New California Classics: California Craftsman
Author:California Home and DesignThe California Craftsman is a regional interpretation of the American Arts and Crafts movement that gained popularity in the 1920s. This architectural style centers on simple handcrafted details and focuses on harmony with nature. Specific characteristics of the California Craftsman include low-pitched roofs, open porches, wide eaves with exposed rafters, built-in furniture, paneling, handmade tiles, expressed ceiling beams and natural materials. The exteriors’ finishes often include stone, brick, stucco and wood columns with a hand-finished quality.
This style is important to both Altadena and the Pacific Palisades. The homes, which represent the laid-back and artistic California lifestyle with their thoughtful design, serve as architectural and cultural artifacts of a regional identity. Altadena, in particular, is rich with California Craftsman bungalow homes due to its proximity to Pasadena—home of the infamous Greene & Greene Gamble House, which is considered the most pristine example of the style. There are various typologies within the style: high style, bungalow and cottages, all of which can be found in Altadena. While fewer examples exist in the Pacific Palisades, the style still contributed to the eclectic neighborhood vibe. Many of these homes have been very well-preserved and remain very desirable to buyers.
Beyond the aesthetic appeal, the California Craftsman style offers a framework for sustain- able and resilient architecture. Many traditional Craftsman elements—such as wide eaves, stone foundations and thick stucco walls—can be adapted for fire resistance. Modern updates, such as fire-resistant roofing, tempered glass windows and fiber-cement siding, can preserve the Craftsman look while meeting current safety codes. The style’s emphasis on open-air porches and natural ventilation supports energy-efficient and environmentally conscious living. Replicating the Craftsman style in the rebuilding of L.A. is not merely about aesthetics; it is about reconnecting with a regional identity that respects nature and community. Craftsman homes are human-scaled and neighborhood-friendly. They invite social interaction through generous front porches and contribute to a more cohesive, pedestrian-oriented streetscape.
As L.A. confronts climate change and recurring fire seasons, the Craftsman legacy offers a blueprint for homes that are not only fire-aware but also deeply tied to Southern California’s architectural soul. By preserving and replicating the California Craftsman style, L.A. honors its past while building a smarter, safer, and more connected future.
-Story by Rachael Grochowski, Kelly Becker, Jack Hillbrand, Andrew Tullis
