Kitchen Workbook: 8 Elements of a Craftsman Kitchen
Craftsman-style kitchen design focuses on the beauty of function and natural materials. Could this be the look for you?
Craftsman style, which arose in the early 20th century, was a reaction to the mass-produced fussiness of the Victorian era, and its wholesome simplicity still resonates today. And nowhere is its signature warmth more evident than in the kitchen, the heartbeat of a Craftsman home. It's impossible to separate form from function in a space done in this style, but Craftsman kitchens are anything but utilitarian — they're as comforting as a fire on a cold day. Read on for the essential elements you'll need to create the look.
More kitchen styles:
Classic | Traditional | Transitional | Modern | Contemporary | Eclectic | Cottage | Mediterranean
More kitchen styles:
Classic | Traditional | Transitional | Modern | Contemporary | Eclectic | Cottage | Mediterranean
2. Clean-lined cabinetry. Craftsman style eschews fuss and frills in favor of pure function, and cabinets should follow suit. Straightforward frameless or flat-panel doors, perhaps with simple glass panes, fall in step with the aesthetic. Craftsman cabinets lack carved detailing or other ornamentation but display the joinery proudly — proof of the artisan at work.
3. Simple lighting. Craftsman-style lighting is first and foremost about function, but its strong geometric lines also add visual flair. Mica is the classic material for pendants, chandeliers and sconces; Tiffany lamps suit the look as well.
4. Built-in seating. What could be more useful than a built-in banquette that eliminates the need for a separate table and chairs? Craftsman kitchens often feature a setup like this in a breakfast room or nook.
5. Earthy colors. The Craftsman palette pulls straight from nature. Think mossy greens, woodsy browns, deep golds and rusty oranges, brought in through the use of paint, tile and accents.
6. Hand-crafted tiles. Tile is central to Craftsman style — in fact, it’s the major decorative element in many such spaces. Hand-molded and painted and richly detailed, Craftsman tiles lend colorful appeal to backsplashes, countertops and islands.
7. Natural stone. As with wood, stone’s natural beauty provides an ideal foil for the straightforward honesty of Craftsman design. Choose slate for flooring and backsplashes; honed granite and soapstone look just right for countertops.
Find a local pro to design custom countertops for your kitchen
Find a local pro to design custom countertops for your kitchen
8. Hardware and fixtures with patina. There’s nothing shiny about Craftsman design. Faucets, fixtures and hardware should have warm, deep finishes. Think oil-rubbed bronze and tawny antiqued brass or copper, and choose models with strong architectural lines.
More:
So Your Style Is: Arts and Crafts
A Modern Take on Arts and Crafts
Craftsman Front Doors Make an Entrance
More:
So Your Style Is: Arts and Crafts
A Modern Take on Arts and Crafts
Craftsman Front Doors Make an Entrance
Work with a carpenter to design and install custom wood cabinets