|
|
The Italian kitchen style has grown wildly
popular over the last 5-10 years in the US as people have sought to make
the kitchen a focal point of their home.
Along with the increasing popularity for
the open floor plan, the Italian kitchen style is perfect for
entertaining since it seeks to incorporate friends and family into the
food preparation process and space.
Gone are the days of the cook being
banished to the kitchen, only to socialize later when the food is
finally brought to the table.
|
|
In Italian villas, Italian kitchens are the place to be,
and are
enjoyed by family and friends as they prepare fabulous food.
Another reason the Italian kitchen is such a popular trend is because it is grounded in simplicity,
functionality, and comfort. It is a space for love and laughter, a
place to entertain and enjoy.
It is important to keep this in mind as
you decide how to decorate your kitchen. If you are designing a
brand new kitchen from scratch, you may want to read our article on
Tuscan Kitchen Design.
Whether you are just seeking to add some Italian flair to
an existing kitchen design, or changing your kitchen style entirely,
here are some helpful hints to keep in mind as you make your changes.
Spice up your space with color.
Color is probably the simplest way to warm up
your kitchen. While color choices can be very personal, and reflect
your individual style, there are a some color palettes that are
typically associated with Italian kitchens.
Italians are in love with the beautiful
countryside that surrounds them. Find inspiration from the
outdoors. Sky blue, olive green, terracotta orange, sunflower
yellow, chianti reds, and the list goes on.
If you find yourself "color challenged",
check out one of the fantastic decorating books in the
Tuscan Book Shop for ideas.
Duplicate the color scheme from a photo of
a completed Italian kitchen, selected by professional designers.
This is an easy way to ensure your color selections are a huge success.
More importantly, make sure your new colors instill a sense of joy into
your cooking and entertaining experiences. It's your kitchen...you
simply must love it!
|
Before: A classic kitchen with
neutral color palette in varying shades of grey and white.
After: Inspired by nature, a new
color palette adds Italian warmth. Terracotta Tile (walls) Rich Clay Brown (cabinets), and
Mediterranean Olive (ceiling).
|
|
Bring the outdoors "in".
Now don't let this scare you.
Italian kitchen style incorporates the Tuscan elements of wood, stone,
earth, and water into the kitchen design. How? Well, here are a
few tips to get your creative juices flowing.
Stone: Think granite, marble,
tile, brick, concrete, etc. These work well on countertops,
flooring, backsplashes and most anywhere. If they aren't in your
budget, check out some of the amazing countertop "redo" options at your
local hardware store. There are also some very convincing flooring
options available that reflect the "essence" of Italian kitchen stone
that won't cramp your budget.
Wood: Mostly used on cabinets,
flooring, ceiling beams, and furniture. Brings warmth and
authentic appeal to your space. Cabinets not the right shade?
Select a warm, wood tone of paint to suggest the presence of wood.
You can even do "faux" columns and ceiling beams to add dimension on a
budget.
Water: Usually a natural
part of any kitchen, you can showcase this element in your Italian
kitchen through the use of artisan style fixtures and faucets. Got room
for a fountain? Counter top fountains are a lovely way to bring
the water element into a kitchen, and encourage relaxation and
tranquility in the space.
Earth: Think clay...Terracotta
is a great start! For a more dramatic, artistic Italian flair in
the kitchen, consider adding a piece or two of authentic Italian
ceramics pottery. Kitchens instantly look more Italian when
decorated with brightly colored canisters, utensil holders, spoon rests,
etc.
For more information on incorporating
the Tuscan elements into your Italian kitchen, visit our
Tuscan Elements article. |
2br - Casa Alina - A Tuscan Villa (near Florence)
This traditional Italian kitchen features terracotta tile
flooring, stone countertops, and warm wood tones.
|
.
