Arts & Crafts Style Kitchens

Kitchens have always been the heartbeat of every home. People gather in their kitchens to socialize with friends and family as well as to celebrate special occasions. Today’s kitchens are far more than just functional. Kitchens when designed properly add depth and style as well as function to the whole house. So many people when designing or redesigning their kitchens become overwhelmed as to which style to go with. One of the more popular styles is the Arts and Crafts style.

What are some of the things you think about seeing in an Arts and Crafts kitchen? This particular style is based on functionality so natural colors are used along with rich woods and clean, crisp lines. Arts and Crafts kitchens sometimes have recessed panel doors and thick frames. There may be contrast in finishes of wood. Stained glass windows are often used as well as stained glass lighting fixtures.

The Arts and Crafts style is very similar to Prairie, Shaker and Mission styles. The woods that are used for these styles are beech, oak, maple and birch. More importantly are how the woods are used. The most important woods are those that are rich and dark with distinctive markings.

The Arts and Crafts design started during the 1900′s. At that time many people wanted kitchen designs that were functional. High quality craftsmanship became more important. Cabinetry consisted of dovetail joinery and hardwoods.

The Arts and Crafts style quickly became popular all over the world and not just in the United States. The style originally started in England then became popular in Europe and North America. The style was created by emphasizing that art communicates the understanding of nature with the use of natural wood tones, glass doors and finishes such as a matte sheet effect. With this style there is always a chance to be more creative with the design.

This style is very easy to decorative by placing beautiful glass vases, various ornate cookware such as hanging copper pots and skillets or a hanging rack for your glassware made of beautiful cherry wood. The glass doors can be an open invitation to show off your finest glassware and crystal as well as decorative china for those special occasions. You can also select to have metal finishes such as metal brackets used on the cabinets. Beautiful brushed metal brackets would add a stunning touch to your counter which will boast golden yellows, soft greens and various earth tones. The top of your counter could be one of several different materials such as porcelain pottery, natural stone or earthenware.

Arts and Crafts kitchens have limitless possibilities to create the perfect Old World rustic environment of your dreams. Once you decorate your Arts and Crafts kitchen with the rustic finery of your choice, you will have created the heartbeat of your home. Imagine having Christmas dinner, birthday parties, anniversaries or just everyday gatherings in your new kitchen. This is now the center of your home where you will be making memories for years to come.