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Craftsman Style

Sep 28, 2026 | Posted in Before & After, Inspirations | Share

Exterior of a Craftsman-style home with center peaked roof and grey shingles that are repeated on the mailbox, two columns either side of the porch, two windows either side of the centered door, and a round wooden window above the door.
Photo courtesy HGTV

Craftsman style is popular in California (as well as many other states) due to its clean lines, balance, and harmony with nature. Let’s take a look at two of the Craftsman projects I’ve been fortunate to design for my clients.

Traditional dining space in the style of Craftsman, Americana, or historic arts and crafts, shown by the wood flooring, wood trim, wainscoting and picture rail. The recessed ceiling tray is painted a crème color, to differentiate it from the curved cove painted in melon color and the walls in a sky blue. A Schonbeck rock crystal chandelier hangs above the dining table, covered with a blue table cloth, and the wooden chairs have custom padded seat covers in a light-colored pattern. Roman shades in off-white finish the wood-trimmed windows, while a wooden storage unit is tucked into the arched alcove to the right of the space. Light is filtered through full-length sheer curtains on the left.
Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by David Duncan Livingston

If you are drawn to natural elements with some history, a traditional dining room is a good style choice for you, and matches well with the Craftsman aesthetic.

Dining room, showing a table with tablecloth under a Schonbeck rock crystal chandelier, custom seat pads on 4 wooden chairs, natural grass woven roman window shades, wood flooring and wood paneling with sky blue wall paint color and a melon-colored arched wall niche with a wooden storage unit.
Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by David Duncan Livingston

The beauty of the natural wood and the craftsmanship really come through in a traditional dining space like this one. Going without a rug is in keeping with the style, and makes it easy to clean up after your meal.

Traditional dining room featuring wood trim and wainscoting. Artwork is hung from a picture rail with black grosgrain ribbon. A Schonbeck rock crystal chandelier hangs above the dining table, covered with a blue table cloth and set for breakfast. Light is filtered through full-length sheer curtains with a box pleat on the right. Straight ahead is the doorway into the foyer, and to the left is the doorway to the kitchen, all finished in warm wood trim. Three glasses with orange cocktails sit in the center of the table, next to a bowl of melons, and a silver pitcher of water.
Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by David Duncan Livingston

Splurging on something like a Schonbeck chandelier made from gorgeous rock crystals continues the natural elements and complements the woodwork. This dining room would be perfect for someone who appreciates the classics.

A modern classic style living room in a gentleman's condo. At the front of the view is the back of a red velvet sofa. In the center of the room, a light-colored octagonal footstool used as a table, with two dark brown leather club chairs with American flag pillows either side. Beyond the club chairs, a light blue custom-made chaise lounge in front of a Crafstman-style window.
AFTER – Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Marija Vidal

In this next project, we transformed a living room with fireplace. I’m pleased to show before and after photos so you can see the process.

My client’s San Francisco Bay Area condo has good bones, with strong Craftsman lines and gorgeous built-ins. We wanted to highlight those, creating a masculine, comfortable, modern classic living room.

A living room view shows a bright blue sofa with dark blue patterned throw pillows, in front of a large Craftsman-style window, with green trees outside. The walls are half-covered in warm wood paneling.
BEFORE – Photo by Kimball Starr
A custom-made light-blue chaise lounge sits atop a sheepskin rug, next to a triple-legged side table, dressed with several throw pillows, a tan blanket and an open book, in front of a large picture window without any window coverings, revealing a view of green trees.
AFTER – Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Marija Vidal

To increase circulation space and take advantage of the natural light streaming through those beautiful Craftsman wood frame windows, I replaced the bright blue sofa with a sky-blue custom-made chaise lounge, and a sheepskin rug. Now it’s the perfect corner for a cup of coffee with a book, or just to daydream.

A Craftsman-style wood fireplace surround, with a built-in bookshelf to the right. To the left, wood paneling and a sliver of a bright blue sofa. To the right, a grey sofa with black pillows, in front of a large wooden coffee table. Two wall sconces are lit above the fireplace.
BEFORE – Photo by Kimball Starr
The same living room, now with artwork above the fireplace and a large vase of flowers in front of it. Next to the fireplace, one of two dark brown leather club chairs, with American flag pillows sit atop a bright blue rug. In the center, a horsehair octagonal footstool is used as a table, with a tray of drinks. To the right, a red velvet sofa with throw pillows.
AFTER – Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Marija Vidal

I used a mix of primary colors with neutrals to create interest and bring out warm tones in the wood, especially the fireplace. An oversized octagonal animal-hide footstool doubles as a surface for a tray of drinks. The deep blue rug is cozy underfoot, while a pair of leather club chairs makes room circulation a breeze, across from a red velvet sofa to enjoy the view.

Now it’s both classy and comfortable when our gentleman wants to welcome guests, or just enjoy the space on his own.

To transform your home into your dream destination, Kimball Starr can help! Contact her today for an in-person or remote meeting.

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