Use crocks to store food and utensils in a primitive kitchen.
Primitive decorating -- prim for short -- has its roots in the log cabins, saltboxes and simple farmhouses built in the Colonial era in the United States. Primitive furniture is rough and utilitarian, meant to be used, not admired. Prim also features decorative elements of American country style that brighten its no-frills appearance. A small kitchen may present a decorating challenge, but with a little imagination and some basic knowledge of design it's possible to create one that's both primitive and practical. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Lay a wood plank floor. Leave it unfinished and distress it to reflect the weathering that comes with wear and tear. When it has weathered to your satisfaction consider applying polyurethane to make it easier to clean.
2. Choose hanging cabinets with punched tin doors. Opt for some crafted from beadboard. Paint them white to visually open up the space but apply a traditional colonial color such as grayish blue or barn red to the inside for contrast. Use black hinges and wooden knobs.
3. Remove a group of existing countertop cabinets and drawers in favor of free standing pieces such as pie safes and jelly cupboards to provide storage as well as authenticity. Opt for dry sinks or grain bins with flat tops to provide a work area on top and storage below. Hang open shelves above them to store everyday items including dishes, glasses and linens, or opt for a vintage wooden plate rack to display your dishes when they're not in use. Choose pieces in relationship to the size of your kitchen so you don't overwhelm it. Because these kitchen items are handcrafted they come in a variety of sizes and finishes, although you can order them specially made by a cabinet maker.
4. Go for wooden counters. Highlight them with a punched tin or weathered brick backsplash. A less expensive option is laminate manufactured to resemble wood.
5. Display vintage or reproduction crocks on the counter. Use them to corral cooking implements such as mixing spoons and spatulas. Choose crocks that are properly-sized for your kitchen. They come in all sizes and a variety of colors and patterns. Store dry goods such as flour, pasta, sugar and cereal in vintage Mason jars. These items give the kitchen a primitive look so avoid cluttering the counter with too many other things.
6. Opt for a farmer's sink. They come in a variety of sizes so buy one that won't take up too much counter space.
7. Store items such as wooden bowls and baskets on top of your cabinets. They add a primitive touch while not taking up valuable counter space.
8. Install a wooden beam on the ceiling. Hang dried flowers, herbs and baskets from the beam.
Hang a wrought iron chandelier above the sink. Choose one that isn't too big for the space.
Tags: come variety, come variety sizes, counter space, They come, variety sizes
