Colonial Kitchens Bring Early American
Design And Charm Into Your Home
Colonial Kitchens come from an era long ago as many kitchen styles do. This colonial design is based on a period dating back to the 18th century. Separate living and dining rooms were uncommon during this era as the space for living took place in one large room. In some cases the entire home was a kitchen that even included a sleeping area in the same room. "Modern" colonial kitchens that include gathering spaces like those found in years past, are making their way back into homes today. You can enjoy the same charm and comfort today in this relaxing style of interior.
As with other styles, colonial kitchens have a lot of natural character. Having an open kitchen design to gather is a keynote for this style. Even with today's modern major kitchen appliance, the look of this American design is an attractive one to create. If you want the warmth of colonial design but are not sure how to bring it together, you may want to hire an experienced designer to help you.
What Makes Colonial Kitchens Special
Items that are specific to the time are brick ovens or fireplaces. After all, cooked foods were prepared in one or the other. Aren't you glad you live in modern times and don't have to toil over open flames! Naturally distressed hardwood flooring made up of wide planks out of material that they had on hand were often used. Open wood shelving and some cabinets with door were commonplace. If you don't have hardwood floors, think about purchasing or building a table made from wood planks and have the rich wooden look as part of your
interior design.
Another option for flooring would be to use natural stone tiles. The rustic appearance of a travertine floor will bring the look of the colonial era into your home. There are countless ceramic and porcelain tiles that mimic real stone and are available at a lower price. Wood timber beams on the ceiling and posts that were part of the support for the structure were common in homes of that time. When you're choosing your color scheme, earth tones are best. Dark and medium stained cabinets are often used with simple cabinet doors.
Cabinets in colonial kitchens are not meant to be flashy or be the center of attention. Consider using
shaker cabinets
or mission kitchen cabinets for their simple style. Walls from this period were plaster, so applying stucco to an accent wall with a faux or crackle finish really adds to colonial design.
Rustic Features
During the late 18th Century, the means of cooking used open flames in a fireplace with a kettle or on iron grates. A beautiful focal point in colonial kitchens is a fireplace or brick oven as mentioned. Using brick or stone somewhere in your kitchen, even if it's just an accent, will blend well with the colonial kitchen style. If you are unable to work in a fireplace in the kitchen, consider a fireplace in an adjacent hearth room if the space is available. Cookware is often found hanging over an island or cooktop from kitchen pot racks.
Traditionally, wrought iron cookware was used and is now showcased. In addition, cooking utensils were made of wood. To follow with the same theme, display wooden utensils on the counter next to your stove. This will not only be useful but in keeping with the colonial style. When choosing your kitchen lighting fixtures, consider that most colonial homes from that time did not have power and relied on oil lanterns and candles for light. There are many light fixtures that you can get now that have the appearance of candles. Consider using wall sconces that model the look of lanterns in wrought iron.
Other Features
When you are looking at major appliances, black works well with this kitchen style, however, stainless steel also goes with the colonial design since they are neutral in color.Better yet, when it comes to your refrigerator, you can use wood refrigerator panels
to blend with your cabinets. Wooden panels are also available for your dishwasher to coordinate with your cabinets. The idea with wood panels is to get them to blend with your cabinetry. You might even want to use an appliance garage
to conceal small appliances that are on the counter. Colonial kitchens celebrate a time in American history when things were simpler. Having a simple approach to your overall interior design will be in keeping with this look. Regardless of when your home was built, you can create this historic style to suit your home to perfection. If you want a kitchen style that resembles colonial kitchens but are not sure how to pull it together to get the overall look that you want, think about meeting with an interior designer. To find a designer in your area that can help you with your project check out Angie's List. You'll find that they are an affordable resource to get qualified companies or individuals that will deliver the results you want. Take advantage of a 20% off promotion by entering the code "premier."
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