it back to its natural state. Does it look super modern? No. But that’s what makes it special. It’s like the wood is basically naked, baring its soul to you.
Here’s what they did to restore the wood back to its former glory: “We stripped all the wood on the first floor, and had real historic wood artisans do the work to make sure the wood had the right feeling, stain, and patina. We had alder baseboards specially milled to match those we found in the home. We had gorgeous decorative crown moldings cut that match those we found. We trimmed the house in Douglas Fir, because a house smells better when you use real wood trim.”
Paint The Walls Light Or Really Dark
When Emily and I were looking at these photos we realized that in terms of painting a craftsman home you really only have two options when it comes to colors – really dark (like in that stunning parlor room above) or pretty light…like white or light gray – ideally a cooler toned color, stay away from beige. Especially when you are dealing with a lot of natural wood this is key. For example, a warm reddish color would look too similar to that medium wood tone.
Of course, there are exceptions and wallpaper is a whole other story (we will chat about that later) but choosing a high contrast color is the best way to make the wood accents pop.
Before we move on, I think we need a moment to take in the overwhelming beauty of these windows. I mean HOW?! They really knew what they were doing 100 years ago:)
Highlight Special Architectural Moments
In a home like this one, there are so many special architectural moments. By highlighting a few of them with paint you visually elevate the entire home. Take the killer arch and stair rail in the photo above. The dark paint makes that whole moment pop and actually helps to make the natural wood stand out more in contrast. Had they not been painted it still would have been beautiful but way less of a wow moment.
This built-in bench is another great example. It really pops because of the paint color and gives the space a fresh feel which is important in a historical home. You want to care for its history and bring it back to life BUT also make it feel like it belongs in today’s world.
Pepper in Unexpected Decor to Balance Out Traditional Feel
In true EHD fashion, we LOVE any opportunity to “mix it up” and create unexpected moments. A 1000 X Better is no stranger to the “unexpected moment” but in my humble opinion, they knocked it out of the park with that cool mint wicker desk and that sofa. I honestly don’t know if I can live a truly happy life until that sofa is in my possession. To me, you (sofa) are perfect.
But like the desk, this sofa is a very different style than the home. But because they are within the color palette of the home and have natural textures, they work perfectly and make the space feel unique.
You can mix any style as long as it falls within your chosen color palette.
Keep Kitchens and Bathrooms Classic
The two places to keep your freak flag temporarily at ease in a craftsman home are in the kitchen and bathroom. By all means, have fun with the decor once all of your hard (and permanent) finishes are in place but as Jamie said, “we chose finishes that would have been used in 1905. Marble, soapstone, real wood cabinets that get painted and feel like wood when you touch them.” Truly the last thing you want is to regret a countertop choice because it feels out of place.
So now that we have that little hot tip out of the way, let’s take a sec to appreciate this kitchen. There’s not one thing I don’t love in here. There is just the right amount of detail in the cabinet feet and island legs to pay homage to the style of the home, but everything else has a sleeker, more modern traditional feel. It looks updated (in the best way). Also, those stairs are too beautiful, right?
I want to shower in this bathroom so badly. It’s another example of Jamie and Craig’s talent for making modern updates but honoring a home’s original architecture. Notice how every material has visual texture. The tiles, countertop, aged brass, and wood all bring life to the space. Nothing feels sterile which is always our goal when we are designing.
The same goes for this smaller bathroom. They used beautiful materials and fixtures that are akin to the home but elevate it in the best way. Also, that marble tub surround is all heart eyes for me.
Choose Light Fixtures That Stylewise Are In Line With The House
You may have noticed that throughout all of these photos, all of the hardwired light fixtures are more on the modern traditional side. We think this is the way to go (and it’s what Em did in her English Tudor Home). Keep those more permanent types of design elements in line with the style of the home for longevity and overall homage to the style. I mean you probably chose your historical home for a reason right?
Don’t Be Afraid of Fun Wallpaper
I know we talked earlier about only using very dark or very light paint colors inside of a craftsman home (which we still stand by all these photos later) but we also think that wallpaper is a great way to make a room more special. We would suggest choosing a pattern that has a nostalgic feel like the awesome one they chose for the powder bath. Otherwise, just choose a texture but don’t go too modern unless of course, you are completely throwing the vintage baby out with the historical bathwater.
Well, there you have it. A stunning home tour with tips that can hopefully be helpful and transferable to any type of historical home. A huge thank you to Jamie and Craig for letting us feature their beautiful project. We are so happy that there are people who want to celebrate design history and take such good care of it.
