Craftsman Kitchen Ideas

With an emphasis on rich woods, handcrafted details and intricate glass and tilework, it’s no wonder Craftsman-style kitchens are still popular today. Originating in the late nineteenth century, Craftsman or Mission style is closely connected to the British Arts and Crafts movement, but has a distinctly American, west-coast sensibility, notable in its grand scale and liberal use of hardwoods. While a true Mission-style kitchen from the late 1890s to the 1930s would have been a hardworking space used solely for cooking (and not entertaining), it’s still possible to incorporate the style’s key design elements in a modern home. Read on to learn how to create your own gorgeous Craftsman kitchen and find even more inspiration in our photo gallery below.

1. Choose Cabinetry that Makes a Statement

One of the defining features of a Craftsman kitchen are the grand, wooden cabinets that fill out the space. Craftsman cabinets often feature rich detailing, with raised panels, cut-outs and even stained glass sections. Their angular, squared-off shape contrasts nicely with curved wooden sections above windows or a stovetop. Square or round pulls match the style nicely. In general, you want your kitchen cabinets to have a handcrafted look to them, whether or not they’re actually custom-made. Try to opt for the highest-quality wood that will fit within your budget.

2. Use Warm Woods and Rich Colors

Craftsman kitchens feel homey and welcoming because they make use of warm hardwoods and rich colors like red, green and blue. So when you’re picking out a finish for your cabinetry, go with a medium to dark stain. Wooden countertops are classic in this style, but you can also go with a dark granite or a colorful tile. If you’re worried about the space feeling too dark, use a teal-green tile for your backsplash. You could also install stained glass panels in your window frames or lay down a vibrant red rug for a modern touch.

3. Go for Wooden Floors or Vintage Tile

You can’t have too much wood in a Craftsman-style kitchen. To keep that warm feeling going, opt for wood flooring in a similar finish to your cabinetry. If you need a bit of contrast, try adding white molding. Alternatively, if you’d rather have tile for easier maintenance, go for something with a bit of old-fashioned flair. Muted white and cream square tiles can look elegant; retro linoleum in a colorful pattern will take things in a more 1930s direction.

4. Install Lighting with Character

To really make your kitchen feel authentic, ditch your recessed lighting and go for a Mission-style chandelier with decorative glass panels. Boxy, lantern-style pendant lights would also fit right in.