Craftsman Style HomE Millwork

by Gepetto Millworks | Feb 13, 2024 | Custom Millwork, Molding and Trim

Craftsman Custom Millwork

Craftsman style homes, originating in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, are renowned for their organic design elements and meticulous craftsmanship that wins in the hearts of Gepetto staff! Central to the allure of these homes is the intricate millwork featured in built-in cabinets, shelves, doors, baseboards, door frames, and crown detailing that really tie their interior spaces together with both function & aesthetic. As these homes age, preserving their original charm necessitates replacement or restoration of millwork components. Gepetto Millworks of Virginia has over 50 years of cumulative experience producing replica millwork to replace pieces damaged by time or accident. As a beacon of craftsmanship we offer bespoke millwork to your architect’s plan upholding the authenticity of a Craftsman style home being built from the ground up today. If the interplay between the millwork found in Craftsman homes built between 1900 and 1950 capture your admiration and inspire you in your dream home building process Gepetto Millworks stands ready to supply your project with attention down to the quality of the kiln dried rough-cut lumber we begin making your pieces from. If you are building your home to hold it’s value or inspire the next generation, you won’t be using veneer over a composite who’s structural integrity degrades with the swings in humidity. Gepetto craftsmen are doing hand joinery and working with solids every day in the shop and have the expertise to produce your drawings.

Craftsman Style Homes and Millwork:

Craftsman style homes emerged as a balancing response to the overly ornate Victorian architecture prevalent in the late 19th century. Influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement coming out of the furniture industry and academic design, Craftsman homes exude simplicity, warmth, and a connection to nature. The millwork found within these homes serves as a testament to the era’s emphasis on quality built by craftsmen honoring the natural materials they were most familiar with. Matt Wiley and Gepetto Millworks supplies replacement or new millwork to maintain the integrity of these architectural treasures if you are restoring one of these homes and seeking authentic replacement pieces.

The craftsman house has been around for more than 100 years, making it one of America’s favorite architectural styles, with home-design elements built in to maximize space and elevate quality. “Craftsman-style homes are an expression of handcrafted artistry and natural materials utilized in honest ways,” says Rachael H Grochowski. This American Arts and Crafts style was popularized by furniture maker Gustav Stickley, who published a magazine called The Craftsman and a book, Craftsman Homes (1909), that talk about the “simplification of life” and “a plain house that will last for generations and need but few repairs.” The tome served as a guide to Craftsman design that spans everything from furniture to light fixtures and pillows.

In 1901, Gustav Stickley created the first uniquely American style of furniture and home design—known as Craftsman. A leader of the Arts and Crafts movement in homebuilding and a major influence on Frank Lloyd Wright, Stickley created home designs that valued construction in harmony with its landscape: open floor plans, built-in storage, and natural lighting. In his lifetime, he designed at least 241 homes in this style and published more than 200 plans in his journal, The Craftsman.

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Built-in Cabinets and Shelves:

One of the defining features of Craftsman style homes is the presence of built-in cabinets and shelves. Made to fit elements are often characterized by sturdy construction, clean lines, and intricate detailing that doesn’t draw the eye like the former period of victorian squibbles. Craftsman cabinets and shelves typically are stained rather than painted, and showcase exposed grain and joinery, such as dovetail or mortise-and-tenon joints. The exposure highlights the skill of the craftsmen who created them, and honors the natural material’s texture. Gepetto Millworks of Virginia specializes in replicating these traditional joinery techniques, ensuring that replacement or new cabinets and shelves seamlessly integrate with the original millwork of Craftsman homes.

If you are launching into a ground up build and want to achieve the warmth of interior function in many of the interiors of America’s most famous architect, look no further than Gepetto as your trusted supplier! Built in bench seating, custom tables matching the design and grain of wall paneling – all of these options are available today through a supplier like Gepetto – but are generally lost in the transition to pre-manufactured home goods. If you are an interior designer and looking to make a splash for your client, give Matthew a call and talk through your goals as we have a cadre of experienced architects and millwork design draftsmen that can collaborate with you to produce the drawings and exact specifications to complete a project like this.

