The Arts and Crafts movement symbolized a desire for function and simplicity, the use of natural materials and a greater degree of craftsmanship. These are the same qualities a Florida family was looking for when they planned a light and airy kitchen makeover. Cabinetmaker Michael Bright, of Bright Wood Works, Inc. in St. Petersburg, FL, worked closely with interior designer Martha Williams from Design Line Studio, Inc. They also collaborated closely with the homeowners, who were very specific about what they wanted: all the bells and whistles of a gourmet kitchen with the strong bones of the bungalow style.

From the very beginning, the buzzwords for the kitchen were "open" and "uncluttered." An overall unobstructed floor plan set the stage, and by avoiding overhead cabinets, Bright and Williams created the expansive feel the owners desired. In order to provide storage yet preserve a sense of lightness, the design team incorporated floating mahogany-stained shelving from countertop to ceiling. Cleverly designed with no visual means of support, the perfectly seamless shelves coordinate with the mahogany island and feature built-in lighting.
In true Arts and Crafts style, Bright constructed maple face-frame cabinetry, painted white to set the room's fresh tone. "To a layperson, it's just cabinetry," he said. "But the doors and drawers are all inset in a face frame, which requires a lot of thought and a serious amount of bench work." He also added dark mahogany feature molding along the ceiling to complement the shelving and island. Bright cleverly exposed joinery details on the island to enhance the Craftsman feel. "It's a subtle detail that makes a difference," said Bright, who used a 100-year-old machine to create the exposed features.

To make sure all measurements for the precast concrete countertops were accurate, Bright had the entire kitchen pre-installed in the shop. Once templating was complete, he disassembled and then reinstalled it in the actual home. The concrete countertops are a contemporary element, but glass inlays at the corners reflect the shapes commonly found in a bungalow home.

Pearly glass subway tiles cover the backsplash from countertop to ceiling while cabinet hardware, professional-style faucetry, a custom range hood and stainless-steel appliances add a modern flair. The refrigerator and dishwashers were fitted with custom panels to blend perfectly into the surrounding cabinetry. The same cabinets and detailing elements adorn the adjacent pantry, laundry area, mud room and the morning bar, which features a coffee station and wine storage.

Open and free-flowing, this kitchen's simple yet inviting design belies its workhorse functionality and its serious aptitude for gourmet cooking, making it the perfect blend of form and  function and, well, art and craftsmanship.


SOURCES

Cabinetmaker: Michael Bright—Bright Wood Works, Inc., St. Petersburg, FL; www.brightwoodworks.com
Interior architectural detailing and finishes: Martha Williams—Design Line Studio, Inc., Clearwater, FL; www.designlinestudioinc.com
Architect: Chris Miller—Metro Architects, Clearwater, FL; www.metroarchitects.net
Manufacturers: Cabinetry: Bright Wood Works, Inc.; Sinks: Kohler and Rohl; Faucets: Elkay and Dornbracht; Pot filler: Danze; Dishwasher: Miele; Cooktop: Wolf; Refrigerator and freezer: Sub-Zero; Steam oven, coffee station, oven and warming drawer: Miele
Photography: © A New Horizon Photography