Style Guide for an Arts and Crafts Kitchen

By Karin Beuerlein

The Arts and Crafts Movement is more than 100 years old, but its appeal has stood the test of time. Originally a protest of mass-produced items and stuffy, ornate Victorian design, its call to heed a simpler aesthetic and fine craftsmanship still resonates with homeowners today. Common items that reflect an Arts and Crafts heritage are handcrafted furniture, simple trims, ceramic tiles, earthenware, metalworks and stained glass.

The movement's wholesome feel is a natural fit for a kitchen that's warm, casual and refined. "Nature is the one overarching influence for this design style," says Mary Broerman, CCIDC, of MDB Design Group. "The color palette is muted, medium tones: the browns, taupes, greens, oranges, reds and blues you'd see in nature." Tiles or stained-glass panels that depict items from the outdoors such as grapevines, flowers, fruits, leaves, insects and butterflies are beautiful and keep with the fundamentals of the style.