Doors and Door Frames:

Craftsman style doors and door frames are notable for their simple but elegant lines and solid construction. Doors featuring flat panels with simple geometric designs reflect the movement’s focus on craftsmanship with timeless geometric accents. Craftsman door frames may be unadorned with stained trim featuring the beauty of the natural wood grain to shine through. When you are featuring the grain, you’ll want to choose a supplier who can source slow grown species which have fewer defects. We make your doors to your custom design and frame detailing, allowing individual homeowners or architects to carry the authentic character of their Craftsman style homes into the future. We have some modern durability upgrades and weather proofing options that didn’t exist in the 1920’s and ’30s that will still honor the integrity of the wood materials.

Craftsman Baseboards and Crown Detailing:

Baseboards and crown detailing play a crucial role in defining the architectural character of Craftsman style homes. Baseboards are typically simple yet substantial, providing a visually pleasing transition between the walls and floors. Crown detailing, and even entire ceiling details on the other hand, adds a touch of elegance to the interior spaces, framing the ceilings and drawing the eye upward. Whether you’re dealing with a modest craftsman home or something bold and complex that might be categorized into the ‘midcentury modern’ aesthetic we specialize in crafting bespoke wood architectural elements. Baseboards and crown molding that capture the essence of Craftsman style produced using high-quality wood species and traditional milling techniques to achieve authentic period details.

Bungalow Columns & Room Dividers:

In addition to the built-in cabinets, doors, and trim, Craftsman style homes often feature distinctive bungalow columns and room dividers that mirror the square tapered column. The exterior to interior theme contributes to their recognizable charm from the street view. Bungalow columns, typically square or tapered, support the expansive front porches characteristic of Craftsman homes, evoking a sense of strength and solidity. The columns are often adorned with simple, yet elegant detailing, such as decorative capitals or geometric patterns, echoing the overall aesthetic of the home. That exterior theme is brought indoors to room dividers. Another hallmark of Craftsman design separating rooms with solid wood detailing often open to sound and light maintaining an open and airy feel. Dividers may feature built-in shelving, decorative screens, or crafted woodwork, adding visual interest and functionality to interior spaces. Today we can light them with LED accents and offers custom solutions for replicating or restoring solid wood columns and room dividers, ensuring that the timeless beauty of Craftsman style homes remains intact.

Bungalow, Prairie School, and Mission Revival style Millwork

As Craftsman style homes continue to age, the preservation of their original millwork can feel like an impossible task until you find us! Gepetto Millworks of Virginia understands the unique challenges associated with renovating these architectural treasures and offers tailored solutions to meet the needs of homeowners and restoration professionals alike. Whether it’s replicating a damaged cabinet door, matching the profile of a historic baseboard, or crafting custom-built shelving with live edge solid wood to complement existing millwork with your needs of today. Gepetto Millworks of Virginia combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to ensure the longevity and authenticity of Craftsman style homes for generations to come. No one in 1940 was thinking of building in their flat screen TV – but today, you can build in your audio visual equipment into free standing or wall attached designed millwork.

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Craftsman style homes stand as enduring symbols of American craftsmanship and ingenuity, embodying the principles of simplicity, honesty, and connection to nature. The intricate millwork featured in these homes plays a vital role in defining their architectural character and we wish to work with the architects, interior designers and owners who are inspired to keep this tradition alive. We offer bespoke solutions for the replacement or restoration of millwork components in Craftsman style homes built in any era and their brethren styles: Bungalow, Prairie School, and Mission Revival. Our combination of traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques and materials ensures that the beauty and integrity of architectural woodworking shine for future generations to enjoy.

296 architectural drawings, floor plans, and photographs illustrate 40 different kinds of “Mission-style” homes from The Craftsman (1901-16), voice of American style of simplicity and organic harmony. Thorough coverage of Craftsman idea in text and picture, now collector’s item.

Whether renovating, restoring, expanding, or building new, we all share a longing for the values that hark back to the Arts and Crafts era. The lush woodwork, ingenious open plans, and fine finish details are symbolic of a time gone by. Or are they? As Treena Crochet amply illustrates in Bungalow Style, recreating the beauty of these Arts and Crafts gems without sacrificing our modern lifestyles is not only feasible but also deeply rewarding.

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Rustic Aesthetic REal wood Manufacturer

by Gepetto Millworks | Jan 17, 2024 | Custom Cabinetry, Custom Kitchens, Custom Millwork, Harvest to Kiln, Reclaimed Wood Builder

Rustic, Country Chic, and farmhouse style aesthetics have gained immense popularity with interior design across Virginia, West Virginia, North & South Carolina the core service areas Gepetto delivers custom wood built millwork within. The appeal boils down to offering a cozyness, the appeal of exposed wood grain has an attraction buried deep within the human psyche. A design theme centered around wood that evokes a sense of warmth, simplicity, and a connection to nature makes the perfect customer for Gepetto.

We apply the same warm blend of historic styles to modern homes, restaurants and office spaces as well if you are a design architect reading this we look forward to getting you on the phone before you start your surface design specifications so that we can talk about species, placement and cost saving measures we can achieve for you. The rustic styles create inviting environments that prioritize human comfort and well-being. Gepetto Millworks fabricates and delivers conference room tables or wooden desk surfaces that feel warm and look touchable. Based in the hills near Charlottesville, Virginia, we have done many projects sourcing directly from Virginia barn structures that are falling apart repurposing them into. We bring the rustic design elements to life through custom fabricating furnishings, infusing spaces with character and charm that we tore down from other spots in Virginia.

Rustic Charm in Restaurant Furnishings

Rustic design is characterized by its use of natural materials, earthy tones, and a focus on simplicity. In restaurant furnishings, this aesthetic can be translated into wooden tables, chairs, and reclaimed materials that give the space a warm and inviting ambiance. Gepetto Millworks, with its expertise in custom woodworking, can craft unique pieces that showcase the beauty of natural wood grains and textures. And in today’s era, we have to state that these are all solid wood – no facings, veneers or other shortcuts that don’t wear well or last.

Consider a restaurant with a farmhouse-inspired theme, where the tables are crafted from reclaimed barn wood, complete with the imperfections and history of the material. The chairs might feature woven seats or distressed finishes, adding to the rustic appeal. Gepetto Millworks can create custom booths with plush, upholstered seating in earthy tones, enhancing the comfort and coziness of the dining experience.

Additionally, incorporating open shelving made from reclaimed wood for displaying dishes or rustic lighting fixtures can further enhance the overall aesthetic. The goal is to create an atmosphere that feels welcoming and authentic, encouraging patrons to relax and enjoy their dining experience.
Embracing Country Chic in Office Spaces

Country Chic design brings together elements of vintage charm and contemporary style. When applied to office spaces, it can transform work environments into comfortable and visually appealing places. Gepetto Millworks can play a pivotal role in achieving this by crafting bespoke office furniture that combines functionality with aesthetic appeal.

Imagine an office reception area with a distressed wooden desk, adorned with vintage accessories and accents. The use of pastel colors and floral patterns in upholstery can contribute to the Country Chic vibe. Gepetto Millworks can design and build custom storage solutions such as bookshelves or cabinets, incorporating beadboard paneling or other country-style details.

For workstations, the use of reclaimed wood for desks and ergonomic chairs upholstered in soft, natural fabrics can create a workspace that is both comfortable and visually pleasing. Country Chic office spaces can benefit from the integration of potted plants, artwork, and decorative items that evoke a sense of hominess.

Farmhouse Aesthetics: A Blend of Comfort and Functionality

Farmhouse aesthetics often focus on the fusion of comfort and functionality with a not to Virginia’s historic past. Our commitment to craftsmanship can bring this fusion to life in both restaurant and office settings. In restaurant furnishings, farmhouse-inspired tables with sturdy construction can withstand the rigors of daily use while maintaining a charming appearance.

