Is it the peaceful rolling hills of the Italian countryside, the cobbled streets, the rich taste of wine straight from the vineyard, or the intense flavors and aromas of Tuscan cuisine? It’s hard to put into words the charm and charm of Tuscany, but it’s something we often try to emulate in our cooking, building, and decorating. If you’re looking to bring a little piece of Tuscany into your home, creating a Tuscan-style kitchen might be the perfect way to go. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
-Color: Use different shades of yellow and orange, such as gold and burnt terracotta, as the cornerstone of your design, especially on the walls. But don’t be afraid to use pops of color like fiery red, luminous blue, and emerald green in your accent pieces.
-Walls: Intricately layered walls will give your kitchen that old world charm. To create this effect, try a painting technique, such as sponging or weathering. If you are not familiar with these forms of painting, you may want to hire a professional for optimal results. If you decide to take on the challenge yourself, home improvement stores have books and special paints and utensils to help you master these techniques.
-Cabinets: Dark and intense tones are best suited for your cabinets. Also, you’ll often find cabinets without doors in a Tuscan-style kitchen, in which you can display your kitchen accessories (see Accessories below).
-Backsplash: The kitchen backsplash is often considered the heart and soul of a Tuscan kitchen, and it can make quite a stir in your room. Rust, gold, cream, and green are popular backsplash color choices. You might also consider a mural made of carved stone tiles to bring out the iconic Tuscan spirit in the space.
-Countertops: Stone countertops, such as granite, slate, and travertine, are essentials for your Tuscan-inspired kitchen.
-Floors: For your floor, stone or cantera tiles in earth tones will capture the essence of Tuscan decoration. These flooring options will make you and your guests feel like you are in the heart of a Tuscan villa.
-Furniture: Dining with the family is still a symbol of Italian tradition and culture, so a large kitchen table has great meaning. Luxurious linens and chair cushions in sensual tones can add extra interest and style to your table. Additionally, an island is another integral part of a Tuscan themed kitchen.
-Accessories: Displaying real kitchen items is the best way to personalize your kitchen space. Rustic dinnerware, urns, spices in glass jars, pots and pans on metal racks, copper and pewter containers, potted herbs, wine accessories, wrought iron candle holders—they’re all the perfect finishing touches for your Tuscan kitchen.
With these tips (and a little help from your friends at Pizazz Floors), you’ll be on your way to creating true Italian cuisine. Then, instead of dreaming of that little cafe in Tuscany, just gather some family, friends, food (and of course the wine) and enjoy your own Tuscan-inspired cuisine.
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