Is your kitchen becoming outdated and, well, just plain boring? If you are ready for a refreshing update, try the Italian style of decorating. It is warm, romantic and brings to mind family gathered in the kitchen, preparing a tasty and sumptuous meal. When you complete the face lift, your kitchen will be anything but dull and boring!
This article offers ideas on bringing warm, earth toned colors, textured finishes and artisan touches to an otherwise ordinary kitchen that lacks in style and personality. With Italian decorating, bring the elements of the outdoors in!
Oak Wine Racks
Walls and Floors
In the Italian or Tuscan theme of decorating, white is not an option - especially for walls or floors. This style of décor offers rich, bold colors from the earth; walls should be golden yellow or terracotta. Sponge painting adds texture to the walls, which creates a certain richness to the atmosphere.
Floors can be stone or marble. If you have wood floors, leave them bare with a touch of medium toned stain. Rustic wood surfaces are right at home in this enchanting style of décor. Exposed wood beams should not be painted, but rather stained in a medium tone like the floors.
Another great idea for your walls is to hang a large richly textured tapestry designed with a Tuscan theme on one wall all by itself. Tapestries add a rich, elegant touch to any room because of the intricately detailed patterns and textures.
Furnishings
Rustic wood is an exceptional choice for furnishings in the Italian style of decorating, along with wrought iron. You may choose to place simple wooden benches at the table, or more ornately decorated wrought iron chairs. Counter tops made of marble add a rich, elegant touch.
Accents Bring it All Together
When it comes to accents, you will find no shortage of things to decorate your Tuscan style kitchen. Italians can usually be found preparing slow-cooked meals that fill the air with aromatic and tantalizing scents; use ingredients to decorate your kitchen! Olive oil, wine, decorative jars of peppers and other ingredients can be displayed on the counter top or on a wrought iron wall shelf. Intricate wrought iron designs are perfect in this style of décor, and add a unique ambiance.
A hanging wrought iron pot rack is useful, and makes for an interesting focal point. Ceramic and terracotta pots can be filled with herbs and greenery to accent windows and counter tops, or placed on the top of a side buffet. Small metal buckets are also an original way to show off herbs and wildflowers. Finish with some great Italian wall art, and you have a kitchen that rivals any you will find in Italy!
Tuscan décor combines natural textures with colors from nature. Terracotta, rich golden yellow, soft browns and wine colors blend to create an atmosphere that is warm, rich and totally welcoming. When your kitchen looks this beautiful, who needs a living room? Everyone will want to congregate in the kitchen, where delectable scents linger and good people enjoy each others company.