Arts and Crafts

The Arts and Crafts style was a reaction against the excessive ornamentation of the Victorian era. Instead, the Arts and Crafts style encouraged originality, simplicity of form and the use of local, natural materials such as stone or wood. The labour intensive and custom details common in these homes resulted in a higher construction cost, putting this style beyond the reach of many Edmontonians.

Characteristics

• Asymmetrical facades
• Sloping, gabled roof (or sometimes hipped) with wide, unenclosed eave overhangs
• Mixed materials throughout structure (shingles, wood siding, and stucco finishes were common)
• Staining was often preferred over painted finishes
• Extensions or cantilevered second floors
• Porches with roofs supported by square columns which frequently extended to ground
• Exposed roof rafters
• Hipped or gabled dormers
• Decorative beams or braces under gables
• Large chimneys with multiple flues
• Handcrafted, built-in cabinetry and custom features such as window seats