Friday, February 24, 2012

Remodel A Tuscan Kitchen

Create a warm and inviting Tuscan-inspired kitchen.


Tuscan decorating is often known for its use of rustic materials, elegant finishes and warm colors. It is a popular style for people who desire a casual design to their homes and is often a favorite decor for kitchens. By incorporating a warm color palette, natural flooring materials, deep, rich cabinetry, earthy counter-top surfaces, Italian-themed lighting and Tuscan accessories, a gorgeous Italian-themed kitchen is attainable for most homeowners. The result of a Tuscan kitchen remodel is a room that is functional and beautiful to enjoy for years to come with family and friends. Does this Spark an idea?


Instructions


1. Use a warm color palette. Creating a warm, Tuscan-inspired kitchen is fairly easy by using a warm color scheme throughout the space. Utilize hues such as Terra cotta orange or sunshine yellow for wall color choices and accessory pieces, and use them as a backdrop for the entire design.


2. Add rustic flooring. Italian-themed kitchens often include natural flooring surfaces that are beautiful as well as functional. Materials such as natural tile in rough finishes or distressed wood are easy to clean and also give the space an "old-world" visual appeal. Add woven area rugs to further the flooring design and to help define spaces within the kitchen, such as a dining nook or bar area.


3. Incorporate wood cabinetry. Rich woods, such as cherry, mahogany and dark oak are often seen in Tuscan kitchen remodels. These varieties are deep in color and elegant in design, which is the cornerstone of Tuscan decor. Select distressed oil-rubbed bronze hardware to complete the cabinetry and to give the kitchen an element of Tuscan flair.


4. Choose earthy counter-top surfaces. Work surfaces in a Tuscan-inspired kitchen are often elegant and utilize high-end materials. Gleaming granite or marble in warm, neutral tones are an appropriate choice and compleiment the deep wood cabinetry often seen in this type of decor as well.


5. Install Tuscan lighting fixtures. Amplify the Italian-themed kitchen decor by installing beautiful, rustic lighting in wrought-iron designs. A large chandelier in oil-rubbed bronze wrought iron highlights the kitchen nook when it hangs over a table. Add wrought-iron Tuscan-inspired sconces on either side of a wall area with a Tuscan painting in the middle as a way to create interest and drama to a space.


6. Accessorize with Italian-themed accents. Choose Tuscan-inspired accents that include icons, such as grapes, olives or roosters to further highlight the Italian decor. Stool cushions, place mats, pottery, canisters, wine racks and decorative plates are all ways to bring interest and color into the kitchen and to serve as a crowning touches to the entire design.







Tags: Tuscan-inspired kitchen, warm color, color palette, counter-top surfaces, earthy counter-top