Craftsman Home Kitchen
Five Tips to Design a Cedar Park Craftsman Kitchen
We get asked this question often: How can I design a craftsman-style kitchen that feels authentic and not cliché? Many interior designers will put craftsman doors on wooden cabinets to create a craftsman-style kitchen. But what was the actual look of kitchens during this era?
The Craftsman style dates back to the 1860s and the 1930s. It is well-known for its use of stained woods, simple lines, and intricate tiles. While the craftsman style was initially popularized in response to the industrial revolution it didn't take long before companies started mass producing these materials, built-ins, and entire homes. The kitchen was designed to house staff and was not visible in most homes. We love the modern contrast between a simpler, charming kitchen in an older home and one that is more elaborate.
How can Cedar Park Home Remodels interior designers create rooms that are true to the craftsman style but still feel modern? Here are some suggestions:
1) Mix built-ins with furniture pieces in your kitchen.
Built-in kitchens were just beginning to be popularized during the craftsman era. Sometimes, kitchens would have built-in cabinets on one wall and freestanding furniture on the rest. We like to create the illusion of different furniture pieces in our kitchen remodels by using contrasting colors and hardware. We often find an old hutch that we can use in a vintage-style kitchen. A single vintage piece can add charm and history to a renovation.
2) Craftsman Era materials are still being made
The best craftsman home kitchen uses authentic materials. Our clients wanted a gorgeous craftsman-style backsplash when we designed the kitchen shown above. There are still authentic craftsman-era products available that can look and feel authentic for a new home or remodel of a kitchen. We love Motawi tile and Bradbury wallpaper. Stickley furniture is another favorite.
3) Use lots of natural wood.
The use of natural wood is a key feature in craftsman homes. Wooden floors were a common feature in craftsman homes. Dark rooms were often the result. It may seem brighter to use painted cabinets. However, stained wood floors and moldings can be just as effective. Don't be afraid of using lots of wood in a sunny space. Mixing different stain colors and woods is okay. To keep your kitchen bright, you might consider lighter stains.
4) Use vintage-inspired cabinetry details.
The above kitchen is an authentic craftsman and features beautiful period details. Inset doors, wooden brackets, and exposed hinges are some of the details that we'd love to see replicated in a craftsman's kitchen. These cabinets have multiple panels on every door. It's an interesting detail but it doesn't feel too ornate. These Craftsman kitchens were often custom-built on-site. You might notice that many of these cabinets share the same framing. These cabinets are not made from separate boxes that have been screwed together. They are custom-built pieces for the space. Cedar Park Home Remodels does not build these on-site but can offer custom cabinetry in a similar manner.
We wouldn't want to repeat one thing from this vintage kitchen. Toe kicks are not allowed. Modern homeowners want to be able to enjoy the furniture design. Particularly when you are sitting in front of the sink. This image is from Old House Online, another excellent resource for those who love craftsman design.
5) Utility is the highest priority.
Many of the kitchens we saw online were decorated with elaborate moldings and flared legs. It was difficult to clean these details. While there are many ways to design modern craftsman kitchens, we believe simplicity and a utilitarian feeling are the key elements of the original craftsman style. Don't be afraid of mixing modern fixtures, hardware, and appliances with vintage-style cabinetry. More important than a beautiful kitchen is a functional kitchen.
Cedar Park Home Remodelers
Cedar Park, Tx
(737) 307 8281