Craftsman kitchens are the antithesis of boring and bland – and designers say it's the underrated style to know about if you want to create a characterful space

If traditional describes your design style, there are a few eras to have on your radar, and Craftsman kitchens are among the most prominent. Filled with wood tones, earthy colors, and artisan features, it's an aesthetic that still feels relevant today.

They're a perfect example of why traditional kitchens are still so admired and desired – they have a timelessness that never dates, even as trends shift. But what truly appeals about Craftsman style is its adaptability, so whatever the size of your kitchen or the style of your home, there are elements you can embrace.

And these seven spaces prove it. Here, designers share their Craftsman kitchen projects and the features that showcase the key design elements of the style – from the cabinet details to the color palette, there's plenty here to inspire.

7 Craftsman kitchen ideas

There's something modest about Craftsman kitchens. The style of home originates from the 19th century, with ties to the Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau eras. These homes weren't huge, and the kitchens certainly weren't open concept.

So, even though some spaces feature a sizeable kitchen island, there's a cozier, more intimate feel to this style that makes it all the more appealing. And if you want to bring a sense of the look into your kitchen, these spaces are a great reference point.

1. Pair rich wood tones with green hues

There's a very particular palette when it comes to Craftsman kitchens. Rich, organic wood tones appear in almost every design, and rich, earthy color palettes feel very much in keeping with the style, like in this green and wood Craftsman kitchen.

'With dark wood as the anchoring element in this built-in kitchen island, the space feels grounded and warm. Its graining and walnut finish, enriched by a surrounding earthy green palette, reflect the handcrafted Craftsman tradition,' says interior designer Amanda Jacobs.

'It was quite possibly the most important design decision we made for this kitchen and yet, in many ways, the simplest, because it so naturally embodies the core characteristics of Craftsman style and its connection with nature.'

2. Introduce traditional Shaker cabinets

The kitchen cabinet style you introduce is key if you are trying to create an authentic Craftsman space. Shaker kitchen cabinets were very typical of the style and era, and they work beautifully in this design.

'We went for quarter-sawn white oak cabinetry, stained to match the existing woodwork throughout the home. The cabinetry features inset doors in a traditional Shaker profile and exposed hinges, which would have been consistent with the period of the home (built in 1925),' explains interior designer Jill Warren.

Several features in this space nod to classic Craftsman design, including the handmade brick-shaped backsplash tile that 'replicates shapes and natural finishes evocative of the Craftsman period' and the earthy, organic palette of wood, green, and blue.

'A small detail I like to include in Craftsman kitchens is to do slab-style drawers on top and 5-piece drawers and doors on the bottom if you're trying to get consistent with the period of the home. This was what would have been typical of the period, and it's a small detail a lot of people overlook!'

3. Decorate with hand-painted tiles

While some features in a Craftsman kitchen are up for interpretation, tiles are something that almost every space of the style would feature. Hand-made pieces, in particular, are synonymous with the style.

'At its core, Craftsman design is a tribute to thoughtful artistry, so it naturally invites distinctive tile applications. A hand-painted backsplash or accent beautifully introduces that timeless character, nodding to the movement’s Art Nouveau roots while keeping things grounded and warm,' says Jamie Chappell, of Fireclay Tile.

'Hand-painted tile played a key role in traditional Craftsman homes, adding subtle ornamentation through nature-inspired motifs and rich color. Just one tile accent can bring an authentic Craftsman feel to even the most understated spaces.'

4. Embrace the moodier colors of Craftsman kitchen style

While a lot of Craftsman kitchens balance darker cabinetry with lighter, brighter hues on the walls, this design by Lisa Staton Design really embraces the deeper, moodier colors typical of the style.

The space is very classic with a blue and white color palette – the dark blue cabinets are very much of the Craftsman aesthetic, while the blue-toned marble used for the countertops and backsplash blends that tonal look with modern materials.

There are also plenty of wood details through the shelving and decor, and the kitchen lighting brings in that more worn, industrial look that instantly creates a less polished look. It's a Craftsman kitchen with a personalized twist.

5. Add character to a modern kitchen with Craftsman features

Even though Craftsman kitchens are traditionally on the darker side, modern interpretations are blending classic design features with modern embellishments, like this space, which has embraced a light, neutral color scheme.

'This kitchen is true to classic Craftsman design with its emphasis on function, warmth, and honest materials. We painted the Shaker-style cabinets and beadboard paneling in a creamy, neutral palette to let the built-in cupboards and original cabinet latches shine,' says interior designer Anne Corgan.

'The combination of butcher block and marble countertops also gives the space a subtly modern sensibility, balancing the traditional aesthetic with a fresh, layered approach. The result is soft and natural, allowing the textures and materials to take center stage.'

6. Introduce vintage furniture pieces

The kitchen is in a Craftsman-style home in Seattle, brought to life by designer Lisa Staton, who focused on reintroducing authentic traditional details that had been lost over time.

There's a beautiful blend of modern and traditional in this kitchen design, which ensures the space honors the history without feeling like a shrine to the home's era. Windows were returned to their original style, patterned tiles were introduced on the backsplash, and a deep green hue was chosen for the cabinetry.

It's a perfect example of a kitchen filled with those detail-focused features while still feeling light and suitable for day-to-day life. The vintage French cabinet is a charming addition that adds a more traditional, rustic detail – after all, wood is key to the style.

7. Blend Craftsman style and function with modern amenities

Getting the Craftsman kitchen look right is all about combining those traditional details with more modern functionalities. Your space should feel authentic and of its time, yet still have all the amenities and tech that a modern-day kitchen requires.

'Craftsman style from the 1860s through the 1930s is known for stained woods, clean, simple lines, and detailed tiles and cabinetry built by craftsmen of the era. I like to create spaces that honor the principles of Craftsman style by curating custom details with a utilitarian focus,' says Fiona Eickman, of Airy Kitchens.

'In this project, we paired natural wood cabinetry with a stunning tile backsplash. We incorporated modern amenities, like a kitchen island and appliances, to enhance the kitchen’s functionality. Craftsman-inspired furniture and materials are still being designed today and will stand the test of time in a new home or kitchen remodel.'

Shop the look

There are so many timeless design elements synonymous with Craftsman kitchens, so it's little surprise that this style still feels just as appealing and classic today. They also tick a lot of boxes as far as this year's kitchen trends are concerned, from organic materials to textured designs. What's not to love?