9 Ways to Maximize Space in Craftsman House Plans

Craftsman houses are timeless and beloved for their distinctive charm, architectural details, and cozy yet functional layouts. But let's face it – whether you’re designing a modern craftsman house plan or preserving the character of an existing one, making the most of every square foot is essential. 

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to maximize space in small homes without sacrificing style. Whether you’re designing your dream house plan from scratch or tweaking an existing Craftsman-style house, these tips will help you use every inch of cozy living efficiently.

What Makes a Craftsman House Unique?

Walkers Cottage House Plan by Archival Designs

Before diving into the space-saving tips, it's important to appreciate what makes Craftsman house plans so special. They are one-story homes or larger, multi-story homes that prioritize family gatherings and offer flexible spaces for growing families. Craftsman house plans are known for their architectural beauty, simplicity, and focus on both form and function.

Here’s what sets them apart:

Exterior Features:

• Low-pitched, gabled roofs with wide eaves.

• Exposed rafters and decorative brackets under the eaves.

• Large front porches with thick, tapered columns, often made of stone or brick.

• Use of natural materials like wood and stone.

Interior Features:

• Open floor plans that promote a sense of spaciousness and flow.

• Built-in furniture such as bookcases, benches, and cabinetry.

• Fireplaces with detailed woodwork and stone or tile surrounds.

• Natural light through large windows and often double-hung windows with wide casings.

• Woodwork, including wainscoting, crown molding, and exposed beams.

• Natural materials like wood, stone, and brick dominate the exterior and interior design. 

• Emphasis on built-ins like integrated window seats, shelving, and cabinetry to keep spaces uncluttered.

Types of Craftsman Homes

• Bungalow: Craftsman bungalows are known for their compact size and cozy layout.

• Four Square: A larger, boxy design with plenty of extra space.

• Mission Revival: Inspired by Spanish architecture with stucco exteriors.

• Prairie Style: Characterized by its low-pitched roofs and open floor plans.

How Many Square Feet Is a Typical Craftsman House?

Alma Cottage House Plan by Archival Designs

A typical Craftsman house ranges from 1,200 to 2,500 square feet. However, larger, multi-story homes can exceed this range, while one-story house plans tend to be on the smaller side. 

Why You Need Our Space-Saving Tips for Craftsman House Plans

Craftsman homes may be smaller compared to today’s popular larger luxury floor plans, but their designs are well-suited for maximizing comfort and usability. However, whether your home is on the smaller or larger side, why would you let any space go to waste? Let’s jump into some practical tips to make the most of every inch of your house, no matter the size. 

1. Use Built-In Storage Wherever Possible

One of the hallmarks of American Craftsman house plans is the use of natural materials and built-in elements. But these features don’t just add aesthetic appeal – they save space, too.

Clever Built-In Solutions:

• Integrated window seats with hidden storage underneath.

• Bathroom cabinets that make great use of vertical wall space.

• Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves in your family room or living room.

By incorporating built-ins, you’re creating additional space for storage while maintaining a clean and uncluttered look. This also frees up your living space with fewer free-standing pieces of furniture.

2. Prioritize Open-Concept Living Spaces

Incorporating an open-concept design in modern craftsman house plans can make smaller homes feel much larger. If you’re working with a single-story home that doesn't have lots of space, consider blending the kitchen and dining room, family room, and living areas to create one inviting space. 

Tips for Open-Concept Design:

• Install bi-fold doors or large additional windows to bring in more natural light and create a sense of openness.

• Integrate the kitchen revolution concept, which emphasizes more casual dining at the kitchen island, effectively merging your center for family meals with the rest of the house.

• Use attic space as a tucked-away retreat while leaving communal areas wide open for family gatherings.

• Consider adding attached bathrooms that are fused with bedrooms to maximize the functionality of smaller homes.

The open design also provides seamless access to indoor-outdoor living spaces, expanding your entire house beyond its walls.

3. Maximize Vertical Space

Even in a one-level space, you can use vertical space to your advantage. Think upwards! Tall ceilings, high shelves, and vertical cabinetry can transform your home and create plenty of space for storage or décor.

Ideas for Vertical Space:

• Use attic space for storage or convert it into an office space or an additional bedroom.

