Style Spotlight: Mission & Craftsman Design

The turn of the 20th century brought with it a response to the cold, impersonal character of the industrial age and the fussy ornamentation of the Victorian era. The Arts & Crafts movement represented a renewed appreciation for master craftsmanship and handmade items. Carefully finished furnishings with clean, straight lines and exposed joinery were in the spotlight. Characterized by simple shapes and sturdy construction, the look was purposeful and utilitarian, without compromising style and beauty.

Naming a Style: Arts & Crafts, Mission, and Craftsman 

The Arts & Crafts movement was at its most popular from the late-1800s to the early-1900s, and furniture maker, Gustav Stickley, was an icon of the movement. In 1901, Stickley began publishing The Craftsman design magazine. The word “craftsman” still describes his enduring aesthetic. Some of Stickley’s designs were inspired by the furnishings found in California’s Franciscan missions, resulting in the word “mission” being added to the mix.

Arts & Crafts, Craftsman, and Mission styles are still used interchangeably, and while there are subtle differences, the terms all refer to strong, timeless design. Some of the best elements of the styles are reflected in the work of American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. 

 We’ve put together some tips for bringing this warm, classic style into your home.  

Indoor Lighting 

Mission and craftsman lighting design often relies heavily on straight-line geometry. Stained glass panels are sectioned off with metal leading or strips. Glass elements are typically in warm earthy tones or colors found in nature. 

Kitchen

Mission and craftsman kitchen sinks can be farmhouse or apron front style, drop-in sinks or undermount sinks. To enhance the hearty, mission & craftsman style, look for substantial edges and warm, interesting finishes like hammered copper or ceramic in earth tones.

Mission and craftsman kitchen faucets have a sturdy, even rustic, design. Look for simple, yet classic silhouettes and deep, rich finishes like oil rubbed bronze and matte black.

Bathroom

As we see in kitchen fixtures, mission and craftsman sinks and faucets for the bathroom have a strong, classic design without much ornamentation. Sinks can be found in natural materials such as copper, or even rough-hewn marble and stone. Lavatory faucets, shower heads, and bathroom accessories in dark bronze or black finishes work well with this style. Consider shopping by collection to create a cohesive look.

 Door & Cabinet Hardware 

Heavy rectangular backplates, rustic hammered surfaces, and sturdy cabinet knobs, drawer pulls, and door handles look right at home in a mission and craftsman design. Choose wrought iron, black, or bronze finishes to complete the look.

Flooring 

The warmth and richness of wood floors is the perfect foundation for the mission and craftsman style. For a particularly rustic feel, consider wide planks in a deep stain with a hand-scraped finish. Luxury vinyl tile, laminate flooring, and wood-look ceramic tiles can mimic the look of real wood with less maintenance. 

Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting should complement your home’s architecture, but that doesn’t mean you have to live in an historic craftsman bungalow to use mission or craftsman style outdoor lighting. Craftsman style outdoor lighting can create a welcoming entryway and blend well with many styles of architecture, including traditional, contemporary, farmhouse, lodge, Tudor, rustic, and coastal.