One of several interior design styles to gain much ground amongst consumers is a distinct style called arts and crafts. Within the home, cabinetry, hardware pieces, countertops, flooring, wall coverings and even appliances can boast an arts and crafts feel.

These design elements pay homage to the early 1900s when quality craftsmanship overtook the once popular, ornate pieces of furniture that filled the home. Simple, straight lines characterize this style, with rich, dark wood tones and soft painted surfaces dominating its palette.

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Arts and crafts cabinetry, also called mission or craftsman cabinetry, is distinguished by several key fundamentals. First of all, many of these door styles will have flat, recessed panels, framed with straight, shaker rails. Mortise and tenon joints will frequently be utilized to construct the solid-wood doors. What will separate these door styles from many of their contemporary counterparts is the dark, rich wood tones that are commonly used. In many arts and crafts kitchens, a deep cherry or alder or lyptus wood will comprise the backdrop of the design while a painted island will represent an old-world furniture pieces at the room's center.

Inset cabinetry has also taken its fair share of arts and crafts kitchen projects. The straight lines that accompany the thin, square rails required for inset construction fit very well within the style.

To compliment the kitchen cabinetry in arts and crafts, designers can add a variety of hardware to complete the look. Hanging latches with square or rectangle back plates are typically used in burnished finishes with heavy etching or distressed surfaces. Most arts and crafts handles and knobs will be square, which gives the design an old-world feel.

As countertop availability continues to grow and grow, trends will continue to dictate which materials and colors will help to round out an arts and crafts kitchen project. Deep, rich granite colors can compliment stained wood tones very well. On a painted kitchen island, using a stained concrete top can also work very well. Although these tops can be accompanied by a hefty price tag, the end product is stunning. Concrete tops are produced from a mold, built around the existing island shape, and poured and set into place. Once the material has dried, it can be stained virtually any color to promote the antique furniture look.

Natural tone paint colors often go very well with these projects. Designers can rely on beiges, browns and other pastels that will offset the deeper stained finishes on the cabinetry and flooring. When used properly, these simple suggestions can produce a beautiful, elegant kitchen or bath projects.

Arts And Crafts, A Distinct Interior Design For Home Improvement

Chris Harmen is an author for the leading Naperville Kitchen cabinet designers, River Oak Cabinetry. As Naperville Cabinet designers River Oak Cabinetry offers a selection of cabinets that has been carefully chosen to represent the best value in a variety of price ranges.

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