• Opt for ceiling styles like coffered or vaulted ceilings to add visual interest and a sense of airiness.

• Maximize dryer space and laundry rooms with built-in vertical shelving units and storage.

By making the most of your walls and ceilings, you’re essentially doubling the usable square footage in many areas of your home.

4. Incorporate Flexible Spaces

Modern living requires flexibility – your home should be able to adapt to your changing needs. Whether it’s for work, play, or storage, flexible spaces allow you to reimagine areas of your home over time, as well as when you need more space. Homes that are easy to adjust and remodel are also some of the best-selling house plans.

Practical Uses for Flexible Spaces:

• A dining space that converts to a home office with a fold-out desk.

• Office space that can also serve as a guest bedroom by using a sofa bed.

• Turn your living room into a multifunctional space by incorporating a Murphy bed that folds into the wall.

By designing rooms that serve multiple functions, you’ll be maximizing every square foot of your craftsman house plan without sacrificing style.

5. Leverage Natural Light

Natural light is key to making any home feel bigger and more open, and it’s especially important in Craftsman-style homes, which often have deeper overhangs. Adding additional windows can instantly transform a small room into a more spacious one.

Lighting Tips:

• Incorporate expansive windows to flood your rooms with sunlight.

• Add skylights in darker rooms, such as the bathroom or hallway.

• Create an inviting space near bands of windows, like a reading nook or small living space complete with chairs and a small table.

The integration of light not only makes your home feel larger but also connects your interior to the surrounding outdoor spaces.

6. Get Creative with Entry Space and Hallways

Sometimes, smaller homes suffer from wasted entry space or long hallways that don’t serve much purpose. Try to avoid this if you're building a craftsman home. If you're stuck with one and can't afford to remodel at the moment, you can try transforming these areas into functional spaces with a few small adjustments.

Hallway and Entryway Hacks:

• Add hooks, shelves, or cubbies near the entrance to create a mini mudroom.

• Turn a wide hallway into a gallery or mini-library with built-in shelving.

• Use mirrors to make narrow entry spaces feel wider and brighter.

Even small tweaks can help you reclaim these often-overlooked areas in your craftsman house plan.

7. Maximize Closet and Attic Space

If there’s one thing every homeowner craves, it’s more storage! Utilizing walk-in closets and attic space can give you the extra space you need to store clothing, seasonal items, and everything in between.

Closet and Attic Ideas:

• A walk-in closet with floor-to-ceiling shelving to store not just clothing but also linens and luggage.

• Integrate a fold-down desk into your closet space that can double as a home office when needed. Use overhead shelving for storage and hide the desk when it’s not in use.

• Transform the attic space into a cozy bonus room for kids, guests, or hobbies.

• If your attic stairs are stationary, use the space beneath them for pull-out drawers or cabinets, perfect for seasonal decorations, sports equipment, or extra bedding.

These clever tricks will help you declutter and ensure there’s a spot for everything in your home.

8. Invest in Multi-Functional Furniture

Craftsman homes are all about practicality. Multi-functional furniture can further maximize and make your living space complete by providing flexibility and versatility.

Best Multi-Functional Pieces:

• A sofa with built-in storage underneath.

• Beds that have drawers or shelving beneath them.

• Coffee tables or ottomans that open up for storage inside.

This approach ensures you’re using every piece of furniture to its fullest potential, giving you additional space to work with.

9. Additional Patio Space

Montana Cabin B House Plan by Archival Designs

Don’t overlook the potential of your exterior space! Expanding your outdoor living areas, such as adding a patio or upgrading to a covered front porch, if possible, can make a big difference in how your home feels.

A covered porch creates a cozy spot for relaxing in any weather while giving you more room to entertain guests or enjoy family time outside. By extending your home’s footprint into the exterior space, you’ll make your craftsman house plan feel larger without sacrificing that signature charm. 

Making the Most Out of Craftsman House Plans

With all these different ideas on how to maximize space in Craftsman house plans, you'll not only optimize every square foot but also create a comfortable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing home that reflects the timeless charm of the beloved American Craftsman house plans.

Explore Archival Designs' wide selection of craftsman floor plans to discover the perfect blend of form and function. Customize them to fit your lifestyle and unique needs. Need a hand or more ideas? We're here to help – reach out anytime.