Comments on: A Craftsman in Pasadena: The Frederick C. Grable House

By: Shari D.

Shari D. — Sat, 18 May 2013 05:41:09 +0000

The primary thing that made Craftsman style homes so popular with the public at the time is they were just learning about why their little children were dying of those dreaded diseases that they just had no explanation or effective treatment for. All they could do before the germ theories were proposed and proven, was sit and watch their children die. And they did it mostly in those germ-trap Victorians that were packed full of things that were impossible to keep clean and hard to ventilate. All those heavy carpets, wall hangings and heavy velvet upholstered furniture and drapes, knick-knacks galore, table cloths on every table, wooden bedsteads that couldn’t be washed down and eventually got replaced with iron or brass. Kitchens with wooden floors and not very effective sanitary supplies, or food storage besides a wooden icebox. It all contributed.
Bungalows/Craftsmans offered them a way out of those bacteria traps and into something they could scrub and keep clean much easier. More effective cleaning supplies were also on the way, like bleach and Lysol.The bath and kitchen supply vendors grabbed on to that market with a vengeance, and marketed their “clean, sterile, white” tile and appliance stock everywhere they could. Even the Hoosier/Sellers cabinets were enameled or made partially out of steel that was washable. One woman’s magazine even started publishing a series of articles each month explaining the basic bacteriology and biology involved in keeping their houses clean, and why germs were the problem and where they came from.
The other thing was that kitchens had generally been the province of servants, and decorating the kitchens in the latest styles and colors was not a primary goal. This is also one reason they tended to be smaller – they were workrooms. Not family gathering places like they are today. Also, the grocery market did not consist of primarily packaged foods like we have today and need storage space for, so built in cabinets were sparse, and the rooms were smaller because of that as well.

By: 5 Reasons Modern Homes are on the Rise | Modern Charlotte, NC Homes For Sale | Mid-Century Modern Real Estate | Gail Jodon

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 18:18:42 +0000

[...] 3. ENERGY EFFICIENT Modern homes are built with energy efficiency in mind, with their sleek designs. If you’re buying a new modern home they have the advantage of the most up to date building materials and fixtures. Some new modern homes even have energy-efficient features such solar panels to run the HVAC system and to heat hot water. Check out this home that runs completely on solar power! [...]

By: Kathryn Griffin

Kathryn Griffin — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 03:25:08 +0000

Like the craftsman style, but wouldn’t want one of my own. Thanks for sharing . Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

By: excitingLA

excitingLA — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:31:18 +0000

this house has a cute, little “whimsy” feel to it….it makes me want to snuggle up with a book and just enjoy a nice relaxing day. i especially love all the small details that really make the property unique, like: the front door, and the house numbers on the light, etc… those little touches really set the house apart.

By: hookedonhouses

hookedonhouses — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:57:35 +0000

Very true. A lot of the furniture is built in so you can’t move it!

By: Becky

Becky — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 19:49:42 +0000

Of all the decorating styles, it seems to me that Mission is the most incessantly demanding that EVERY single thing you put/build into the rooms has to follow the formula. Very rigid. That aspect alone puts me on guard. Grrr.

By: Craftsman Home – Hooked on Houses « Design Blocks

Craftsman Home – Hooked on Houses « Design Blocks — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:16:34 +0000

[...] Hooked on House’s has posted another lovely home that I had to share with you all especially for my history II [...]

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 09:32:29 +0000

I love craftsman style, but this house was underwhelming to me. One small chair in front of the fireplace? Really?

By: Kadie Kowalewski

Kadie Kowalewski — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 22:03:55 +0000

This is an exceptionally great house, So much attention to detail even before you walk in. In my opinion there is nothing quite like an old house…so much history, charm, and unique character overall. I grew up in an old house and plan on owning one someday .(fingers crossed)

By: hookedonhouses

hookedonhouses — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 21:57:48 +0000

I’ve seen “Catch & Release”–that’s a good one (the house, I mean!).