Arts And Crafts, a different interior design to improve the home

One of several interior design styles that has gained a lot of traction with consumers is a distinct style called arts and crafts. Inside the home, cabinets, hardware, countertops, flooring, wall coverings, and even appliances can boast a handcrafted feel.

These design elements pay homage to the early 20th century, when quality craftsmanship outpaced the once-popular ornate furnishings that filled the home. Simple, straight lines characterize this style, with rich dark wood tones and soft painted surfaces dominating its palette.

Arts and crafts cabinets, also called mission or craft cabinets, are distinguished by several key fundamentals. First of all, many of these door styles will have flat recessed panels, framed with straight tracks. Mortise and tenon joints will often be used to build solid wood doors. What will set these door styles apart from many of their contemporary counterparts are the dark, rich wood tones commonly used. In many artisan kitchens, a deep cherry, alder or lyptus wood will form the backdrop of the design, while a painted island will represent an old-world piece of furniture in the center of the room.

Built-in cabinets have also taken their fair share of arts and crafts kitchen projects. The straight lines that accompany the slim square rails required for recessed construction suit the style very well.

To complement arts and crafts kitchen cabinets, designers can add a variety of hardware to complete the look. Pendant latches with square or rectangular back plates are typically used in burnished finishes with heavily worn or etched surfaces. Most arts and crafts handles and knobs will be square, giving the design an old world feel.

As the availability of countertops continues to grow and grow, trends will continue to dictate what materials and colors will help complete a craft kitchen project. The rich, deep colors of granite can nicely complement stained wood tones. On a painted kitchen island, using a stained concrete top can also work very well. Although these tops may come with a hefty price tag, the final product is impressive. Concrete decks are produced from a mold, built around the existing island form, and poured and set into place. Once the material has dried, it can be stained virtually any color to promote the look of antique furniture.

Natural tone paint colors often go very well with these projects. Designers can rely on beiges, browns and other pastels to offset darker stained finishes on cabinets and floors. When used correctly, these simple suggestions can produce a beautiful and elegant kitchen or bathroom project.