The Elements of the Arts & Crafts Style

The color palette is monochrome neutrals and colors from nature.

• Simple functional forms
• Clean and simple lines
• straight or organic with minimal ornamentation

Often there is a horizontal emphasis adding to a stable feeling.

The furniture is functional, pared down and clutter free. Storage solutions are important in this style.

• medium and dark hard woods like cherry, oak and maple
• visible joinery
• emphasis on handcrafted construction elements
• simple and functional without excessive detailing
• woven tapestries
• light woods – bamboo, beech, rattan, maple or pine

Wood Paneling

• Wood Beams
• Built-ins
• Chair Rails
• Wainscoting
• Wallpaper
• Plaster walls

This style uses geometric or patterns from nature

• Pattern is minimal and often stylized botanical motifs
• simple and geometric
• William Morris inspired
• Block prints

The textures of the Arts & Crafts style play a significant role through the use of:

• wood
• stone
• metal
• handcrafted
• plaster walls
• smooth woods
• natural textures and materials like wool, linen, cotton and leather

Unfussy and natural fibers

• natural fabrics like cotton, linen, wool and leather
• woven tapestry
• Embroidery emphasizes the handcrafted

Window treatments in this style are selected for simplicity, natural materials and handcrafted details

• Simple drapery panels with or without tie backs
• Curtains with tab tops make with natural materials
• Shades are simple with minimal embellishments
• Stained glass windows inspired by nature or geometric motifs

Lighting emphasizes craftsmanship, natural materials and a warm atmosphere

• Often handcrafted fixtures
• Copper, brass, iron
• subdued lighting creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere
• tinted glass, amber and natural colors
• stylized floral or geometric shapes
• Natural light from windows is emphasized