Farmhouse-style seating with cushioned benches and wooden chairs can contribute to a convivial atmosphere. Gepetto Millworks can customize these pieces to align with the specific needs and preferences of the establishment, ensuring that both the staff and patrons enjoy the space.

In office settings, farmhouse aesthetics can be integrated into conference rooms, creating a collaborative and inviting space. Large, robust tables made from solid wood can serve as a focal point, complemented by comfortable seating. Gepetto Millworks can incorporate storage solutions that seamlessly blend with the farmhouse theme, providing practicality without sacrificing style.

Gepetto Millworks: Crafting Unique and Personalized Spaces

Gepetto Millworks, based in Richmond, Virginia, is uniquely positioned to bring the charm of Rustic, Country Chic, and farmhouse aesthetics to life. The company’s commitment to craftsmanship and customization ensures that each piece of furniture is not just functional but also a work of art.

The artisans at Gepetto Millworks have a keen understanding of design principles and can work closely with clients to capture the essence of the desired aesthetic. Whether it’s creating a cozy dining nook for a restaurant or designing a welcoming office lobby, Gepetto Millworks excels in translating visions into tangible, high-quality furnishings.
Conclusion: Elevating Spaces with Timeless Design

In conclusion, Rustic, Country Chic, and farmhouse aesthetics offer a wealth of design potential for restaurant and office spaces, focusing on human comfort and warm elements. Gepetto Millworks, situated in Richmond, Virginia, stands out as a reliable partner in bringing these design themes to life through custom furnishings.

By harnessing the beauty of natural materials, expert craftsmanship, and a commitment to personalized service, Gepetto Millworks can transform spaces into havens of comfort and style. Whether it’s the rugged charm of Rustic design, the vintage allure of Country Chic, or the functional elegance of farmhouse aesthetics, Gepetto Millworks has the expertise to craft furnishings that resonate with the unique identity of each establishment.

circular architectural wood elements turned on a lathe

by Gepetto Millworks | Dec 5, 2023 | Custom Millwork, Wood Turning

The art of turning wood on a lathe to create circular architectural elements is a blend of tradition, craftsmanship, and aesthetic vision. This practice, integral to woodworking and architecture, has evolved over centuries, adapting to changing styles and technological advancements while maintaining its core principles of shaping wood into functional and decorative forms.

Historical Significance

Woodturning, the process of shaping wood while it is rotated on a lathe, has been a fundamental woodworking technique since ancient times. The lathe, one of the oldest woodworking tools, is believed to have originated in ancient Egypt. Over the centuries, it has played a crucial role in the development of architecture, particularly in the creation of circular wood elements. These elements have not only provided structural support but have also been central to decorative motifs in various architectural styles.

Types of Circular Architectural Elements

Balusters: These are the vertical supports in a balustrade system, commonly seen on staircases and balconies. Each baluster is turned to achieve a specific design, which can range from simple cylindrical shapes to more complex, intricate patterns.

Newel Posts: Serving as the anchor points of a staircase railing system, newel posts are often more substantial and elaborately designed than balusters. They mark the beginning, end, and turns of staircases.

Columns and Pilasters: These are fundamental in classical architecture, providing both support and ornamentation. Turned wooden columns often mimic the styles of their stone counterparts, such as Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian designs.

Finials: Decorative end pieces that can be found on top of newel posts, bed posts, curtain rods, and other architectural features. Finials range from simple rounded shapes to complex, carved designs.

The Turning Process

The process of turning wood on a lathe requires skill and precision. A craftsman selects a suitable piece of wood, considering factors like grain, texture, and strength. The wood is then mounted on the lathe, which rotates it at high speeds. Using various chisels and gouges, the woodturner shapes the wood, carefully following the design specifications.

The creation of circular architectural elements is not just about removing excess wood; it’s about understanding the material’s properties and working with them to achieve a balance between strength and beauty. The woodturner must consider the final application of the piece, ensuring that it is not only aesthetically pleasing but also structurally sound.

Applications in Architecture

Circular wood elements turned on a lathe find their application in various architectural contexts:

In residential architecture, they add elegance and character to staircases, porches, and furniture.

