Get a Handle on Craftsman Design for Your Kitchen

As you know by the last couple of posts I’m deeply in love with all things contemporary but then again I’m certainly no “one trick pony”. I have always been intrigued with Craftsman Design. Think bungalows, organic forms and warm rich woods. The quintessential Craftsman style bungalow Craftsman styling is warm and cozy with lots of natural elements and built-in book shelves. Textile design by American Arts & Crafts guru William Morris. He is quoted as saying, "Have nothing in your home which is neither beautiful or useful."The Arts and Crafts Movement which occurred at the turn of the last century, was a response to the blossoming industrial age.  Mass production was coming into its own and a few intrepid souls were missing the personal human touch of household objects made by hand.  The leading proponent was William Morris, also known for his beautiful stylized floral prints.MaybeckOne of my “go to” hardware suppliers, Hardware Resources,  has just unveiled  cabinet hardware inspired by the period.  Named after Arts & Crafts architect Bernard Maybeck, these selections are a great way to jazz up existing cabinets and give you "the look".  Since they’re only inspired by, and not reproductions of, the Arts & Crafts Movement,  the design is fresh and new as well as being a stylized nod to the Craftsman style.  One beautifully styled knob and 3 cabinet pulls will be available in 5 trending finishes. In addition to the Maybeck design, by Jeffrey Alexander,  they will be introducing the Brenton (Elements)  and the Royce (also Jeffrey Alexander)  at the upcoming KBIS (Kitchen & Bath Industry Show). Shaker styled drawerfronts with a typical A&C handle. Note warm woods and green tops! Photo by decore.comEmulating this look in cabinetry is easy.  The Shaker door style, which is all the rage, can be transformed to reflect the Arts & Crafts look by the addition of appropriate hardware.  You can get handles like these here.Here's your opportunity to get crazy with a tile back splash.  You will see a couple of motifs that scream A&C including the dragonfly and the ginko leaf.  Add some green to the mix and you've got it!You can get tiles like this one from etsy.com. All you need is a few accent tiles. Just make sure your field tile is a compatible thickness.If you're interested in this look or a stylized version of it I'd love to hear from you!

Furniture Islands Lend Style & Function to the Kitchen

If you've always wanted the convenience and look of a kitchen island within your budget, today may be your lucky day-after-St. Patrick's Day! One of the perks of writing a design blog is all the press releases that come my way. I'm always being informed on where to go to find the latest for greatest function, design and value. Furniture  kitchen islands by Jeffrey Alexander found their way into my inbox and caught my eye.  Here are a couple of my favorites.Hardware Resources, maker of exceptional cabinet hardware and a diverse line of goods including decorative carved wood products, kitchen islands and bath furniture, debuts the captivating kitchen Jeffrey Alexander Loft Island. Designed to perfection, the island gives extra space for storage while increasing counter work area for cooking prep.Cabinet hardware and accessory maker Hardware Resources,  debuts the Jeffrey Alexander Loft Island.  I love it because it packs a whole lot of function and storage into such a small foot print!  It's 36" wide by 24" deep.  The furniture look easily blends into an existing kitchen and no plumbing or wiring are required!  It comes in Aged Black or sophisticated French White Designed to perfection, the island gives extra space for storage while increasing counter work area for cooking prep. The butcher block top is optional. If contemporary is more your cup of tea. Jeffrey Alexander also makes this island called, of course, The Contemporary. This one is a bit larger at 54" by 34", butcher block top optional.

If contemporary is more your cup of tea. Jeffrey Alexander also makes this island called, of course, The Contemporary. This one is a bit larger at 54" by 34" and features 6 working drawers, 3 on each side.  The butcher block top is optional.   Click here to view the many other furniture island options.