Ruth Zavala's Colors: The Arts and Crafts Movement

           The traditional geometric style of Arts and Crafts has been a popular look that many Kitchen Mart clients would like to mimic or replicate for their kitchens. Here is a little history lesson and tips on how to achieve the true Art and Crafts style.

          The British Arts and Crafts movement was inspired by William Morris in rejection of low quality furniture being mass produced during the 19th century. He revived the importance of traditional handcrafted pieces, quality, and the art of fine craftsmanship. William Morris later had a team of talented designers and artists who together created the design firm called Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Company. Due to the success of the company, larger workshops were made in London and became Morris & Company in 1875. The Morris & Company not only created quality furniture but stained glass and textiles as well. Take a look at some of Morris & Co. creations below..

The Morris Chair

Morris & Co. "Snakes Head Print" 1876

"David's Charge to Solomon" by Brune Jones & Morris & Co.

Trinity Church, Boston Massachusetts

Embroidered Screen

The British Arts and Crafts movement was introduced to the United States through exhibitions held in New York, California & Chicago, but Gustov Stickely is credited for its success in the United States. Gustov Stickley was a well-known architect and designer from New York. Gustov was highly influenced by William Morris’s work and was one of the first to combine the Arts & Crafts with current American styles. Gustov also saw the importance of quality craftsmanship and made it one of his goals to make "furniture that shows plainly what it is and in which the design and construction harmonize with the wood" You see this in the straight lines, larger proportions and minimal details of his furniture. His furniture was also hand crafted with mostly solid oak, beautiful inlays and leather upholstery. In 1902 Stickley launched his first magazine, “The Craftsman Magazine”. The magazine showed illustrations of his work, promoted his beliefs and styles as well as design principles. The Craftsman Magazine became a great influence in the design world and got a large audience that spread throughout the United States. Gustov’s furniture and style quickly became known as “Craftsman” taken from his inspiring magazine. Take a look at some of Gustov Stickley’s creations below..