30+ Charming Craftsman Kitchen Ideas Featuring Quality and Function

By: Andrew Saladino | 6 min

From heavy solid wood cabinetry to natural stone countertops, craftsman style kitchens feature artisanal elements chosen for their durability as much as their style. This type of kitchen is about creating a homey, welcoming environment with modern and vintage features.

If you have a timeless kitchen remodel in mind, check out these craftsman kitchen ideas for unique ways to master the aesthetic in your home.

1. Focus on Quality

When it comes to craftsman-style kitchens, a sturdy, quality build is the top priority. Custom, solid wood cabinets are a must for this style kitchen. If this feature is a bit out of your price range, you can get the same look and quality at a fraction of the cost with pre-assembled shaker cabinets.

2. Keep It Natural

Natural wood, stone countertops, and mixed metal hardware lend themselves to creating a cozy, earthy atmosphere. Mix sleek wood craftsman kitchen cabinets with marble, granite, soapstone, or quartz countertops to get the look.

3. Choose Craftsman Cabinets

Cabinet designs exemplifying the expertise of the woodworker are key to creating a craftsman-style kitchen -- however, the best craftsman cabinets feature clean, straight lines, dovetail joints, and unique built-ins. Shaker cabinets and square-raised cabinets are two of the most popular styles of cabinets found in craftsman kitchens.

4. Install a Stunning (and Functional) Sink

Farmhouse sinks are rugged, efficient, and highly sought-after in both modern and craftsman kitchen designs. A deep single-basin sink is ideal for cleaning large pots and pans in style.

5. Design a Bold Backsplash

Craftsman kitchens aren't just for showing off beautiful woodwork -- the backsplash also presents an opportunity to showcase hand-painted artisan tiles. If you're looking to add a splash of color to your kitchen, this is the place to do so.

6. Opt for Neutral, Muted Colors

If you're not into the natural wood look, earthy neutral colors like muted greens, off-white, or deep navy blue are all great alternatives for creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Even statement colors like burgundy or plum play well with a neutral craftsman color palette.

7. Go Modern With Industrial Lighting

Make it seem like your handcrafted craftsman cabinets never left the workshop by pairing them with rustic, industrial hardware and light fixtures. Let antique barn lighting and wrought iron serve as a reminder that your kitchen is a sturdy -- albeit trendy -- workhorse.

8. Add a Persian Rug for Classy Vintage Vibes

Craftsman kitchen designs often feature natural wood cabinets and wood floors. Break up the browns with an intricate, brightly colored Persian rug. The traditional reds, blues, and greens of the piece will add warm contrast to your space.

9. Channel True Craftsman With Shaker Cabinets

No style of cabinet embodies true American artisan pride more than shaker cabinets. First crafted in 18th-century New England, shaker cabinets are known for being durable, simplistic, and understated -- making them a timeless choice for both modern and contemporary kitchens.

10. Try Two-tone Colors

Play up your kitchen color palette with two-tone cabinets. Neutral combinations like white and dark gray, cream and sage, and navy blue and forest green add intrigue and contrast between your upper and lower cabinets or kitchen island.

11. Keep It Light and Bright

The craftsman kitchens of the past often featured dark cabinetry, brown or black stone countertops, and dark stained wood flooring. However, today's craftsman-style designs defy tradition with modern white painted cabinets, marble countertops, and plenty of secondary lighting.

12. Mix in Vintage Accents

Ornate brass cabinet hinges, drawer bin pulls, and retro-style appliances add the perfect amount of vintage charm to modern craftsman kitchens. When sourcing materials for your craftsman kitchen remodels, search secondhand shops for unique, one-of-a-kind pieces.

13. Select Brilliant Brass or Copper Fixtures

Make your cabinet hardware the highlight of your kitchen by opting for warm-toned metals like copper or brass. Match the faucets and door knobs throughout your house for a uniform design.

14. Keep Beams Exposed

If you're lucky enough to have large beams supporting your kitchen ceiling, do not paint them or attempt to cover them up! Natural wood ceiling beams are a highly coveted feature amongst craftsman enthusiasts and can make your kitchen appear taller and even grander.

15. Incorporate Built-in Shelving

Custom built-ins are another opportunity to showcase quality craftsmanship in your kitchen. Use integrated shelves to store decorative serveware or your favorite vases and pottery.

16. Limit the Decor

Leave the focus on your handcrafted craftsman kitchen cabinets and countertops by keeping additional decor to a minimum. Patterned textiles or bright countertop accessories will only distract from the natural beauty of your kitchen.

17. Consider Butcher Block Countertops

In true craftsman style, there's no such thing as too much wood. Polished, dark-stained wood countertops paired with sage or navy cabinets are an amazing way to highlight a kitchen island.

