Historic residential architectural styles were not based on a "look" but a collection of specific cultural, experiential and architectural influences that were adapted and modified by architects and builders often but not always retaining much of the original intent. American Colonialists brought the Post Medieval style from England but substituted local materials (lap siding and wood roofing shingles instead of stucco, half timber and thatch). As the colonies prospered they adapted and modified the more fashionable English styles that were based on Classical (Greek & Roman) designs from the Italian Renaissance. We know these styles generally as Colonial and specifically as Georgian, Adam, etc. They were later used as inspirations for the Colonial Revival styles. In the case of the Craftsman Style, it was originally developed in southern California by the Greene Brothers. They were architects influenced by the English Arts & Crafts movement, oriental wooden structures and formal training in wood & metal working and designed intricately detailed handcrafted houses of natural materials that joined the interior with the exterior. These designs and much simpler variations were published in many American magazines like The Ladies Home Journal, Good Housekeeping and The Craftsman and were quickly adopted by pre-cut material supply companies that sold mail order kits. This resulted in the rapid spread of a watered-down version of the Craftsman Style bungalow across the country. This is why it is difficult to find a Craftsman Style house that retains much of the inspiration or detailing of the Greene brothers. A similar thing happened when a vernacular version was developed of the Prairie Style. When a historical architectural style is reduced to a "look", it usually only retains the name for advertising purposes. When I see the term Craftsman it tells me virtually nothing except that the house is unlikely to have classical detailing but you can never be sure without a photo or drawing.

Keely, I can see all the experiences and completely opposite ideas that come from those experiences, voiced here. IMO, I feel like you can always have a conversation with your Architect and if they are responsive in a way that fits you, proceed with care. For me, I searched and looked at hundreds of homes, magazines and books for what really felt good to me, and ran it past my husband too! I then took a printer paper sized house plan that I found online, to my architect ( I'll call him Joe) and said, I really like the placement of the bedrooms, open kitchen and living room and walk out basement. I sat down with Joe and named off some of my needs, alot of wants and many hopes. We talked alot about doorways and getting old. We talked about stairs and views. We also talked about expenses and how do I get electric, water and sanitation to the middle of a grassland pasture. So, after leaving him a huge list, he let me add more later thankfully, He came up with a floorplan. It was good but I decided my very dirty farmer of a husband needed his own mudroom, which is pretty much a bathroom, closet and laundry room in one. He needed his own entry too. We tweaked my original floor plan and pretty much got everything I felt would make life sweet as we grow into retirement. We have a pretty good budget to work with but I still pulled back because we all know it always cost more in the end then expected. ~~~ that's how I did it and Joe is still helpful and seems friendly when I call. And lucky for me, my builder ALWAYS tells me no question is dumb. I can ask anything. I'm sure I have tested his patience, but that's what I'm paying him for my husband tells me. I feel like it's better to question things on the front end, than to wait until a bunch a cash and time is spent.

Definitely. Not sure what else to do. My landscaper said he could do a little strip of grass, but I don’t think that’s better

A beautiful little oasis. I lived in farm country for a few years and it was horrifying to me, the lack of privacy. Acres of land with a farmhouse plunked in the middle of it, every inch of the yard and garden exposed to the neighbors (even though they could be some distance away) and all the road traffic. It was also a mystery to me why all the homes were fairly close to the road. With all the land these people owned, their homes could have been set back quite a ways and had less traffic noise and visibility. I'm sure it had to do with the expense and trouble of maintaining a long driveway, but all had farm equipment and this is not in snow country. I would have planted just like the op picture to maintain my sanity.