10 Craftsman Kitchen Ideas for Small Spaces: My Favorite Craftsman Kitchen Design Inspirations from Real ProjectsLena MorrisSep 24, 2025Table of Contents1. Warm Wood Cabinets2. Built-in Storage Benches3. Mission-Style Lighting4. Simple Shaker Doors5. Leaded Glass Cabinets6. Natural Stone Countertops7. Arts and Crafts Tile Backsplash8. Open Plate Racks9. Functional Island Design10. Earth-Toned Color PaletteFAQTable of Contents1. Warm Wood Cabinets2. Built-in Storage Benches3. Mission-Style Lighting4. Simple Shaker Doors5. Leaded Glass Cabinets6. Natural Stone Countertops7. Arts and Crafts Tile Backsplash8. Open Plate Racks9. Functional Island Design10. Earth-Toned Color PaletteFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEI once had a client who insisted her Craftsman-style kitchen should feel like a 1920s lodge — right down to the hammered copper sink and exposed beams. It sounded impossible for her tiny apartment kitchen, but we somehow made it work. That project taught me that small spaces aren’t a limitation; they’re actually the perfect playground for big creativity. Today, I’m sharing my top 10 Craftsman kitchen ideas, pulled from over a decade of real-life design challenges and happy accidents. And yes, we’ll talk about how tools like a room planner saved me more than once.1. Warm Wood CabinetsQuarter-sawn oak or rich cherry instantly anchors a Craftsman look. The grain tells a story, but be aware: darker woods can make a space feel smaller, so pair them with light walls or open shelving to balance things out.save pin2. Built-in Storage BenchesIf you’ve got an empty corner, converting it into a breakfast nook with a bench that hides storage is both functional and true to Craftsman detailing. Just watch your dimensions — small kitchens can feel cramped if bench depth is overdone.save pin3. Mission-Style LightingPendant lights with bronze or iron finishes give that earthy, hand-made vibe. The downside? Heavy fixtures can overwhelm a low ceiling, so keep scale in check.save pin4. Simple Shaker DoorsClean framed doors with minimal embellishments never go out of style. I love pairing these with discreet finger pulls so nothing interrupts the woodwork’s natural beauty.save pin5. Leaded Glass CabinetsA few glass-front uppers break up the wood and create interest. I once used a free floor plan creator to visualize how glass inserts would play with natural and artificial lighting in a compact layout — it made all the difference.save pin6. Natural Stone CountertopsSoapstone or honed granite pairs beautifully with Craftsman cabinetry. They age gracefully, but beware: softer stones may require more sealing and care over time.save pin7. Arts and Crafts Tile BacksplashSmall-batch ceramics with earthy tones bring texture and depth. They can be pricier, but even a small backsplash area can pack a lot of visual punch.save pin8. Open Plate RacksDisplaying everyday dishes keeps the kitchen approachable and practical. The challenge is dust — you’ll need to clean a bit more often.save pin9. Functional Island DesignIn small kitchens, an island can be a risk, but with careful kitchen layout planner work, it’s possible. Slim profiles and open shelving underneath mean storage without bulk.save pin10. Earth-Toned Color PaletteOlive greens, warm tans, and deep russets complement wood elements and tile work. Just avoid overloading dark tones — mix in creamy whites for balance.save pinFAQ1. What defines a Craftsman kitchen?A Craftsman kitchen emphasizes natural materials, built-in details, and a warm, handcrafted look, often with oak cabinetry and earthy colors.2. Can Craftsman work in a modern home?Yes, blending Craftsman cabinetry with modern appliances creates a fresh hybrid look that keeps the warmth but adds convenience.3. Is oak the only wood for Craftsman kitchens?No, while oak is traditional, cherry, maple, and walnut also fit the style beautifully.4. How expensive is a Craftsman remodel?Costs vary; quality wood and custom work can add up. According to Houzz’s 2023 Kitchen Trends report, mid-range remodels averaged $40,000.5. Does a small Craftsman kitchen need dark cabinets?Not necessarily. Light-stained woods still deliver Craftsman warmth without visually shrinking the room.6. Are leaded glass cabinets practical?They’re as practical as regular cabinets — just clean the glass more often to keep the look crisp.7. Can I mix Craftsman with farmhouse?Absolutely. Both value natural materials, so you can blend shaker doors with reclaimed wood accents easily.8. What’s the easiest upgrade for a Craftsman touch?Switching to mission-style lighting or shaker cabinet fronts offers an instant style boost without a full remodel.Start for FREEPlease check with customer service before testing new feature.Free Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREE