Sears Craftsman Style House Plans : House Plans

Sears Craftsman Style House Plans: A Legacy of Craftsmanship and Design

The Sears Craftsman style house plans have become iconic symbols of American architecture, embodying the principles of the Arts and Crafts movement and the desire for homes that were both practical and beautiful.

Origins of the Sears Craftsman Style

In the early 20th century, Sears, Roebuck & Co., a leading retailer, began offering house plans as part of their extensive catalog. Inspired by the growing popularity of the Arts and Crafts movement, Sears collaborated with renowned architects to create a series of house plans that reflected the principles of that style.

Characteristics of Sears Craftsman Houses

Sears Craftsman style houses are characterized by several key features:

Gabled Roofs: Steeply pitched gabled roofs with broad overhangs and exposed rafters create a distinctive silhouette.
Low-Slung Profiles: Houses are often single-story or 1.5-stories, with low-slung profiles that blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape.
Natural Materials: Exterior walls are typically clad in clapboard siding, brick, or stone, while interiors feature exposed wood beams and woodwork.
Arts and Crafts Details: Decorative elements such as built-in cabinetry, leaded glass windows, and handcrafted hardware add touches of charm and character.

The Sears Catalog and House Plans

Sears offered a wide range of Craftsman style house plans, each designed for different needs and budgets. Customers could order plans through the Sears catalog, which provided detailed drawings and specifications.

The convenience and affordability of Sears house plans made them extremely popular. By 1918, Sears had sold over 100,000 house plans, and it is estimated that over 75,000 Craftsman-style houses were built from Sears plans.

Legacy of Sears Craftsman Style Houses

Today, Sears Craftsman style houses are highly sought after for their timeless beauty and historical significance. Many have been restored and preserved, while new houses continue to be built in the Craftsman style, inspired by the original Sears plans.

Reasons for Their Enduring Popularity

The Sears Craftsman style house plans have stood the test of time for several reasons:

Practicality: Craftsman houses are designed to be functional and comfortable, with well-thought-out floor plans and ample storage space.
Flexibility: The modular nature of Sears plans allowed customers to customize their homes, adding or subtracting rooms and features to suit their needs.
Beauty: The Craftsman style emphasizes the beauty of natural materials and handcrafted details, creating homes that are both aesthetically pleasing and inviting.
Historical Value: Sears Craftsman houses are part of American architectural history, representing the spread of the Arts and Crafts movement and the desire for affordable and beautiful homes.

Conclusion

Sears Craftsman style house plans have left a lasting legacy on American architecture. Their emphasis on practicality, beauty, and affordability has made them enduringly popular, and their designs continue to inspire homeowners and architects alike.

If you are looking for a home that combines timeless style with modern functionality, a Sears Craftsman style house plan could be the perfect choice for you.