The Best Siding Color Schemes for American Craftsman Homes

Choosing the color of your new siding can take some work when you consider the various options available. Fortunately, some home styles work best when certain color palettes are used. In this blog post, siding and roofing contractor Up and Above Contractors, LLC discusses the ideal color schemes for the American craftsman home style, one of the most well-known traditional home styles in the country.

What Makes a Home an American Craftsman Home?

The American craftsman style is a home style that’s popular in the United States between the late 19th century and early 20th century. While there are regional variations — for example, the Cape Cod craftsman style homes typical in New England feature centralized chimneys — American craftsman homes have features in common:

• Low-pitched gable or hip roof. Craftsman homes generally have a low-pitched gable or hip roof with extended rafter tails.
• Earth-tone exterior colors. Traditionally, craftsman homes feature stucco, brick, or painted wood that lends to the house’s natural aesthetic.
• Front porch. Whether it’s a small covered patio or a wraparound porch, a front porch is a signature part of an American craftsman home.
• Handcrafted details. Expect to find carvings, engraved details, and furniture in craftsman homes.
• Two stories at most. For many people, craftsman homes are the antithesis of Victorian style homes and their emphasis on vertical structures. As such, craftsman homes are typically built with no more than two stories.
• Open floor plan. Despite being a traditional home style, craftsman homes typically utilize an open floor plan to allow spread of natural light throughout the home.

The Best Siding Color Schemes

Considering the design elements described above, you and your siding contractor should be able to narrow down a color scheme for your exterior. The following are some of our recommendations:

• Neutral colors. Beige, gray and white are understated colors that make them ideal for American craftsman homes. They work with most roof colors, as well as other exterior elements. Choosing different shades of the same color can add depth to your siding.
• Earth tones. As described above, earth-tone colors are a traditional choice for craftsman homes. It creates an organic look that blends in with the surroundings.
• Bold colors. Red, blue or navy add depth and make the exterior pop. Barn red siding is a particular favorite, and works well in autumnal or earth-tone palettes that may also include orange and brown.
• Black and white. Stark black and white are typically seen on modern home exteriors, but it can add a classic-yet-modern look to an American craftsman home.

Up and Above Contractors, LLC provides siding, as well as quality replacement windows and doors, to communities in Northern NJ, including Sparta and Andover. We offer quality siding from CertainTeed®, Mastic and James Hardie®. Call us today at (973) 300-0636 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.