18. Add Decorative Glass Lighting

Hand-blown, textured, or colored glass pendant shades are another opportunity to showcase artisanal talents in your craftsman-style kitchen. Decorative glass lighting adds personality and style to an otherwise understated design.

19. Stay True to the Style With Wood Floors

Rustic wood kitchen floors are another craftsman design staple. However, don't think you're limited to wood planks. Herringbone patterns or wood tiles add a custom, modern flair to traditional wood floors.

20. Display Your Favorite China in a Vintage Hutch

Play up your storage with freestanding craftsman furniture -- like a vintage china hutch to store heirloom plates and serveware. Freestanding cabinets can add some much-needed variety if you feel like your space is dominated by blocky built-ins.

21. Install Classic Prairie Lighting

Prairie pendant lights and chandeliers feature beautiful glass and angular designs reminiscent of the early Arts and Crafts era. The bold geometric shapes combine sleek lines with practical use.

22. Incorporate Tapered Columns

Alt text: Dining area with small table and tapered columns.

Square-tapered craftsman columns are historical and handsome in style. These unique design elements are found in both the exterior and interior of classic craftsman homes, often dividing rooms without closing off the walls. Try this look to add some separation between the cooking and dining areas in your craftsman kitchen.

23. Mix in Glass Cabinets

Bulky, solid wood cabinets may overwhelm a narrow or small craftsman-style kitchen. Instead of opting for solid wood cabinets, mix in cabinets with glass fronts to add some depth to your space without sacrificing storage.

24. Illuminate With Ambient Lighting

Craftsman kitchens of the past get a bad rap for being a bit dark and cave-like. If you're planning a traditional design with wood-on-wood elements, add plenty of secondary lighting to keep your space looking bright and welcoming.

25. Match Wood Elements for a Cabin Vibe

Complement your natural wood cabinets with matching baseboards, window trim, or exposed beams. Create contrast with a colored backsplash to tie the look together.

26. Source Authentic Craftsman Era Products

Believe it or not, you can still find doors, light switches, cabinet hardware, sconces, hutches, and chandeliers dating back to the early 19th century. A true craftsman product is a brilliant statement piece you'll want to tell your guests all about.

27. Keep It Simple With Subway Tile

With all that natural wood and stone, an intricate tile backsplash may look a bit busy -- especially for small craftsman kitchens. Instead, choose a simple white or colored subway tile backsplash and let your craftsman-style design elements be the focus.

28. Add a Built-in Wine Cabinet

If you're already splurging on custom cabinets, why not get the built-ins you've always wanted, like an integrated wine rack? A built-in wine rack in your kitchen island adds even more functionality and style to your entertainment area.

29. Experiment With Pastels

Add a bit of feminine flair to your utilitarian craftsman kitchen with soft pastels, like powder blue or mint green. The subtle cabinet colors work surprisingly well for both modern and cottage-inspired kitchens.

30. Get the Look With Stock Cabinets

With custom cabinetry costing as much as $1,200 per linear square foot, an authentic craftsman kitchen might not be in your budget. However, you can still get the craftsman kitchen of your dreams with our premium stock cabinets. Featuring Grade A plywood cabinet boxes, soft close drawers and doors, solid wood dovetail joints, and fully concealed adjustable door hinges, you won't have to sacrifice quality and style for price on your next kitchen remodel.

Craftsman Kitchen Ideas FAQs

What makes a craftsman kitchen?

Craftsman kitchens often feature natural materials like wood and stone, clean, straight lines, and quality construction. This style kitchen - originating from the 19th century Arts and Crafts movement - emphasizes function and sturdiness with a touch of elegance.

What is a craftsman-style cabinet door?

Craftsman-style cabinet doors are often quality-made, solid wood doors featuring clean designs and minimal ornamentation. Shaker, raised panel, and mission-style cabinet doors are the most popular types of cabinets found in craftsman kitchens.

What are craftsman colors?

Craftsman kitchens are usually painted in warm, muted colors like sage green or gray, allowing the natural wood cabinets or flooring to take center stage. However, white and bright craftsman kitchens are more popular than ever, proving that these style kitchens can adapt to modern trends.

What is modern craftsman?

Contemporary or modern craftsman encompasses interior designs blending both modern and traditional elements to create a beautiful yet functional space. Simple shaker cabinets, tapered columns, and luxurious stone countertops are all elements of modern craftsman kitchens.

Craftsman-style kitchens are all about quality and functionality, featuring natural materials, clean lines, and minimal accessories. For a timeless kitchen design that combines both modern and traditional, take a cue from craftsman design.

One downside to craftsman kitchens? All that handcrafted wood and custom cabinetry can really add up in cost. Get the same look and quality without blowing your budget with classic craftsman-style wholesale kitchen cabinets.