This is a guest post from JHE’s Log Furniture Place. If you want to guest post on this blog, see the guidelines here.
Are you thinking about renovating your kitchen area? Families across America spend most of their time entertaining family and friends in their kitchens. This space should be as warm, functional and luxurious as possible. This is what Old World themed cuisine is all about. The Tuscan theme brings the look of the Italian countryside and the warmth, charm and sophistication of a rustic cabin in the rolling hills. The overall effect of a Tuscan kitchen is an old and comfortable space that mixes old and distressed furniture with modern conveniences of a functional kitchen.
There are many elements that are indicative of Old World design that you should incorporate into your kitchen makeover including:
- Rustic Furniture
- Earth tone wall colors
- Wrought iron accessories
- Natural stone and granite counter tops
- Dark wood cabinet
- Natural texture
- Exposed wooden beams
- Distressed wood floors
- High ceilings
- Archi
Rustic furniture in an Old World theme is a popular choice because it brings nature outside and provides a natural setting for comfortable seating arrangements. Choosing dark woods like cherry wood and mahogany will tie in well with the theme. The old world style of furniture provides a vintage feel. This look is indicative of what you see in Italian country houses.
Dark accent colors in the kitchen provide an elegant and warm feeling to a room. Use paint colors like aubergines, warm oranges, rustic reds, sunny yellows, olive greens, and shades of taupe, gold and copper to give character and warmth to the space. Darker room colors create a more intimate space to relax.
Wrought iron accessories such as chandeliers, sconces, privacy screens, room dividers, ceiling fans, wall art, patio tables, magazine racks, and drawer pulls will bring out the details. which are indicative of the Old World style.
For kitchen counter tops, common material is butcher block woods, natural stone and granite. These hard surfaces are popular with homeowners who want to update the look of their kitchens and add value to the space. Tiles and slate are good options to keep the natural look of the floor. Dark wood is ideal for cabinetry with decorative hardware in ornate styles. Avoid glossy surfaces that contrast with the dark finishes of the cabinets.
Curtains and window treatments should be heavier in rich upholstery fabrics of brocade, damask, chenille, velvet and floral prints. Scrolled patterns should be evident throughout the fabric design. Thick rugs in dark patterns will warm up the roughness of the floor and bring a cozy atmosphere to a space.
Exposed wooden beams are popular with this Old World theme. They look best when the roofs are high and pitched. Dark beams will give the ceiling a focal point to look at and give the illusion of greater height to a space.
Accessories bring the details to the look of the kitchen. Choose pillows and throws with beaded and tasseled edges, lampshades, baker’s racks, columns, ceramic bowls and wine racks that will all add to the Tuscan theme of the room.
Lighting fixtures such as pendant lights, chandeliers, candles, wall sconces, and lamps give the room a beautiful illumination in the evening hours and soften some of the harsher and darker materials found in the theme.
Popular choices for kitchen sinks are farmhouse style or deep bowl with copper inlay and surround. Fixtures are popular in pewter, wrought iron, zinc and iron materials. Black appliances will match the darker cabinets and keep with the deeper tones of the space.
Incorporating a long kitchen island with rustic furniture settings will serve as a focal point of the kitchen space as well as add additional storage. It will also provide a convenient place for food preparation. The look of the island should be slightly battered and worn and not sharp and fresh. This can be achieved by purchasing second hand rustic furniture at thrift and antique stores and incorporating it into your space. Consider hanging and centering a pot rack over the island and decorate with copper pots and pans. Not only will it tie in with the look, but it will free up much needed cabinet space under the counters.
JHE’s Log Furniture Place provides the highest quality rustic furniture and log beds. This company has a huge online store that offers indoor and outdoor furniture, as well as rustic decor and accessories. Its furniture is proudly made in the USA and the company has excellent customer service.