In public and historical buildings, they often play a role in preserving the architectural integrity and aesthetic of the structure.

In modern architecture, while the styles may have evolved, the fundamental process of turning wood for circular elements remains a testament to traditional craftsmanship.

Artistry and Craftsmanship

The creation of these elements is as much an art as it is a craft. The woodturner must have an eye for detail, an understanding of architectural styles, and the ability to translate a design concept into a tangible wooden form. This process requires not only technical skill but also a deep appreciation for the material and the history it carries.

Technological Advancements

While the basic principles of woodturning have remained constant, technological advancements have introduced new tools and techniques, allowing for greater precision and efficiency. Today’s woodturners can achieve more complex designs and consistent results, but the essence of the craft — the connection between the material, the tool, and the craftsman — remains unchanged.

Sustainability and Material Choice

In contemporary practice, there is an increasing focus on sustainability. The choice of wood, its sourcing, and the impact of the manufacturing process on the environment are important considerations. Woodturners and architects often opt for locally sourced, renewable wood species, ensuring that their creations are not only beautiful but also environmentally responsible.

Cultural Significance

Circular architectural elements turned on a lathe are not just functional components of a structure; they are bearers of cultural and historical significance. They reflect the architectural trends of their time, the skill of the craftsmen, and the cultural context in which they were created.

In conclusion, the practice of turning wood on a lathe to create circular architectural elements is a fascinating blend of history, art, and craftsmanship. It highlights the enduring relationship between humans and their environment, where a simple piece of wood, through the skilled hands of a craftsman, is transformed into a piece of architectural beauty. This tradition, rooted in the past, continues to evolve, adapting to modern needs while preserving the essence of the craft.

@gepetto.millworks The original bed finials at the Omni Homestead resort were misplaced during the extensive renovation process. As months went by, these finials became the final missing component, causing a delay in completing the project. Today, we are delighted to announce the successful delivery of 60 handcrafted and stained finials, which required only one week of shop time. This accomplishment marks the end of a four-month search! If you are in need of wooden historic replacement parts, your first step should be reaching out to Gepetto. You can contact Matt at ‪(804) 938-2094 to tap into 30 years of construction knowledge and expertise. Matt can provide you with an accurate project timeline that Gepetto will commit to delivering on time as agreed upon. #historicreplica #woodturning ♬ original sound - Gepettomillworks

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Historic Replica Wood TUrning

by Gepetto Millworks | Dec 2, 2023 | Custom Millwork, Wood Turning

Solid Wood - Hand Turned

As the lathe begins to spin, the world outside fades away. There’s only the wood and me, connected in a dance as old as time. The whirring sound of the lathe blends with the distant calls of birds, creating a symphony that guides my movements. My hands, guided by years of experience, move with a precision that feels almost instinctual, shaping the wood, releasing its hidden beauty.

by Virginia Craftsmen

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As I step into my workshop, nestled in the shadows of the Blue Ridge Mountains just outside Charlottesville, the familiar scents of the fresh growing woods outside and dried wood shavings inside fills my senses. I am instantly grounded to the present moment and my carpenter ancestors. The lathe, my tool for this artistic journey, stands ready, a invitation to spin up the music of the day’s meditation.

Selecting a piece of wood is a ritual in itself. Each piece, unique in its grain and texture, speaks of the history of the mountains, of rains and suns it has witnessed. Today, I choose a piece of african mahogany, its rich, reddened warm tones resonating with the early morning light filtering through the windows. A sip of coffee while watching the turkey’s dry the dew from their feathers feels so right to my Virginia Hillbilly roots

Made To Order from Virginia

As the lathe begins to spin, the world outside fades away. Only the wood speaks to me, connected to the immediate danger of a tool that will take my finger in an instant. The whirring sound of the lathe blends with my breath creating a focused symphony of precision movements. My hands, guided by years of experience, move that precision up and down feeling almost instinctual, shaping the wood to the exact pattern.

