The Craftsman architectural style, which arose out of the Arts and Crafts Movement of the early 20th century, features the use of natural materials such as stone, brick and wood. Craftsman-style homes are known for their low-pitched roofs, overhanging eaves and open floor plans. If you're working with an architect to design a custom Craftsman home, you'll have a lot of decisions to make, especially when it comes to windows and doors. Certain elements are for sure -- your windows will likely be framed in wood and your doors will feature natural finishes in order to coordinate with the rest of the Craftsman motif. Other than this, you'll have a lot of leeway when it comes to choosing windows and doors that suit your fancy.

One of the beautiful things about the Craftsman style is that, since it calls for the use of such simple, natural materials, it's rare for any Craftsman-style window or door not to coordinate with the rest of your design. Whether you choose one style or another is completely a matter of personal preference. Here's a look at a few window and door design elements to consider including in your plans.

Multiple Glass Panes in Your Door

Many Craftsman homes feature wooden doors with several small glass panes at eye-level. Whether you have two, three or six of these small panes is up to you. Another option is to include small, rectangular window panes in the frame of your door. Often, these framing glass panes have touches of color or an ornate design to add a bit of artistic style to your home's exterior. It's also common to have a stained glass pane above a Craftsman-style door, although this is not essential.

Double Front Doors

If you have enough space, you may want to consider including a double door in your entryway rather than a single door. This gives your home a traditional look. Double doors were common in original Craftsman homes if the 1930s, but are less common now since modern builders are often more concerned about conserving space.

Dormer Windows

Many, but not all, Craftsman homes have dormer windows that extend from the roof and bring light into the attic or top floor. These dormers not only add character to the outside of the home, but they also make the floor plan of the interior a little more interesting, since including them generally results in cubby-like areas on the exterior walls of the top floor rooms.

Large, Floor-to-Ceiling Windows in Living Areas

If you have a beautiful outdoor view from your home, being able to enjoy it from a spacious, floor-to-ceiling window is one of the advantages of living in a Craftsman-style home. The large windows for homes of this type generally consist of several panels of glass, rather than a single one. You can choose to have one large panel in the middle, surrounded by three stacked panels on either side, or simply a grid-like pattern of evenly sized panels. Keep in mind, most Craftsman homes offer open floor plans between the living room, dining room and kitchen. A floor to ceiling window will make your home feel even more open.

Stained Glass Windows

Including one or several stained glass windows in your design is a good way to add a splash of color to your home. Stained glass windows are commonly seen in bathrooms, hallways and foyers of Craftsman homes. You may even choose to include a stained glass window in your front door design.

Living in a Craftsman home allows you to experience simplicity and also teaches you a greater appreciation for handmade and naturally crafted materials. Throughout the process of choosing your windows, doors and other design elements, remember to choose ones that resonate with your own personal thoughts and artistic preferences. The Craftsman movement placed value on skilled craftsmanship, and by building a home in this style, you are playing a role in preserving the essence of what it means to work with one's hands and create.

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