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Whenever we are building, we make it a habit to attend the Parade of Homes in both Utah and Salt Lake counties. I can't get enough of it. Sam was overdosed about three years back. But it was at the Parade that we made a remarkable discovery. Remarkable, at least, for custom home builders who are not students of architecture.

Over the years there were a few homes I was incredibly drawn to. Practically speaking, the floor plans didn't fit our needs at all. But I kept going back to them and loved them. Finally (duh!) I made the connection. All of them were craftsman-style homes.

Now up to that point, I didn't know a thing about different architectural styles and didn't know anything about bungalows or craftsman homes at all. But I did notice the similarities in the detail work. That was what I loved about all these homes. The look and feel. And it didn't take long to find a name for it.

Even more amazing was the fact that this look that I love has elements that Sam already decided to include in order to make the home energy efficient. A perfect match.

While we won't be looking for “pure craftsman,” it will be the main influence, as far as it serves our needs.

Alison Moore Smith is a 61-year-old entrepreneur who graduated from BYU in 1987. She has been (very happily) married to Samuel M. Smith for 40 years. They are parents of six incredible children and grandparents to two astounding grandsons. She is the author of The 7 Success Habits of Homeschoolers.