Turning wood on a lathe is more than a craft; it’s a form of meditation that if you rush will ruin many a piece of stock. Each curl of wood that spirals away is a reminder of the impermanence of life, of the constant cycle of creation and transformation. The wood’s resistance and surrender under the tools mirror the ebb and flow of thoughts in my mind, allowing me to reach a state of Zen-like focus.

Virginia Historic Replica Turnings

The mountains, visible through my workshop’s open door, stand as silent witnesses supporting this meditative practice. I am tuned in to the enduring nature of our existence and my grandfather’s who raised the barns and decorated the homes of Virginia for the last few hundred years. The quality of the materials I work with, each piece a fragment of a former project being reused imbues my creations with a soul, a story. The intricate connection we grow from the world around us.

There’s a rhythm in turning wood, a harmony that aligns with the natural rhythms of the earth. The mountains, with their changing colors and moods, are a constant source of inspiration and backdrop to our shop. They remind me that just like the wood that takes new shapes under my hands, we too are capable of transformation and growth.

Turned Wood Made to Order

Hours pass without notice, as the stack of finished pieces grow behind me. The piece on the lathe slowly takes form, evolving from a rough block into a fitted form. The satisfaction of creating something beautiful, functional, and lasting is profound. It’s a connection not just to the material, but to the tradition of craftsmanship, to the history embedded in the wood, and to the serene beauty of the mountains that encompass my workshop.

As the day comes to an end, and the lathe falls silent, I step back to admire the finished pieces. In its curves and smoothness, I see not just my work, but the journey of the wood, from the heart of the mountains to the heart of someone’s home. This connection, this cycle of life and art, is the essence of my daily meditation, a reminder of the beauty and interconnectedness of all things.

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@gepetto.millworks The original bed finials at the Omni Homestead resort were misplaced during the extensive renovation process. As months went by, these finials became the final missing component, causing a delay in completing the project. Today, we are delighted to announce the successful delivery of 60 handcrafted and stained finials, which required only one week of shop time. This accomplishment marks the end of a four-month search! If you are in need of wooden historic replacement parts, your first step should be reaching out to Gepetto. You can contact Matt at ‪(804) 938-2094 to tap into 30 years of construction knowledge and expertise. Matt can provide you with an accurate project timeline that Gepetto will commit to delivering on time as agreed upon. #historicreplica #woodturning ♬ original sound - Gepettomillworks

@gepetto.millworks Matt is making #handturned column bases from solid mahogany today in the shop - if you don’t think that you can find the parts and pieces for your #historicrenovation ♬ original sound - Gepettomillworks

Enjoy some music with us while you browse our site!

Decorative architectural elements that are round and typically require turning on a wood lathe include:

Balusters: Vertical members in a railing system, often found in staircases and balconies.
Newel Posts: Larger, more decorative posts at the bottom or top of staircases.
Finials: Decorative, often pointed elements that cap posts, furniture, or architectural features.
Columns and Pilasters: Round, often tapered, structural elements supporting roofs or arches.
Rosettes: Circular, ornate decorative pieces, often used around doorknobs or in ceiling decor.
Spindles: Smaller turned pieces used in furniture or as decorative accents.
Handrails: Part of a staircase or balcony railing, turned for decorative effect.
Table Legs: Often turned for aesthetic appeal in various styles.
Chair Legs and Backs: Round elements in chairs are commonly created using a lathe.
Cabinet Knobs and Pulls: Round or oval knobs and handles for drawers and cabinets.
Dowels: Used in various applications, from curtain rods to structural supports.
Corbels: Ornate, curved supports for shelves, mantels, or other overhangs.
Bun Feet: Rounded feet often used for furniture like sofas, armchairs, or cabinets.
Crown Molding Corners: Curved pieces where crown molding meets in corners.
Decorative Appliques: Various round, carved pieces added for embellishment.

Beautiful Turned Wood Promotional Items

If you are not having us turn architectural decorative elements for historic restoration building projects – you might have us make custom promotional items like:

Tool handles
Lidded boxes
Jewelry boxes
Round jewelry holders
Wooden cups/mugs
Wooden cell phone holders
Luxury desk sets
Wooden wheels
Wooden gears
Wooden game pieces

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