Decorate a Kitchen With Italian Theme
The Tuscan countryside in Italy is filled with green rolling hills, vineyards, stucco houses and warm hospitality. Bring a little of Italy into your home by decorating your kitchen with an Italian theme. Even if your budget is modest you don't have to spend a fortune to transform your kitchen. Follow a few basic steps to get started, and then add your own touches. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Pick a color scheme. Tuscan colors are earthy hues, including rust, golds, terracotta, burnt orange, mustard yellows and light greens. Make it interesting by choosing two colors. Incorporate these two colors throughout the kitchen. One way to do this is to paint the kitchen walls one color and the cabinets another. Keep plates, cups, mixing bowls and appliances in the color scheme, too.
2. Consider the texture of the walls, floor and countertops. Granite countertops, stone floors, tile backsplash and stucco or textured finish on the walls are all common in a Tuscan kitchen. If you don't have the budget for replacing countertops or flooring, use accessories and rugs to give an Italian look (see Step 4). Changing the walls with paint and tiles is an inexpensive way to redecorate. Create a stucco finish or texturize the walls, or add a tile backsplash (see Resources below).
3. Choose light fixtures in keeping with the Tuscan rustic look. Shop antique stores and thrift stores for wrought iron fixtures. Do not use anything with shiny metal or a modern look. Wrought iron metal sconces on the walls look exceptionally nice. Light bulbs that resemble candles will complete the look.
4. Use cafe style furniture. In an eating area within the kitchen use a glass-topped table with wrought iron legs. Choose chairs to match with scrolly wrought iron back and legs. Cover the chairs with seat cushions that coordinate with your color scheme. If you have a breakfast bar choose bar chairs with backs made of wrought iron metal and use seat covers in coordinating colors. If your budget doesn't allow for buying a new table and chairs, invest in seat cushions and a tablecloth with designs such as grapes, green vines and colorful fruits on them.
5. Think about accessories to complete the Italian look. Hang pots and pans from metal hangers from the ceiling. Place decorative pottery bowls and ceramic plates on top of cabinets if there is space under the ceiling. Otherwise, use a metal plate holder and add a decorative plate to your countertop. Put throw rugs on your floor to match your color scheme or those that have grapevines or colorful produce designs. Use hanging baskets to store ropes of garlic, onions and colorful bell peppers. Store oils and vinegars in decorative bottles by the stove. Install a small cafe style awning on the inside of a kitchen window. Hang a wine rack. Finally, add some greenery, whether real or silk plants in baskets.
Tags: color scheme, wrought iron, cafe style, chairs with, Decorate Kitchen