Eclectic Homes

Kitchen Workbook: 8 Components of a Craftsman Kitchen

November 24, 2018

Craftsman design, which originated from the early 20th century, was a response to the mass-produced fussiness of the Victorian era, and its healthy simplicity still resonates today. And nowhere is its signature heat more clear than in the kitchen, the heartbeat of a Craftsman home. It’s not possible to separate form from function in a distance done in this fashion, however Craftsman kitchens are not anything but utilitarian — they are as reassuring as a fire on a chilly day. Continue reading for the essential elements you will need to produce the look.

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Brooke B. Sammons

1. Rich woods. More than any other substance, wood defines Craftsman design, thanks to its emphasis on natural beauty. Leave kitchen cabinets unpainted and coat them at a deep blot instead of paint for a warm, lustrous look. Oak is practically synonymous with Craftsman design; should you choose other woods, stick with indigenous species such as maple or pine.

Melaragno Design Company, LLC

2. Clean-lined cabinetry. Craftsman design eschews fuss and frills in favor of pure function, and cabinets should follow suit. Straightforward frameless or flat-panel doorways, perhaps with simple glass panes, fall in step with the decorative. Craftsman closets lack carved detailing or other ornamentation however display the joinery proudly — evidence 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 substance for pendants, chandeliers and sconces; Tiffany lamps suit the look too.

David Whitney

4. Built-in chairs. What can be more helpful than a built-in banquette that eliminates the requirement for a separate table and seats? Craftsman kitchens often feature a setup such as this at a breakfast corner or room.

Schwartz and Architecture

5. Earthy colours. The Craftsman palette brings directly from nature. Think leafy greens, woodsy browns, deep golds and rusty oranges, brought in through using paint, tile and colors.

Clay Squared to Infinity

6. Hand-crafted tiles. Tile is central to Craftsman design — in fact, it’s the major decorative element in many such areas. Hand-molded and painted and richly detailed, Craftsman tiles give colorful allure to backsplashes, countertops and islands.

Normandy Remodeling

7. Natural rock. As with wood, rock’s natural beauty offers an ideal foil for the simple honesty of Craftsman design. Pick slate for flooring and backsplashes; honed granite and soapstone look just right for counter tops.

HartmanBaldwin Design/Build

8. Hardware and fittings with patina. There is nothing glistening about Craftsman design. Faucets, fixtures and hardware should have warm, deep endings. 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

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