Old World Kitchens
Textured walls, worn stone, distressed finishes, wrought iron and colors of cream, deep brown, burnt orange, burgundy and navy blue bring Old World style to the everyday, modern kitchen.
Hoods, ranges, sinks, backsplashes and countertops usher in the latest innovative kitchen technology with rustic flair. Placing stone alongside dark woodwork, barn-door inspired cabinetry and the most recent, sleek subzero appliances brings an air of antiquity to a fully equipped cooking space, set to fulfill even the most discerning chef's needs.
In addition to your dinner feast, create a visual one with high attention to architectural detail, decorative crown molding, plaster-treated built-ins and arched windows and doorways stand in structural contrast to dramatic ceilings fashioned with stacked molding or rough hewn-beams. Copper posts and Corinthian columns divide cooking and eating areas while maintaining the room's regal atmosphere; curved molding above cabinets and built-in appliances instantly carve the Old World look out of an otherwise contemporary kitchen.
For finishes that round out the space, look to the kitchen's floors, walls and countertops as high impact areas: wood floors – particularly Cherry and Oak – can be distressed , edged, sanded and even painted to achieve a shabby chic, Tuscan/French County look. Tile flooring is also an excellent choice for a rustic kitchen's feel of worn elegance.
Walls – whether treated with the most basic paint job or embellished with understated murals – can also be distressed, textured, or matte/honed. Countertops should boast natural-appearing materials: marble, granite, corian, quartz and limestone are popular choices and come in a wide arrange of colors with unique mixtures of undertones and designs. Look to combinations that fit with your already established color scheme, as these are most likely to recall the period materials of yore.
Woven tapestries, damasks and small prints (cotton or silk) balance the room with soft textures while continuing to compliment the kitchen's rugged air. Further your Tuscan design with dark, burnished gold iron tables, distressed (or umber finished) media/storage pieces, Bombay trunks, wooden drum tables and much more. Reproduction pieces (when available) go a long way: period faucets, Old-world lighting fixtures, antique tabletops, imported trinkets and playful, "farm"-style sinks add unparalleled authenticity.
Wood-burning hearths smartly embody old-world style while creating the savory flavors of celebrated archaic feasts. For chefs on a budget (or with more modern tastes), faux hearths are simply assembled by fashioning arches (preferable brick or stone) above the range's recess. Further your kitchen's antiquated feel with a nearby island (which supplies the look and feel of worktables: Old-World kitchen standbys). A hanging chandelier (of suggested gold, copper, bronze, silver, iron or cast brass mixed with optional crystal) provides maximum lighting while furthering the kitchen's rustic sensibility. On the higher end, look to artisan-crafted pieces with detailed scrollwork to truly impress.
Whether on a tight budget or amassing a celebratory dream home, bring the tastes of the Italian countryside (and the charming ambience of a delightful French country cottage) to your updated kitchen, all with the latest appliances and modern comforts.
