Modern Craftsman Style Home: Why Is It So Popular?

If you’ve been browsing new-home communities or flipping through design magazines lately, you’ve likely seen the term “Modern Craftsman” pop up again and again. But what exactly does that mean,  and why is the style resonating so strongly today? In this blog, we’re unpacking the appeal of the modern Craftsman style: what it is, what features define it, why homeowners are drawn to it, and how you can lean into it when considering a Cothran home.

What Is a Modern Craftsman Style Home?

The roots of the Craftsman style stretch back to the early 20th-century American Craftsman movement, which emerged as part of the larger British Arts & Crafts movement. Craftsman homes began as a response to ornate, mass-produced Victorian architecture, instead favouring handcrafted details, natural materials, and architectural honesty.

Today’s modern Craftsman takes those classic themes, exposed rafters, low-pitched rooflines, wide porches, natural wood, and adapts them for contemporary living: open plans, energy-efficient materials, flexible spaces, and updated finishes that appeal to modern families and lifestyles. Craftsman style that blends timeless charm with today’s functionality.

Key Features of a Contemporary Craftsman Home

Signature Exterior Elements

Here are some of the hallmark exterior features that help identify a modern Craftsman style home:

• Low-pitched rooflines: The roof is typically broad and horizontal rather than steep, lending a grounded, solid feel.
• Exposed rafters and wide eaves: These architectural details emphasize craftsmanship and a connection to structure; the beams often become decorative elements in their own right.
• Covered front porches with tapered columns or piers: Perhaps one of the most recognizable Craftsman details, the porch invites front-yard living and community connection.
• Natural materials and contrasting textures: Think stone or brick bases, shingles or board-and-batten siding, wood trim, and metal accents. The mix gives visual depth while remaining authentic.
• Large windows, often grouped or in bands: While traditional Craftsman homes featured multi-pane windows, modern versions often reinterpret that with clean lines while respecting the ethos of “windows as craft.” 

Interior Touches That Define the Style

Inside the home, Craftsman features are rich in character while built for modern life:

• Natural wood finishes and millwork: Wood beams, window and door trim, built-ins, all lean into artisanal craftsmanship.
• Built-in cabinetry, window seats, bookshelves: These features aren’t just decorative. They speak to functional, thoughtful design where every space has purpose.
• Comfortable open living spaces: While original Craftsman homes sometimes had more compartmentalized rooms, many modern Craftsman floorplans embrace open concept living while maintaining cozy zones.
• Finishes and details that feel handcrafted, not mass-produced: Even if a home is brand-new, the design cues nod to the idea of artisanal quality: e.g., visible joinery, mixed textures, metal/wood combinations.
• Connection to the outdoors: Porches, large windows, built-in benches, all support a lifestyle where indoor/outdoor flow matters.

Why Craftsman Homes Appeal to Today’s Homeowners

Timeless Aesthetic Meets Modern Functionality

One of the biggest draws of the modern Craftsman home is its ability to straddle time: the look is classic and familiar, yet it can be updated for contemporary living. The original movement was about simplicity, handcrafted quality, and natural materials all of which resonate in today’s world. A Craftsman home looks charming and grounded but also functions well for modern families, with open layouts, plenty of storage, and flexible rooms.

Natural Materials and Sustainable Design Choices

The Craftsman style’s emphasis on wood, stone, and authentic detailing supports a sense of quality and durability. Many modern builds further this by incorporating sustainable materials, energy-efficiency, and thoughtful site planning. When buyers see stone piers, wood siding, and metal accents, concerns about impermanent, cheap materials disappear. For first-time buyers or move-up families, that sense of “investment” counts.

Customization for Modern Lifestyles

There are thousands of Craftsman-style plans available, covering small footprints, one-story bungalows, two-story homes, and everything in between. The style provides a framework for customization: varied siding/stone combinations, optional built-ins, flexible living spaces, modern tech/smart-home features, even adaptive floorplans. That flexibility means the style works equally well for young families, empty-nesters, or multi-generational living.

FAQs About Modern Craftsman Style Homes

What are the 4 types of modern craftsman-style homes?

Modern Craftsman homes are often grouped into several sub-types (inherited from the traditional Craftsman family):

• Bungalow – Typically one to one-and-a-half stories, low profile, large front porch.
• Prairie-influenced Craftsman – Horizontal lines, grouped windows, an emphasis on integration with the surrounding land.
• Mission/Stucco Craftsman – Popular in the Southwest; stucco or tile roofs, but Craftsman details like overhanging eaves, wide porches.
• Four-Square/Two-Story Craftsman – Boxy two-story homes with large porches, Craftsman detailing inside and out.

Even though you might not hear “Modern Craftsman” called out as a separate type with a unique label, you’ll see these variations: one-story for first-timers, two-story for growing families, premium lots for move-ups.

Are contemporary Craftsman homes good for families?

These floorplans often allow for flexible living (open great room + kitchen + dining), with built-in storage (helpful for kids’ things), large covered porches/entry zones (outdoor play or gathering), and character that appeals to emotional connection (home-feeling). The mix of timeless appeal + modern flexibility is especially attractive to families looking for longevity in their home.

Can I find a Craftsman-style townhome or smaller footprint option?

While the historic Craftsman is a detached single-family home with a prominent front porch, many modern builders now offer smaller Craftsman-inspired footprints. The “Craftsman” category includes homes down into 1,000-1,500 sq ft, with variations that work with smaller lot widths, infill sites, or “downsizing” strategies. 

Find Your Craftsman Floor Plan with Cothran Homes

At Cothran Homes, we understand the enduring appeal of the Craftsman style and we build it in a way that meets today’s families expectations for design, durability, and functionality. 

Whether you’re looking for a home with a cozy Craftsman porch, a move-up plan that offers two-story Craftsman elegance, or a flexible floorplan for a growing family, you’ll find smart options in our communities.

Curious to explore our Craftsman-inspired floor plans? Connect with us to view available homes. Let’s find the perfect fit for you!