In the late 19th century, a movement known as Arts & Crafts began in England.
This movement, which was a protest against the industrial revolution, focused on simple styling, skilled craftsmanship, use of indigenous materials and working within the natural element to produce beautiful, handmade goods.
The Arts & Crafts movement came to America in the early 20th century and expanded into architectural design. Architects, especially in the Midwest and Northeast, embraced its simplistic, handcrafted details. Some of the most common home designs of the Arts & Crafts movement were the Craftsman, the Prairie and the American Four Square. These styles became a favorite of many noted architects, including Frank Lloyd Wright.
The use of a combination of siding, brick and stone was characteristic of these homes. But probably the most recognizable feature was the wide porch supported by tapered wooden columns sitting atop stone or brick bases. Exposed roof rafters added to the appeal of these homes, as did the low-pitched roofs with large overhanging eaves. The dormers often contained multiple windows made up of rectangular panes of glass. Leaded or plain glass also featured prominently in the front doors. Many of these houses had charming porte-cocheres leading to detached garages.
The Arts & Crafts homes of Walsh will draw on the styling of the original Arts & Crafts homes seen in many of Fort Worth’s older neighborhoods. Imagine sitting on the large, inviting front porch sharing conversations and tall glasses of iced tea with your neighbors on a breezy summer night while the kids play in the yard. The distinct charisma of these homes will welcome Walsh residents for years to come.
