A craftsman kitchen is the epitome of form and function in kitchen design. Blending aesthetics, ergonomics, and utility, a craftsman kitchen brings together the best elements for cooking, entertaining, and simply enjoying this vital living space. In this article, we will explore the 8 key elements that define the craftsman kitchen style and help bring it to life in your home. From materials and layout to finishes and fixtures, these components work together to create a kitchen that is as beautiful as it is practical. Read on to learn how to unlock the full potential of the craftsman kitchen.
Warm, Natural Materials
The hallmark of craftsman style is the use of real, raw materials in their natural state. This brings an organic, earthy feel that is cozy and inviting.
Wood is the quintessential material in a craftsman kitchen. Options include:
- Oak – A classic craftsman wood with a noticeable grain. Provides a sense of strength and durability.
- Maple – Straight, fine grain with a lighter appearance. Gives the kitchen an airier feel.
- Cherry – Ages beautifully over time, developing a rich patina. Ideal for a traditional look.
- Hickory – Hard and dense with dramatic grain variations. Adds rustic flair.
Wood can be used for cabinetry, open shelving, butcher block countertops, and beyond. Opt for medium to dark stains to allow the natural wood tones to shine through.
Beyond wood, other key craftsman materials include:
- Stone – Granite, marble, and soapstone make exceptional countertops. Tile backsplashes in natural stone also fit the aesthetic.
- Brick – Adding brick accents on walls or surfaces brings texture and earthy appeal.
- Concrete – Concrete countertops have an organic look. Or use concrete tiles for floors.
- Metal – Wrought iron fixtures, vintage-style appliances, hammered copper sinks, and barn door hardware reinforce the craftsman vibe.
The goal is to incorporate raw, sincere materials into the space for an authentic craftsman feel.
Rustic Meets Modern Sensibilities
While craftsman style has its roots in the American arts and crafts movement of the early 1900s, today’s craftsman kitchens blend old and new seamlessly.
The overall look leans rustic, with natural materials and visible craftsmanship. Yet modern updates create a space that functions perfectly for contemporary living.
Some ways to marrying modern and rustic include:
- Open Floor Plan – Knocking down walls to create an open concept kitchen/living area provides better flow for gatherings.
- Updated Fixtures – Vintage-style lighting and plumbing fixtures add old world charm while still meeting today’s needs.
- Smart Storage – Creative cabinets with modern hardware maximize every inch of space efficiently.
- Multi-Purpose Island – A large central island with bar seating accommodates everything from meal prep to casual dining.
- Quality Appliances – Commercial grade ranges, high tech refrigerators, and stainless steel accents blend seamlessly into the overall craftsman vibe.
The result harmoniously balances utility for modern lifestyles with the warmth and character of craftsman elements. This provides the best of both worlds.
Inviting, Efficient Work Triangles
In a craftsman kitchen, form meets function in the form of smart work triangles. This refers to the efficient relationship between the three main work zones – the refrigerator, stove, and sink.
The work triangle should have an overall distance of 15-25 feet from end to end, with no leg measuring less than 4 feet or more than 9 feet. This allows you to move seamlessly between the key kitchen tasks of food storage, prep, and cooking.
Some tips for an optimal craftsman kitchen work triangle include:
- Position the refrigerator near the entrance for easy access.
- Ensure adequate counter space around the stove for staging.
- Place the sink under a window with a view to make washing up enjoyable.
- Include a food prep zone next to the sink, such as an island or table.
- Allow for at least 42 inches of walking space between all points of the triangle.
- Include multiple work triangles throughout the kitchen for added efficiency.
When laying out your craftsman kitchen, pay close attention to work triangle dimensions and ergonomics. This will enhance comfort and productivity when prepping meals for the family.
Unfitted Cabinetry With Clever Storage
Craftsman kitchen cabinets have an unfitted, furniture-like sensibility. This contributes to the warm, livable feel.
Popular cabinetry elements include:
- Face Frame Cabinets – Frame and panel construction with visible joint details provides authenticity.
- Inset Cabinets – With inset doors sitting flush inside the face frame, these have a built-in look.
- Glass Front Cabinets – Glass door cabinets maintain the handcrafted charm while displaying cherished items.
- Open Shelving – Open shelving gives easy access to daily essentials and contributes to the casual vibe.
- Butcher Block – Timeless butcher block counters and chopping blocks add natural warmth.
Storage-wise, craftsman kitchens focus on function. Smart ideas include:
- Pull-out pantries with slide-out wire shelving.
- Spice racks mounted inside cabinet doors.
- Vegetable bins and deep drawers for kitchen tools.
- Microwave shelving with hidden plugs.
- tray dividers, knife blocks, and other specialty storage inserts.
The craftsman kitchen has an everything-in-its-place aesthetic. Make the most of every inch with storage customized to your needs.