Let’s talk about this incredible house in the comments. Thoughts, feelings, and sofa yearnings are all welcome:)
Love you, mean it.
Restored and Designed by Jamie Haller and Craig Ekedahl
Styled by A 1000 X Better
Photos by Lauren Moore
Check out some of our other house tours: Tour a Stylist’s Mid-Century-Meets-Traditional “Farmhouse” Full of Thrifted Treasures | An Exclusive House Tour From (Design Girl Crush) Leanne Ford | House Tour: Original Woodwork, Moody Walls & A Gasp-Worthy Wallpaper | House Tour: A Home Crush a Year in the Making ….click HERE for more:)
This project is amazing! I clicked on their realtor company link and was floored by the property as well.I wish I was looking for a house in the area (with that budget). Wonderful job, everyone! I can see why you had to purchase it, even in the midst of new motherhood!
I know. What a dream to be able to live in this beauty!
Can you share the realtor link? I’d love to see. What city is it even in? I’m in Brooklyn and have a similar home that’s dripping with early 20 century woodwork and other original details like stained glass. I love what they did with their restoration, bathrooms, and staging.
Wow, Very useful information. Thanks for your great work. The designs help us in helping our customers.
Wow, that is a beautiful house. But after reading your first point, I couldn’t help but think of the Curbly house makeover you did waaaay back in 2013 where all the trim was painted white except for the fireplace. Was there a reason it was painted? I would have loved to have seen the wood restored instead.
This is a beautiful restore! I love the kitchen island. Was that custom? If so, by whom?
That is Crate and Barrel’s “French Kitchen 72″ Large Kitchen Island”
Incredible, just fab!
Gorgeous!
Beautiful home. Can you link the kitchen tile and countertops and the dining room light fixture?
I love this house and the tour is great! I am not sure i agree, though, that there are only two options with wood detailing like this. I’ve seen a lot of beautiful red-tone walls that play into the red tones of wood. One example: https://www.oka.com/Global/Inspirations/SS20%20PDP/castilian-character-sitting-room.jpg
What an amazing house – that painted arch is absolutely stunning. Nicely done!
I totally agree!
Gorgeous. I am in love with all of the wood details and the furniture is so nicely chosen. A+
It’s so special:)
Omg the kitchen and gorgeous black walls! The styling is incredible- love the striped bench at the end of the bed and the leather couch.
I guess it’s personal preference but I would 100% paint the wood mouldings, way too dark right now!
I came wondering if I had been saying “craftsman” wrong all my life….I’m leaving this comment to let you know that “craftsman” is spelled wrong in the post title! Love the house and the work showcased here!
Yes. I came here to say the same thing. EHD needs a proofreader/editor. Please!
Also, we bare our souls; we don’t bear them. It means to uncover what is truly inside us. To bear suggests to carry like a burden.
Ha thank you! All fixed:)
We had a late night title switch and that darn little “s” didn’t make it to the party. All fixed now xx
So inspiring! Makes me want to find the perfect craftsman and get to work ?
Same!
I so love it when people honor their house’s architecture and so hate it when they don’t! This is a gorgeous example and I’m so glad they restored it lovingly while still breathing fresh life into it. I have studied Craftsman style a bit and, yes, the kitchens and baths looked quite different and not what we would want now, but there are ways to make these rooms look stylistically compatible with the rest of the house and these folks have done a masterful job of it. Thanks for finding and sharing!
Wholeheartedly agree with this!
I couldn’t agree more xx
There are lots and lots of great books on Craftsman style at the library (at mine, at least), for anyone looking to bone up on this style ahead of a renovation. Lots of history and beautiful photographs in those books. I also highly recommend visiting the Gamble House if you’re in the LA area.
This house is gorgeous!
Did you mean to call it Craftman? I’ve only heard/seen it referred to as Craftsman.
Loved this post!
Thank you!
Typo alert! Title reads “Craftman” instead of “Craftsman” 🙂
I’m so happy you featured a Craftsman home! They did a beautiful job. I love the matte finished woodwork!
I live in a 1912 Craftsman in an historic preservation neighborhood, and I’d add, if you move into a similar neighborhood, keep as many original fixtures as possible. People welcome updated, period inspired bathrooms and kitchens, but they want original light fixtures, doorknobs, push button switches, if possible. At least in my neighborhood, that’s why they buy here.
