Tuscan Kitchen Remodel

6 Ways to Achieve Tuscan Kitchen Design - L Donaldson



Tuscany is well know for its beautiful landscapes, delicious wines and fabulous fresh foods. Many who have traveled to Italy yearn to have a Tuscan style kitchen in which they too can prepare delicious gourmet meals in a charming old world setting. Even those that have not traveled to Italy yearn for a kitchen that possesses all the magnetic charisma that a Tuscan style kitchen beholds. There's something sweet and grandmotherly yet boldly noble about Tuscan kitchen design that makes it one of the most popular design styles for kitchens today.
If you are planning a kitchen remodel or designing a kitchen from scratch, incorporate the following items and you will have the Tuscan kitchen of your dreams.

#1 - Granite or Marble Countertops
Old World Tuscan style kitchens often have natural stone kitchen countertops. Marble countertops are ideal for kneading dough for fresh baked bread. Granite countertops are the most durable of all and will last forever if cared for properly. Granite is ideal for chopping fresh vegetables and no cutting board is required. Granite is the strongest of stones, second only to the diamond. It doesn't matter what color of stone you choose because natural stone colors blend well with the Tuscan color palate.

#2 - Tuscan Colors
The Tuscan color palate is one that is reflective of the natural surrounding outdoors. Rich shades of ochre and sunflower gold, poppy red, burnt sienna and aged copper, almond and walnut brown and shades of green from olive to rich cedar are all very popular. Rich colors infuse a Tuscan style kitchen. You will rarely find a Tuscan style kitchen that is a clear white or dove gray. Colors are rustic, deep, bold and earthy.

#3 - Kitchen Island
In Old World Tuscan kitchens the center table was a place to not only dine but to also prepare food. Peeling and chopping was often done at the table, then the table would be cleared for eating after the meal was prepared. Now we desire kitchen islands that make meal preparation even easier and normally offers bar stools or counter seats for those that want to eat there in the kitchen center.

#4 - Iron Accessories
Old World Tuscan style kitchens are known for their substantial iron chandeliers, candelabras and candlesticks. To achieve a modern-day version of this look, there are many iron light fixtures, candle holders, wall sconces and simple iron wall decorations that when added create the look of Tuscan kitchen design.

#5 - Natural Stone Backsplash
Old World Tuscan kitchens often incorporated real stone into the walls. The homes were often made of stone and so many times the inside of the home went unfinished and the stone was beautifully exposed. Especially around the hearth there would be natural stone due to its' natural fireproof properties. Today a natural stone backsplash in the kitchen gives that old world Tuscan appearance. Behind the cooktop, natural stone is especially effective in use and appearance.

#6 - Natural Stone Flooring
Old World Tuscan kitchens normally had floors made of natural stone. The stone is durable and easier to keep clean than other materials. Today natural stone floors are more popular than ever since they will last forever and don't harbor dust, bacteria and odors like carpet and wood. Natural stone tiles such as travertine, slate, granite and marble are easy to install and maintain.

Creating The Best Tuscan Kitchen Design

Creating The Best Tuscan Kitchen Design

By Tatasumo

Tuscan kitchen design immediately conjures images of Italy and sunlight and warmth.  In fact these kinds of images are just what you need to think of when coming up with the perfect Tuscan kitchen design.  

Tuscany a region in north central Italy is known as a warm place almost year round an Tuscan kitchen design should reflect this.  Tuscan kitchen designs are defined by colors such as siena, terra, and sepia.  Tuscan Kitchen design uses a lot of soft warm colors and textures.  Windows in the kitchen should provide as much natural sunlight as possible.

The Tuscan style has evolved through the centuries, influenced by Etruscan metal craft and pottery as well as the Italian Renaissance.  The Tuscan style can be seen in mosiac tiles, wrought iron gates, bridges and architecture.

Tuscan kitchen design and décor can enhance the look and feel of any kitchen.  You can add a big wooden table, open cupboards, along with ceramics, pots, pans and Tuscan-inspired dinnerware.

These items can also make great decorations when you are not using them.

Kitchen island design in the Tuscan kitchen design style has its origins from ancient Roman times.  This is the origins of the nice ornaments you will find with all tuscan kitchen design.  The Tuscan kitchen island is usually of a dark color painted on oak.  Sometimes the islands are given one coat of white paint.  Scratches are added to give the wood a more antique look.

In Tuscany families tend to eat and cook together.  A good Tuscan kitchen design should provide for adequate room for you and your family to more around the kitchen freely.

The Tuscan kitchen design style is very popular now.  One reason is that this design style be quite affordable while be stylish and providing more comfortable kitchen.  The Tuscan kitchen design style accessories include pottery, jars, and hand crafted tiles depicting grapevines and vineyards as well as grapes, tomatos, and olives.  Having these design elements just naturally goes with Tuscan meals.

Walls - Wall should be painted in a rich Tuscan color such as rich reds, intense yellows, or strong yellows.  Consider a wall treatment such as molding, or murals to create a more Tuscan feel to the walls.

Floors - Use Terra cotta or clay tiles, glazed ceramic and marble inlay in intricate patterns.  Wooden floors can be left plain with natural color and finish with a Persian rug.

Furniture - For a Tuscan kitchen design use sturdy pieces of furniture that is also strong and functional.  Kitchen tables and chairs should also be well-built and strong.

Cabinetry - Cabinetry should feature open shelves for displaying your ceramics, as well as baskets, and cooking utensils

Sink - Kitchen sink should be white ceramic to be more compatible with your Tuscan kitchen design.  You might also consider a large rectangular marble sink.

As for other Tuscan kitchen design ideas you can add racks to display copper pans.  Also wrought iron pull for drawers, and wrought iron light fixtures.  You might even want to add a brick-fired oven just like the type found in large Italian farmhouse kitchens.

By designing your kitchen with the Tuscan design style and bring in the look of old Tuscany your kitchen and home will never be quite the same.