Looking for the Stairway to Heaven? Pardon my immodesty, but I think it’s the one in my Craftsman Bungalow. The chance to become involved in creating it came as a surprise when I was working with my cabinetmaker Pete Thomsen of Pacific Valley Woodsmith on other details in the building of our California Craftsman. I really can’t take much of the credit – it was inspired by the railings in the Blacker House, built by Greene and Greene.
This photograph taken by Linda Svendsen is featured in the book “Along Bungalow Lines” by Paul Duchscherer. It was a huge honor to have our bungalow featured in his book. Many amazing craftsman style homes are shown in this and other publications by Paul Duchscherer, and all of them are wonderful sources of inspiration and ideas.
Our goal was to be inspired by the masters, but to use lighter materials. To reinterpret the staircase with our own uniqueness and creativity, and make it our own.
January 10, 2008 at 11:44 pm
This is an amazing picture. What a beautiful home. Craftsman style decor is the way to go. Keep up the great work.
May 28, 2009 at 8:03 pm
Looks very nice; but how is the rail even close to code?
May 29, 2009 at 1:28 am
Lucky for me, the inspector was reasonable, and felt it met the building requirements… We made a big deal of being sure it would pass inspection and even mocked up a section to show the inspector before building it. The railing is higher than required at the step up points, and is built like a brick you know what… bottom line – it’s safe.