Old World Kitchen: Rustic Design
Ideas Makes Old New Again
Influences that came from Greece, France, Italy, and England are somewhat merged into today's old world kitchen. This style embraces many design themes including country French, Mediterranean, Tuscan, Italian villa, and other European designs.Kitchens were cozy and warm and had a look of age. This style has grown out of olden times when people used the materials that they had on hand.
They crafted rustic architectural details that were often used in larger rooms. Back then the kitchen was a place for gathering, just as they are in current times. Today this style brings together all of the modern conveniences that are available with antique and distressed finishes that are at the heart of this kitchen style.
Creating The Old World Kitchen LookIf you first consider the type of homes that existed in those times, you’ll have a better understanding of how to create the same look in your home. Take for instance the cooking area. In old world times, stone or brick “ovens” were used for baking and iron pots for cooking.
Homes during the old world period often didn't have a finished ceiling with a second floor above. There were high ceilings with exposed beams and posts that provided the building with part of its structure. Plastered, brick, or stone arches were common over cooking areas and at doorways between rooms. Distressed kitchen cabinets and/or glazed cabinets are used to give the feel of older materials. Dark cabinets tend to look best but lighter cabinets can also work with the right wood species. Using raised panel doors with arched or square tops is a good choice. Today, it is common to find oak, alder, knotty pine, or cherry cabinets in this kitchen style. But with all of the selections that are available, choices are almost endless and there are no set rules.
Bring The Old World Kitchen Look to LifeDress up the cabinets with crown molding and use rope molding placed between cabinet doors where you want extra detail. Include scrolled brackets under the island or at a wooden kitchen hood. Use cabinet legs to make the cabinets appear like they are freestanding. Add antique or aged looking furniture to create the ambiance that was often found in an old world kitchen. The edges on furniture and finishes should be soft, subtle, and not sharp and defined. Use hand scraped
distressed hardwood floors
to add an appealing old world texture to the floor surface. Add wood panels to your refrigerator and dishwasher and put other modern appliances out of view if possible. As an example, a tumbled limestone backsplash will blend perfectly with this style.
Texture, Color and DetailsIf you're looking to add a focal point, be creative and work a fireplace into an adjacent room. If that is not possible, consider creating a stone arch above your cooktop or a unique hood made from wood. You can make the hood surround look like plaster or have one that is made from copper. Use
granite countertops
or
limestone countertops
with an apron sink
for the nostalgic flair that you're looking for. Your room will come together with the details. Details include things like using wrought iron lighting fixtures. Perhaps wall sconces and chandeliers instead of recessed lighting.
Modern kitchen lighting can look out of place with this style. Use light bulbs that bring the warmth of your kitchen to life. Add a wrought iron baker's rack for your cookbooks and other decorative items. Bring the outdoors in by planting a small herb garden at a windowsill or place fresh flowers in a clay pot. Be sure to have at least one stately piece of furniture for everyone to congregate around. Clay pots were used to store utensils and since storage was important, tall wall cabinets or shelves would adorn the plaster walls. Add shelving to walls and display clay or terracotta pots and cast iron cookware. Keep in mind, old world kitchens are about creating an inviting gathering place that makes you feel like you're in a different time. Use your imagination and head back to an old world time and create future memories.
If you want an old world kitchen or any of the kitchen styles in your home but are not sure how to pull it together, then consider having a kitchen or interior designer help with your project. Deciding to get help will likely be a great investments you make towards a new space that brings a lot of satisfaction to you and your family. To help you out, Premier Kitchen Design has secured a special discount that gives you a savings of 20% off Angie's List; the place to find the best rated interior designers in your area. Just use the promotional code "premier" to try out this valuable resource today!
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