In an Italian-style kitchen, the use of natural materials, colors and finishes gives the entire space an old-world look. To create a rustic feel in the kitchen, it's important to choose cabinet styles, flooring material and accessories that are reminiscent of Italy and the surrounding Mediterranean area. No matter what your budget is, there are a variety of techniques and design elements to use to transform the space into a rustic, authentic-looking Italian kitchen. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Apply a thin coat of plaster to the walls to create a textured look. Mix wall plaster according to the manufacturer's instructions and spread thinly onto the wall with a trowel using a sweeping motion. Allow to dry thoroughly before painting.
2. Paint the walls using an earth-tone color, such as reddish-orange, reddish-brown or gold. Use an olive, grayish blue or burgundy paint for trim and accent colors. Create a watercolor look by applying the paint with a damp sponge on the wall. Dip the sponge in water, wring it out thoroughly and lightly dip it into the paint. Pat the sponge over the entire wall to apply subtle, textured color.
3. Select cabinets with a distressed or weathered appearance. If other decorating materials in the kitchen are dark, choose a distressed, light-colored cabinet with wrought-iron hardware or choose darker wood cabinets to pair with lighter decor.
4. Install a natural flooring material such as slate, terracotta or travertine. Additionally, use a natural material for the counter tops, such as marble or slate. Mosaic tiles in a warm color palette such as red, green or gold or hand-painted tile in designs such as olives, cheese or tomatoes can be used for accent tiling or backsplashes.
5. Select an antique bronze or copper sink faucet to pair with a large white porcelain or ceramic sink. Lighting should be rustic-looking in metallic shades such as brass, copper or bronze. Choose sconces to provide accent lighting around the room and install hanging fixtures to illuminate kitchen work spaces.
Tags: flooring material, pair with