As for furnishings, I’ve mentioned in previous comments, I used Thos. Moser in my living room. The seating is from the Vita line, which is MCM inspired. Craftsman is truly a precursor to MCM in philosophy, and much of the furniture works well in a Craftsman. Craftsman style was a purposeful move away from the fussiness of the Victorian era, and many Craftsman home have the beginnings of open concept plans. For example, my parlor, living room, dining room are open to each other, separated by large pillar and cased openings.
As for color, I’m generally not a fan of white with the wood, but here it’s done really well. In many homes I’ve walked through, it can look dingy. After reading a decorating book from 1912, I embraced yellow in many spaces, opting for pale, creamy yellow as my main neutral. I also used my vintage Bauer bowels for color inspiration, which included light sage, golden mustard yellow, pumpkin spice, cream, and turquoise (this last one was used in a bathroom, since it was a bit much for the other rooms).
I hope you feature more Craftsman homes here, because so much of the inspiration out there includes very traditional and period furniture. I like Stickley furniture, but it can start to feel heavy combined with all the wood trim, and it’s fun to see a mix of styles, creating a more layered and collected look.
Thank you for all of that great history and so happy you enjoyed the post!
DISGUSTINGLY beautiful, oh my god. This house really sends me… and the staging is gorgeous, too. Wow.
I know it’s so stunning:)
So, so, so pretty! I recently purchased a craftsman JUST like this but all the trim is painted <>. It still looks great and we’re following the rules here, but I wish the original wood was kept. That said, we have all the original leaded glass and the original, stunning oak hardwoods, so that makes me happy.
QUESTION: has anyone ever added box beams or a coffered ceiling to their craftsman living or dining room or have any advice on how to do this correctly?
Just off a quick google search, it seems like it’s not an uncommon feature. I found this, which has a detailed explanation: https://www.jlconline.com/how-to/interiors/a-craftsman-style-coffered-ceiling_o
I could see it being tricky if the trim has been painted, but hopefully it at least gives you some ideas!
My craftsman ceilings are coved with multiple levels of molding in the living and dining rooms, but I’ve seen coffered ceilings in other craftsman homes, and definitely something you can add if you have the skill or budget to hire someone.
Swooning over this gorgeous home! Makes me want to trade my mid century modern for a craftsman.
Love it!
I thought the black doors were so striking against the wood frame
Wow, this is stunning. I want to move in!
We are currently renovating a late Art Deco home that has a similar feel to this with the brick and timber. Lots of great ideas here and I feel like we’re on the right track. Most of the window frames are painted, so I’ll need to strip those back! Also working with a fab interior designer who has guided us through. She’s an ugly duckling now but will be a swan soon!
This home tour is 10/10. So, so, so good! Keep ’em coming!
The floral pillows on the green pillows in the last photo? Please please please can we find out the source? GORGEOUS.
I don’t even know where to begin. This entire tour was amazing and this house is done so well!!!!!! I’m almost speechless!
My favorite post of 2020! I’ve been craving more house tours lately and this delivered!
I am SOOOO going to the open house this weekend. Wish we were ready to upgrade; I’d buy thing in a second. See some of you EDHers there!
Anyone know where the green chairs in the living room are from? And the pillows on them? Favourite post in a long time 🙂
I’m so grateful for this post! It is hard to find sources for beautiful updates craftsman-this was perfect! Thank you 🙂
What I beautiful home. I live in a 1918 Craftsman, and I totally agree that they can feel fresh and modern. When folks ask if I’m going to paint all my built-ins, I decide right on the spot that we just can’t be friends (haha). The bathroom is STUNNING, mine was remodeled in the 90s, so day it will get the love it deserves.
Thanks again for always inspiring us!
Thank you for featuring a home that looks like mine (well okay, a dream version of mine)! It is so nice to see a different style and design on the blog. Kudos to the restorers for honoring the original craft and beauty of this home while updating it for modern homeowners. My only slight disagreement is with the paint advice — I find that so much depends on light and surroundings. What a craftsman in LA vs. Pacific northwest vs. Chicago can carry on the walls will be wildly different and white may not work very well in homes that don’t benefit from frequent sunny SoCal days 🙂
So stunning. I must admit, I wish I had seen this post before embarking upon renovating my 1920 craftsman home 4 years ago. I went a little too modern with a few light fixtures and now I’m working to bring more character and depth back in. Live and learn, right? Anyway, this is brilliant work.. a feast for the eyes. I’m sure it will sell quickly.
Any recommendations on how to find the design history for different home styles and eras in order to choose the right fixtures and materials?