Natural Lighting And Ventilation
Abundant natural lighting immediately brightens up a craftsman kitchen. Strategically placed windows and skylights allow sunlight to flood into the space. This complements the welcoming, airy feeling of the design.
Consider the following natural lighting tips:
- Window Over Sink – Frame the main cleanup area with a large window or set of windows overlooking the backyard or garden.
- Skylights – Skylights over an island or dining nook draw light into the center of the kitchen.
- Glass Cabinet Doors – Glass front upper cabinets don’t obstruct light. Bonus – they double as display cases.
- French Doors – French doors connecting the kitchen to outdoor living spaces bring continuity between the two.
Proper ventilation is also key for removing cooking odors and excess moisture. Integrating traditional craftsman-style ceiling fans circulates air and enhances ventilation. If possible, include an overhead exhaust hood over the range as well. This removes odors more directly at the source.
Abundant natural light and smart ventilation make the kitchen more inviting and functional. This is a key part of the craftsman kitchen allure for a reason.
Inviting Eating Nooks
One difference between a craftsman kitchen and more formal kitchens is the inclusion of comfortable, unintimidating eating areas. These may include:
- Breakfast Nooks – Cozy banquettes or booths work beautifully as casual morning dining spots. Include storage under seats.
- Kitchen Peninsulas – Peninsulas create a natural spot for quick meals or homework catch-up. Add bar stools for seating.
- Islands – Islands truly anchor the kitchen. With bar stool seating, they become prime dining real estate.
- Farmhouse Table – A rough-hewn wood farm table adjacent to the kitchen makes family dinners warm and welcoming.
Ideally, craftsman kitchens include multiple dining areas to accommodate different needs. Having defined eating nooks gives family and friends inviting places to congregate and connect as meals are prepared.
Eclectic Fixtures For Vintage Character
Fixtures with vintage character add just the right infusion of craftsman style. Mixing metals, finishes, and styles together prevents the kitchen from feeling too uniform.
Lighting fixtures tend towards wrought iron chandeliers, exposed bulb pendants, and mounted barn lights. This provides both task lighting and accent lighting.
Plumbing fixtures like apron front sinks, exposed pipework, and clawfoot tubs (for nearby butler’s pantries) feels fittingly old-fashioned.
Hardware including bin pulls, ring pulls, and oversized handles on cabinets and drawers maintain the hand-forged craftsman vibe.
Accessories like vaulted ceramic tile backsplashes, woven rugs, and textured curtains give the room depth.
Visit antique stores and salvage yards to find authentic fixtures and accessories that feel like original pieces from a craftsman bungalow. This adds character. Or purchase quality reproductions.
Warm, Textural Finishes
The finishes applied to surfaces are enormously impactful in the overall craftsman kitchen aesthetic. sandy plaster walls, roughly hewn wooden beams, natural stone surfaces, and hardwood floors all celebrate the beauty of raw materials.
Consider these finish options that feel fresh yet fitting for a modern craftsman kitchen:
Flooring – Hardwood planks, concrete, or stone tiles.
Walls – Wood accent walls, exposed brick, or neutral plaster.
Cabinetry – Natural wood grains with medium to dark stain or painted cabinets with visible brushstrokes.
Countertops – Soapstone, butcher block, or concrete with natural imperfections.
Backsplash – Handmade subway tile, metal tile, or reclaimed wood panels.
Hardware – Unlacquered brass, blackened steel, satin nickel.
The common thread is allowing the materials’ natural essence to shine through – the epitome of craftsman style. Simple, textural, and inviting.
Cohesive Earth Tone Palette
Craftsman kitchens ride on a warm, cohesive color palette drawn from the earth and nature. Rich browns, greens, creams, and grays work together to create a soothing, welcoming feel.
Browns – Weathered wood, tree bark, coffee. Brown hues represent earthiness.
Greens – Moss, sagebrush, forest canopy. Green tones symbolize nature and life.
Creams – Mushrooms, linen, oatmeal. Creams provide an airy neutral backdrop.
Grays – Riverbed stone, mountain peaks, driftwood. Gray conveys solidity and balance.
Accent colors can be drawn from autumn fruits and vegetables, like pumpkin orange, beet red, or blueberry purple. Just be sure accent shades play well with the broader earth tones.
Above all, vary textures and layers within this natural color scheme for depth and interest. The craftsman kitchen’s roots in organic materials informs a grounded, friendly palette.
Conclusion
The craftsman kitchen style beautifully merges form and function into a warm, livable environment meant for creating memories. By incorporating natural materials, efficient work spaces, vintage accents, and an earthy color palette, you can unlock the full potential of this iconic kitchen style. Use the key elements in this article as a guide to design the ideal craftsman kitchen for your home and lifestyle. Embrace raw wood grains, ample light, handcrafted charm, and an earthy palette to create your perfect craftsman cooking space.
