Creating a small Tuscan kitchen with function and style.
Tuscan decor, which is known for its use of earthy colors, warm ambiance and wrought-iron details, is a favorite design style of many homeowners who admire its rustic charm. This style is perfect for any kitchen area, whether it is big or small. While small kitchens spaces often have their own particular issues in regard to available storage space and lack of spaciousness, there are many decorating techniques that make a small kitchen appear larger. Combining Tuscan decor and small-space decorating ideas results in a visually expanded kitchen area that is functional and stylish as well. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Choose light-colored paint for the walls. When selecting the wall color for the small Tuscan kitchen design, choose traditional Italian hues in warm, light shades of rustic tan, sun-yellow or cream. Colors low in intensity reflect light, which makes the room feel larger than its actual square footage, and the Tuscan-inspired paint choice gives the room an authentic Italian visual appeal at the same time.
2. Select coordinating flooring. To further enhance the small Tuscan kitchen decor, add a wooden, tile, slate or marble floor that is light in color to give the space an expansive appearance. Choose colors and styles with minimal pattern and color variation to create an illusion of additional space.
3. Choose painted wooden kitchen cabinets. There is nothing that quite opens up a kitchen area more than painted cabinets in white or cream. Select varieties that have a distressed, "old-world" appearance and choose upper cabinets with glass fronts to give the room an expansive feel.
4. Incorporate granite or marble countertops. These polished surfaces help amplify the overall Italian flair of the kitchen space and enhance the entire decorating scheme. Choose light-colored materials in soft browns, tans or creams for a spacious and stylish room.
5. Add wrought-iron details and lighting accents. Further the Tuscan small kitchen decorating scheme by adding pieces in wrought iron, such as kitchen island bar stools or a ceiling chandelier for an authentic, rustic element to the space, or wrought-iron knobs and drawer pulls.
6. Plan storage. Small kitchens need extra storage solutions that range from a hanging pot rack to a vertical spice storage unit on the inside of the cabinets. Keeping the kitchen well organized helps the room feel more expansive.
7. Add accessories. While small kitchens are not the place for a myriad of accessories, be selective and choose items that are practical and decorative at the same time, such as wire baskets holding fruit, tabletop wine racks filled with wine bottles and colorful pottery serving dishes or decorative serving trays.
Tags: kitchen area, small Tuscan, small Tuscan kitchen, Tuscan kitchen, Choose light-colored, decorating scheme, room feel
