March 2025 Archive — Practical ideas from Craftsman to International Style

This month we published ten clear, hands-on pieces about architecture and design. If you care about historic detail, or clean modern lines, March brought a mix you can actually use when planning a renovation or choosing a style for a new build.

What we covered

Two pieces focused on American Craftsman: one looked at the movement’s heritage and why handmade details matter today; the other showed how Craftsman homes are coming back in modern renovations. Read these if you want real tips on woodwork, built-ins, or matching new fittings to old styles.

International Style showed up twice with a pair of articles tracing its rise and why it still fits modern living. These explain how to keep spaces functional and bright: favor open plans, slender profiles, and materials that let structure do the decorating.

We also revisited several revival styles. Gothic Revival and Renaissance Revival pieces explain how key elements—pointed arches, ribbed forms, or classical symmetry—translate into contemporary homes without feeling costume-y. Federal and Tudor articles highlight small moves (fanlights, timber accents) that add historical character without huge budgets.

Finally, we explored Romanesque architecture to remind readers where heavy, rounded forms work best: think strong public buildings, textured stonework, and bold entryways that read as sturdy and timeless.

How to use these ideas

Start with the function you need. Want cozy, human-scale rooms? Choose Craftsman touches: built-in benches, exposed joinery, and matte wood finishes. Want light and flexibility? Use International Style moves: minimal partitions, large windows, and neutral palettes.

Mixing works if you set clear rules. Keep one dominant style and borrow one or two elements from another era. For example, a modern, light-filled house can gain warmth with Craftsman wood trim or a Federal-style fanlight over the front door.

On a budget, focus on visible details: entryways, windows, and major fixtures. A well-chosen door, a simple arch, or a small bay window gives the house a clear identity without a full overhaul.

If you’re renovating an older home, measure before you change anything. Many revival styles depend on proportion. Keep original window heights and rooflines where possible, and update systems behind the walls so the house feels authentic but works for modern life.

Want a quick next step? Pick one article from this month that matches your project—Craftsman for hands-on detail, International Style for openness, or one of the revival pieces for historic flavor—then list three specific changes you can make next month. Small, focused actions add up fast.