Your Ultimate Guide to Craftsman Kitchens
Looking for a kitchen style that’s both beautiful and practical? A Craftsman kitchen might be perfect for you. This style has stood the test of time because it combines good looks with function.
Craftsman-style kitchens focus on natural materials, quality work, and smart design. They use real wood, stone, and simple lines to create a warm, welcoming space for cooking and gathering.
In this guide, you’ll learn what makes a craftsman kitchen special, how to choose the right materials, and ways to create this look in your own home.
Whether you want a classic design or a modern take on the style, we’ve got you covered.
What is a Craftsman Kitchen?
A craftsman kitchen is a style that puts quality and handmade details first. Born from the Arts and Crafts movement of the early 1900s, this kitchen design focuses on natural materials and good craftsmanship.
These kitchens stand out because they mix function with beauty. They feel warm and cozy while still being practical for everyday cooking and family gatherings.
Craftsmen Kitchens often have wood elements, simple lines, and custom touches that make each one unique. People who pick this style want a kitchen that looks timeless and well-made.
Key Features of the Craftsman Kitchen Style
The best part of a craftsman kitchen is how it feels personal and is made with care. Each element works together to create a space that’s both useful and good-looking.
- Wood Finishes: Warm tones like oak and maple create a cozy feel. The wood often has a natural, slightly matte look that shows off the grain.
- Cabinet Design: Simple, with flat panels and detailed woodwork. The cabinets might have glass doors to show off dishes or special items.
- Built-in Storage: Maximizing space and functionality. Think pull-out drawers, hidden spots for small tools, and cabinets made to fit the space perfectly.
Many homes in Salt Lake City and across the country still have these kitchens, and companies like Craftsman Kitchens have been keeping the tradition going for over 60 years.
Craftsman Kitchen Design Ideas
Craftsmen Kitchens brings warmth and character to homes through quality materials and skilled work.
These kitchens stand out because they combine function with beauty, creating spaces that are both practical and visually appealing for families.
Classic Craftsman Kitchens
Traditional craftsman kitchens feature rich wood cabinets with simple, clean lines that create the backbone of these spaces.
The visible woodwork details show off the craftsmanship that gives this style its name, while practical layouts make cooking and family gatherings comfortable.
Natural stone or tile backsplashes in earth tones complement the wood elements, and mission-style cabinet doors add to the authentic look.
Built-in bench seating, warm pendant lighting, and smart storage solutions make these kitchens both cozy and functional. The color palette tends toward warm and natural browns, tans, greens, and soft yellows.
Modern Craftsman Kitchen Ideas
Today’s craftsman kitchens keep the best traditional elements while adding new touches. Open floor plans connect kitchens to dining and living areas, making them social hubs, while larger windows bring in more natural light.
Stainless steel appliances blend with wood cabinets, and quartz or granite countertops offer easier maintenance.
Open shelving displays dishes while adding visual space, and updated lighting fixtures maintain simple designs with contemporary shapes.
Light-colored subway tile backsplashes and kitchen islands provide workspace and seating. Many modern kitchens use lighter wood tones or painted cabinets, creating brighter spaces while keeping the craftsman feel.
Farmhouse-Inspired Craftsman Kitchen Design
Farmhouse-inspired craftsman kitchens blend rustic charm with craftsman reliability. Shaker-style cabinets, deep farmhouse sinks, and wooden accents create a homey feel.
Colors stay light with whites, soft grays, and natural wood tones. Vintage-style hardware in black iron or brass adds subtle character. Wooden beams across ceilings or framing islands bring structural interest.
These spaces feel welcoming while maintaining craftsman quality.
Minimalist Craftsman Kitchen Design
Minimalist craftsman style keeps core quality elements while removing extras. Cabinets feature clean lines in neutral colors. Simple countertops in granite or concrete avoid busy patterns.
Glass cabinets and open shelving reduce visual weight. Hidden appliances create a smooth look. Light fixtures maintain basic shapes without fancy details.
This approach values quality materials and careful construction while cutting decorative extras, creating calm spaces with timeless appeal.
Eclectic Craftsman Kitchen Design
Eclectic craftsman kitchens mix traditional elements with personal touches. Different wood types create visual interest, while unique tiles add personality.
Bold colors break from standard palettes while keeping core structures. Shaker cabinets might pair with bright backsplashes. Repurposed materials bring history and character.
Personal items, from handmade pottery to custom lighting, make these kitchens truly individual while honoring craftsman roots.
