American Craftsman

Perhaps one of the best loved house designs in Marin county is the American Craftsman style. Defined by its emphasis on craftsmanship and the work of the artisan, these homes employ simple designs and local organic materials. A subtle shaker aesthetic and respect for the connection between form and function make these homes simple and sturdy.

Popular between 1905 and 1930, the American Craftsman home symbolizes a return to a simpler way of life in tune with nature. The rustic designs, shingle siding and wood construction emulate the redwood forests and coastal lifestyle of California.

Much like the Modernist movement, Arts and Crafts architecture stands in contrast to the ornate and precious buildings produced during the Victorian era. Both styles pay homage to natural and organic building materials – but where modernists embrace mass-production, the American Craftsman style favors handmade and locally crafted materials.

Craftsman homes are typically built for families. Eschewing the idea of servants, Marin County Craftsman homes display the evolution of large functional kitchens in a central area, clear sight lines and the invention of the breakfast nook. Exposed rafters and joinery, handcrafted stone and woodwork, broad overhanging eaves, and joists along the roof line are also classic features. Interiors often incorporate built-in cabinetry and stained glass. Exteriors are generally unpainted

One of the better known examples of the American Craftsman style is found in the Outdoor Art Club in Mill Valley. Built in 1904 and designed by renowned architect Bernard Maybeck, the building is now a city, state and national landmark. The Club's rustic style, extensive gardens and unusual roof truss system showcase Maybeck’s creative use of natural materials.