American Craftsman Kitchen. Simple, Yet Elegant.

The American Craftsman kitchen's beauty is in it's simplicity. Clean lines with very little ornamentation. It's influence is from the British Arts and Crafts movement in the 1860's. These two styles are very similar with only minor differences.

The differences are only in the door panel designs. Craftsman kitchen doors commonly have a vertical strip of wood in the lower, or base, cabinets which bisect the door panel width. This is really the only difference between the two styles.

Woods commonly used are cherry, maple, white oak, and red oak. These were readily available woods and are not as expensive as other woods, such as mahogany. Dark colored woods and many windows are the "norm" with this style. Although more recently it's not uncommon to see these cabinets painted or glazed in very light colors.

Stained and clear glass are also a great details of this cabinet style. Hand made stained glass, made in a style you like, will add a very personal touch and enhance the beauty at the same time. Clear mullioned glass doors also add a special touch as well as an area to showcase your prized china dinnerware.

Upper cabinets extend to the ceiling add more storage space and eliminate the need for kitchen soffits. Not having soffits also adds to the simplicity of the American Craftsman kitchen. The extra storage space is a commodity and highly sought after in most kitchens, this style achieves this.

The hardware is usually plain and made of wrought iron or brass. Some cabinet finishes allow the homeowner to use brushed nickel, and is very well placed in a kitchen that is painted a light color. But still keeping with the simple design concept. As with everything your personal choice should be the ultimate decider in what to use.

Range hoods made of hammered copper are also well placed in this kitchen. The hammered copper look is in keeping with the hand made concept of American Craftsman kitchen. Although recently some designers and homeowners have elected to use stainless steel appliances and range hoods. Stainless steel is best placed in light colored kitchens. Stainless steel also adds a contemporary feel to a traditional style.

Countertops of soapstone and butcher block are the best to keep to the natural feel. Solid surface and concrete can also find a place in this kitchen if the colors match colors from nature. Granite can also be a good material if the pattern is not to busy. Having a traditional kitchen with modern materials is a great way to blend the old with the new.

The concept of this kitchen style is simplicity of design and natural materials made by true craftsmen. To have a true American Craftsman Style kitchen hand work should be a major consideration and employed whenever possible to keep within the overall concept.

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