Discovering Craftsman Style Built-ins

Craftsman style built-ins have been a staple in home design since the early 1900s. Originating from the American Arts and Crafts movement, these built-ins emphasize simplicity, craftsmanship, and natural materials. They integrate seamlessly into a home’s architecture and provide both aesthetic and functional benefits.

Historical Background

The Craftsman style is deeply rooted in the American Arts and Crafts movement that began in the late 19th century. This movement was a response to the Industrial Revolution’s emphasis on mass production. Craftsmen sought to revive the artistry of hand-crafted items. By focusing on quality and detail, they created homes that were both beautiful and practical. Built-ins became a key element in these homes, providing storage and display spaces without disrupting the architecture’s flow.

Defining Characteristics of Craftsman Style Built-ins

Craftsman built-ins are easily identifiable by their distinct features. They often include natural wood finishes, simple lines, and sturdy construction. Materials are typically local and sustainable, reflecting the movement’s roots in nature. Common elements include:

• Wood: Oak, pine, and cherry are frequently used.
• Joinery: Visible joinery, like dovetail and mortise-and-tenon joints, showcases craftsmanship.
• Hardware: Brass or iron hardware with an aged patina often enhances the rustic feel.
• Design: Clean, straight lines without excessive ornamentation.

Types of Built-ins

There are several types of built-ins that one might find in a Craftsman style home:

Bookcases

Bookcases are a common built-in feature in Craftsman homes. Typically flanking the fireplace, they provide practical storage while framing a central focal point. These bookcases often have glass-fronted doors and deep shelves to accommodate various sizes of books and decorative items.

Window Seats

Window seats offer a cozy nook for reading or relaxation. They are usually integrated into bay windows or beneath large windows. The seat features a lift-top lid that reveals hidden storage underneath, maximizing functionality without sacrificing aesthetics.

Dining Room Buffets

Built-in buffets are a hallmark of Craftsman dining rooms. These pieces provide ample storage for dishes, silverware, and linens. They often include a combination of closed cabinets and open shelving. A central mirror or stained glass feature enhances the visual appeal.

Fireplace Surrounds

The fireplace is often the heart of a Craftsman home. Built-ins surrounding the fireplace typically include bookcases or cabinets. The mantle itself is a substantial, solid piece of wood, creating a rustic yet refined appearance. Tiles or stone may highlight the fireplace, blending with the wood elements.

Kitchen Cabinets

Craftsman-style kitchens feature built-in cabinets that emphasize practicality and craftsmanship. They often use inset doors and drawers, providing a flush, clean look. The cabinetry incorporates simple, functional hardware and may include glass-fronted display cases for dishes and cookware.

Designing Craftsman Built-ins in Modern Homes

Integrating Craftsman built-ins in a modern home requires balancing traditional elements with contemporary needs. The use of authentic materials and joinery maintains the Craftsman aesthetic while modern touches ensure functionality. For instance, bookcases may include built-in lighting or outlets for electronic devices. Kitchen cabinets can feature soft-close mechanisms and pull-out shelves without compromising the style.

Choosing the Right Wood

The right wood selection is crucial for achieving an authentic Craftsman look. Oak is a popular choice due to its durability and prominent grain. Cherry wood, with its rich, warm hue, adds elegance to any room. Pine, being softer and more cost-effective, is also a common material, especially for painted finishes. Each type of wood offers unique characteristics that can enhance different aspects of built-ins.

Maintaining Craftsman Built-ins

Caring for Craftsman built-ins involves regular maintenance to preserve their beauty and functionality. It’s important to dust wooden surfaces frequently and use a wood cleaner periodically. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the finish. For built-ins with glass-fronted doors, a gentle glass cleaner will keep panes sparkling. Regular checks for wear on mechanical parts, like hinges and drawer slides, ensure long-term durability.

Incorporating Stained Glass

Stained glass is a distinctive feature in many Craftsman built-ins. It adds color and artistry to door panels and cabinet fronts. Designs often include geometric patterns or nature-inspired motifs, like flowers and leaves. Stained glass can be custom made to match the home’s existing décor, making each piece unique. This element not only enhances the visual appeal but also offers privacy for stored items.

Collector and Display Built-ins

Craftsman built-ins are ideal for displaying collections. Shelves and cabinets with a combination of open and closed spaces offer flexibility. Built-in lighting can highlight valuable items. For avid readers, a wall of built-in bookcases creates an impressive home library. Display cases for art, ceramics, or antiques can be custom-designed to suit individual collections, blending functionality with aesthetics.

Personalizing Built-ins

Personalization enhances the value of built-ins. Custom cabinetry can be tailored to specific needs, such as integrating a workspace into a living room or adding a unique wine rack in the dining area. The addition of family heirlooms, such as stained glass panels or antique hardware, can make built-ins truly one-of-a-kind.

The Revival of Craftsman Style

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in Craftsman style homes and their built-ins. Homeowners appreciate the focus on handcrafted quality and natural materials. Renovating older homes to restore original built-ins or incorporating Craftsman elements in new builds is increasingly popular. This revival reflects a broader trend toward sustainable living and a preference for timeless design.

Case Studies

Historic Restoration

A family in Pasadena, California, restored their 1910 Craftsman home, preserving original built-ins while updating functionality. In the living room, bookcases flanking the fireplace were fitted with LED lighting. The dining room buffet was restored with new hardware matching the period style. This blend of old and new maintained the home’s historical integrity and modern usability.

Modern Integration

An architect in Portland, Oregon, designed a new home incorporating Craftsman built-ins. In the kitchen, custom oak cabinets featured modern amenities like pull-out pantries and recycling bins. A built-in desk in the study had USB charging ports discreetly integrated. These built-ins married the traditional Craftsman look with contemporary needs.

Where to Buy or Commission Craftsman Built-ins

For homeowners seeking Craftsman built-ins, there are several options. Antique stores and architectural salvage yards often carry original pieces that can be integrated into modern homes. Custom cabinet makers specializing in Craftsman style can create built-ins tailored to specific requirements. Additionally, many woodworking artisans offer bespoke services, ensuring high-quality and authentic craftsmanship.

DIY Approach to Craftsman Built-ins

For those with woodworking skills, creating DIY Craftsman built-ins can be rewarding. Detailed plans and tutorials are available in books and online resources. Starting with smaller projects, like a built-in bookcase or window seat, can build confidence before tackling larger installations. The key is to focus on quality materials and precise joinery to achieve an authentic look.

Visual Inspiration

Exploring visual inspiration can help homeowners envision Craftsman built-ins in their space. Visiting restored Craftsman homes, viewing photo archives, and exploring design blogs can provide ideas. Taking note of how built-ins integrate with overall room design, color schemes, and furniture placement can inform design decisions. Each built-in should feel like a cohesive part of the home’s structure.