Choosing Materials for Your Craftsman Kitchen
The right materials make a big difference in a craftsman kitchen. Good materials look nice and last for years. Let’s look at the best choices for your kitchen.
Best Woods for Cabinets and Surfaces
Wood is the star in any craftsman kitchen. The type you pick sets the tone for the whole room.
| Wood Type | Characteristics | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Oak | Strong grain pattern that adds character | Cabinet fronts, flooring |
| Maple | Smoother look with a warm feel | Cabinets, islands |
| Cherry | Gets richer in color as it ages | Statement pieces, built-ins |
| Hickory | Mix of light and dark tones | Rustic looks, accent areas |
For finishes, look for ones that show off the wood’s natural beauty:
- Clear coats or light stains that let you see the grain
- Oil-based finishes that bring out the wood’s depth
- Quarter-sawn wood for interesting grain patterns
Stone and Tile Options for Craftsman Kitchens
For countertops and backsplashes, you need materials that are both attractive and practical.
| Material Type | Options | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Stone | Granite in earth tones | Durable, heat-resistant |
| Soapstone for an authentic dark look | Develops patina over time | |
| Quartz | Budget-friendly, low-maintenance | |
| Tile | Subway tile | Classic from the early 1900s homes |
| Handmade ceramic tiles | Unique variations in color/texture | |
| Floor tiles | Water-resistant option for high-traffic areas |
Companies like Craftsman Kitchens in Salt Lake City can help you pick the right mix of materials. With 60 years of experience, they know how to create kitchens that are both beautiful and useful.
Creating a Functional and Beautiful Craftsman Kitchen
A craftsman kitchen needs to be both good-looking and useful. The best kitchens make cooking easy while still looking great. Here’s how to create a kitchen that works well and stays true to the craftsman style.
Maximizing Storage in Craftsman Kitchens
Storage is key in any kitchen. In a craftsman kitchen, storage should blend with the style while keeping things handy.
- Custom cabinets to the ceiling: Use all your wall space with tall cabinets. The upper areas can store items you don’t use daily.
- Built-in pantry: A cabinet-matched pantry keeps food and small tools in one spot.
- Drawer organizers: Wood dividers keep utensils, spices, and tools neat and easy to find.
- Pull-out shelves: Make deep cabinets more useful with shelves that come to you.
- Corner solutions: Turn tricky corners into useful spots with swing-out shelves.
Built-in plate racks and mug hooks add both function and style. These small touches match the handmade feel of craftsman design.
How to Design a Craftsman Kitchen for Small Spaces
Small kitchens can still have a big craftsman style. The trick is making smart choices about layout and scale.
- Smaller-scale cabinets: Choose cabinets that fit the room size but keep the same style details.
- Glass cabinet doors: These make the room feel bigger while showing off what’s inside.
- Smart layouts: Work with a U-shape or galley layout to make the most of wall space.
- Built-in seating: A small breakfast nook with storage under the seats saves space.
- Slim islands: A narrow island or rolling cart gives workspace without blocking flow.
Light colors can make a small craftsman kitchen feel bigger. Try maple or painted cabinets instead of darker woods.
With the right planning, your small craftsman kitchen can be both useful and true to the style you love.
Maintaining Your Craftsman Kitchen
Your Craftsman kitchen deserves the care. A few simple habits can keep wood and stone surfaces looking fresh and lasting for many years to come.
- Dusting: Use a soft cloth to dust wood surfaces weekly.
- Cleaning (Wood): Clean with mild soap and water when needed; dry immediately.
- Oiling: Apply food-grade mineral oil monthly to wooden counters to prevent cracking.
- Wiping (Stone): Wipe stone surfaces daily with warm water and a soft cloth.
- Cleaning (Stone): Use only stone-specific cleaners for deep cleaning.
- Sealing: Seal granite and marble every 6–12 months to maintain protection.
- Spills: Clean spills immediately, especially acidic ones like coffee or wine.
- Avoid using: vinegar, lemon, bleach, or abrasive cleaners on any surfaces.
- Protecting: Use cutting boards to prevent knife marks on countertops.
Conclusion
Craftsmen Kitchens blends beauty and function in a way that stands the test of time. They feature quality wood cabinets, natural materials, and thoughtful design that make cooking and gathering enjoyable.
Whether you’re building new or updating an older kitchen, the craftsman style offers warmth and character. Choose quality materials, add smart storage, and maintain them properly.
We’d love to see your craftsman kitchen! Share your photos in the comments below or ask us any questions about creating your own craftsman space.
Your kitchen story might help inspire others who are just starting their remodeling journey.
