Creating The Perfect Craftsman Bathroom

Written by Vanities Depot

With so many homeowners looking to update their spaces, Craftsman interiors have become a popular design choice. Derived from the classic Craftsman-styles of the 1920s, Vintage Craftsman aesthetic features heavy woodwork, earthy colors, built-in cabinetry, and unique tilework.

 


Craftsman design, also referred to as Arts and Crafts or Craftsman-style, is an architectural and interior design movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It's characterized by a focus on craftsmanship, natural materials, and simplicity. In the context of bathroom design, Craftsman style emphasizes creating warm, inviting spaces with attention to detail and handcrafted elements.

While Craftsman interiors have been a popular design inspiration for years, Vintage Craftsman has started to grow. 

 

But how do Vintage Craftsman and Craftsman design differ? The biggest difference: Vintage Craftsman puts an emphasis on historical restoration and renovation, opting for pieces and design elements that are true to character and form, especially if the home is an original, historic build. Craftsman design is a more modern take on the traditional style, with most elements being brand new and clean-cut.

Regardless of whether you choose to go with Craftsman interior design or Vintage Craftsman, here are a few styling tips to help you create the perfect look for your bathroom:

Opt for Natural Materials


Natural materials are a hallmark piece of Craftsman design. For woods, use hardwoods like oak, cherry or maple for vanities, cabinetry, and trim work. These rich woods create a sense of warmth – opt for a matte finish so natural woodgrains can shine through. If possible, use natural stone for countertops or flooring. Brighten up your bathroom with a classic Carrara marble or create a moody setting with soapstone. 

 

Wow with Woodwork


Craftsman interiors are probably best known – and renowned – for their intricate woodwork. Shaker-Style cabinetry with recessed panels and clean lines is a classic way to bring Craftsman to your space, and unique carved details give a touch of personality. Adding decorative wood to bathroom walls with wainscoting and beadboard can also create beautiful texture against cleaner finishes.

Breckenridge Vanity in Light Natural Oak with Charcoal Soapstone top in Craftsman Designed Bathroom

The Perfect Palette


Drawing inspiration from nature, warm and neutral tones are a go-to for the Craftsman aesthetic. Mossy greens, deep browns, muted blues and even soft yellows are perfect choices. If you prefer a white-toned bathroom, picking a color that is slightly taupe is recommended for this interior style.

 

Finding Your Fixtures


Simplicity and functionality are at the forefront of Craftsman design. When choosing your fixtures and hardware, clean lines and timeless styles are at the top of the list. Look for faucets and drawer pulls that are simple and complement the woodwork. Oil-rubbed bronze or brushed nickel are the most common finishes for Craftsman styling.

Brookfield Vanity in Burnished Mahogany with detailed woodwork

Storage Solutions


Craftsman bathrooms will often incorporate storage solutions that maintain a clutter-free look. Built-in cabinets are true to the era, but any option will create that functionality. Cabinets with glass doors or vanities with open shelves integrated in the design are perfect options that allow you to display your towels and other necessities. 


If you’re fortunate enough to live in a true Craftsman-era home, you might find many of these design pieces already in place and ready for a fresh update. To bring the Vintage Craftsman to life, remember to aim for authenticity as much as possible. If you’re hoping to create a lived-in feel for a non-era home, design your space with these options in mind. 

Our Vanity Suggestions

 

We have an entire collection of vanities and mirrors that can suit Craftsman styles, whether you’re looking for an authentic touch or a more modern take on the classic design. 

 

Here are some of our favorites:

Brookfield

 


This collection features beautiful wood finishes (like Country Oak, Warm Cherry, Burnished Mahogany and Antique Black) that will warm up your space. Traditional carved detailing, raised panel doors, and Antique Bronze-finished hardware create the perfect vintage touch.


Brookfield Vanity in Country Oak

Bristol

 

We love the hand-turned wooden feet on the Bristol vanity, and its classic Shaker-Style doors and drawers are the perfect Craftsman design. The Whitewashed Walnut finish gives a more modern look of natural wood, and Vintage Vanilla creates a beautiful and warm off-white look. 


Bristol Vanity in Saddle Brown

Brittany

 

It doesn’t get much more classic than our best-selling Brittany collection. With sizes ranging from 30” to 72” and six beautiful finishes, Brittany is a great choice for traditional style.


Brittany Vanity in Burnished Mahogany

Chicago

 

Our Whitewashed Walnut Chicago vanity blends the traditional design with a modern touch perfectly. Shaker-Style doors and drawers are complemented by the brushed nickel hardware and legs, giving you a clean look for your bathroom.


Chicago in Whitewashed Walnut

Malibu

 

This vanity has been a best-seller for years, and it’s easy to see why. The apothecary-style drawers, detailed paneling, console shelf and warm, Honey Alder finish creates an authentic feel of a vintage piece. 


Malibu Vanity in Honey Alder

Breckenridge

 

Similar to the Chicago with its sleek and modern appearance, but a nod to the vintage-inspired Malibu, our Breckenridge vanity gives plenty of internal storage with a classic console. If you’re looking for Craftsman charm with an updated look, Breckenridge is the perfect option.


Breckenridge Vanity in Light Natural Oak

Take a look and shop our entire collection of Craftsman-Inspired bathroom vanities and mirrors to help you style your space into the perfect retreat today!

FAQs


What are the defining features of Craftsman bathroom design?

The Craftsman style uses natural materials such as wood or stone, handcrafted trim, and molding, emphasizing detail. The Modern Craftsman design retains many characteristics of the Vintage Craftsman style of the 1920s, which relied heavily on woodwork, built-in cabinets, and earthy tones. Craftsman-inspired bathrooms rarely contain bright colors, curved shapes, and glossy or shiny finishes.


How can I incorporate natural materials into my Craftsman bathroom?

In a craftsman-style bathroom, the vanities, molding, and trim are often composed of hardwoods such as oak, maple, or cherry with visible woodgrains that exude warmth. Craftsman-designed spaces often feature handmade, square, or rectangular tiles and natural stone floors and counters composed of slate, granite, or soapstone. Despite being a porous material, properly sealed marble can help brighten and enhance the space.


What colors are best suited for a Craftsman bathroom?

A Craftsman-style space usually features a color palette of earthy, nature-inspired hues. Rich colors such as chestnut and sienna are often contrasted with shades of green such as sage, moss, or olive. When using white colors, choose neutrals that appear closer to taupe, beige, or parchment, which may contrast nicely with wainscoting and beadboard.


What types of fixtures complement Craftsman bathroom design?

The fixtures in a Craftsman-designed bathroom are typically simple and functional and work well with natural wood. Shaker-style vanities and cabinets often have hardware composed of non-polished materials such as dark metals, including oil-rubbed bronze, pewter, and brushed nickel. Recessed lighting is common, creating a glow or lantern-style fixtures that emit soft light.


How can I add storage solutions that fit the Craftsman aesthetic?

Some homes designed in the Craftsman style might have built-in shelves and cabinets, which limits clutter. A Craftsman bathroom vanity is often shaker-style and features sturdy doors or drawers for storing items. Storage cabinets also might have glass doors.