What is Artisan Crafted Style?

Historical Overview:

An emerging design trend today for modern settings is one that combines the sensitivity of Shaker styling, turn-of-the-century Arts & Crafts details and European ideas from Italy and Scandinavia. A good way to describe this type of interior is a "softer Contemporary". Naturalistic patterns and materials predominate throughout the space; for example, slate or limestone on the floor. However,  these natural materials are combined with hard-edged surfaces such as stainless steel and colored cabinetry. These interiors are oftentimes inspired by Art Deco geometric symmetry, and most often are definitely eclectic environments.

Cabinetry/Millwork: Straight-grained woods predominate today. Oak is returning in popularity, maple in specialty cut woods, and cherry. Door styles can be flat slab doors, but stile-and-rail square edged, "Shaker-type" doors are also appropriate. Asymmetrically balanced door designs that introduce glass patterns or woodworking cutouts are also effective.

Hardware: Because this style pulls from the past, in addition to the popular brushed nickel and brushed stainless steel finishes in modern environments, pounded antiqued and distressed metals can also be used.

Countertops: Popular countertop materials work well: granite, quartz, solid surfaces, laminate. Some specialty counter that add texture- such as concrete surfaces- are also appropriate. Honed granites, soapstone and limestone are popular.

Colors: All colors from the color wheel can be used. Low intensity is preferable. Deep earthen porcelain colors seen in pottery from the Arts & Crafts period work well in these environments.

Surfaces:

• Floors: Wood, slate, stone, reintroduced original linoleum/vinyl or new vinyl patterns reminiscent of the past are all appropriate.
• Walls: Typically, textured walls- either plaster finished or faux finished - are appropriate. Little wallcovering.
• Ceilings: Painted, simple ceilings. These rooms benefit from unusual angled ceilings, skylights or other overhead architectural elements.

Accents: Furniture from the Arts & Crafts or Shaker period. The introduction of geometric woodworking details in partitions, columns or soffit work. Glass block, decorative legs.