The Arts and Crafts movement came to be from the mid 19th Century in Britain. It came about as a reaction to industrialisation and the revolt of mass produced goods. The practitioners of the movement strongly believed that the connection forged between the artist and his work through handcraft was the key to producing both human fulfillment and beautiful items that would be useful on an everyday basis (Clericuzio,2018). The goal was to “create design that was for the people by the people and a source of pleasure for both the maker and user” (Jirousek, n.d.). It was also to revive craftsmanship and related skill and aimed to make the hand crafted products available to the working class.

The overall aesthetic of the Arts and Crafts movement was greatly influenced by elements of nature as the practitioners of the Movement greatly believed that beauty could be attained by bringing nature into one’s home. Inspiration was gained from Medieval and Gothic style art (Clericuzio,2018).

Defining characteristics of homes inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement include simple traditional building forms that exist cohesively with the surroundings and use natural materials (Eccleston Homes, 2017). These houses also have features such as an asymmetrical build, multiple - steeply pitched gabled roofs with upper roofs extended to cover open porches or verandas (Antique Home Style, n.d.). 

The houses were designed in such a way that they had a timeless and simple feel but offered a sense of luxury. Staples of the Arts and Craft style home were features such as built-in furniture and light fixtures, a fireplace, exposed beams and open floor plan. 

Both houses stay true to the ideals of architectural craftsmanship, with their simplistic and asymmetric exterior that not only coincides with the surroundings but adds a classic beauty.

The designer of the contemporary home chose to give the building a timeless beauty with a sense of luxury. Modern families prefer simple homes that are easy to maintain, as it allows them to navigate their already demanding lifestyles with no extra hassle. This is the main reason why this designer drew inspiration from the Arts and Craft style.

It is clear that the fundamental principle of the Arts and Craft style was human fulfillment and connection and because of the natural beauty and simplicity of the architecture, more focus can be placed on the relationships people have with each other.