Spanish Colonial Style: Santa Barbara and the Architecture of James Osborne Craig and Mary McLaughlin Craig

Description

An ode to the classic Spanish-style houses of Santa Barbara. Spanish Colonial Style celebrates an extraordinary tradition in architecture whose hallmarks include whitewashed stucco and plaster walls, wood-beamed ceilings, dramatic fireplaces, and, above all, mystery and romance. Homes in this much-loved style of architecture welcome the visitor and embrace the resident, and architects James Osborne Craig and Mary McLaughlin Craig, early proponents of the style and influential disseminators of it, were masters of the form. Their work, until now, has been largely underappreciated and little seen. The Craigs played pivotal roles in the development of the Spanish Colonial Revival and of other styles of architecture in Santa Barbara, and the influence of their work spread much beyond that. In addition to shining a long overdue spotlight on the rich career of these tremendously influential architects, Spanish Colonial Style also heralds Santa Barbara as the small city of international importance that it became in the first half of the twentieth century. Review: This is a excellent compilation of works by James Craig and Mary Craig - This is a excellent compilation of works by James Craig and Mary Craig. This book covers several architectural and interior designs of Santa Barbara style homes. In my quest for information on this subject I just by chance came upon it. I have many books that direct attention to the Spanish colonial period but this book really covers the subject well.The revival of the period came about in Los Angeles when up and coming societal families were engaging artists to create luxury homes. Los Angeles with its Mediterrean climate lended a hand in the decision of selecting designs of old Spanish colonialism. The vegetation of the Los Angeles basin strikes a wonderful accent to the stark white and umber browns. Many of the colonial homes still stand in their glory and since many were built in the Santa Barbara region, they have absorbed the name into their description. I have used this book to identify the architectural qualities of the home that I am renovating. The home was originally of Spanish colonial design. The design has lost its way with interpretations that infuse other periods into the whole and I am trying to redirect these into a strong Spanish motif. I am using the information from this book to better enhance those qualities that are already manifested in the building. I am very keen on the details of the period. This book defines the Spanish Colonial period through the arched doorways, and textural highlights. Whole houses are examined, from the blue prints to the finishing touches of exterior lighting. Examples are given of various handrails, as well as the styling of fireplaces. If you are renovating an existing home or savoring the elegance of the period, this is a collection of drawings and photographs that you will enjoy reviewing. I highly endorse this collection. Review: Four Stars - GOOD BOOK