Creating the Ideal Farmhouse Kitchen

Creating the Ideal Farmhouse Kitchen - R Davenport

Farmhouse kitchens have become timeless classics that are now replicated not only within spacious country properties, but have also become a popular choice amongst city dwellers, looking to bring some of this relaxed country style to their properties' interiors. Depending on your point of view, this style has never been completely 'on-trend' or has never been out of vogue so you can be safe in the knowledge that a farmhouse kitchen is a shrewd investment.
 
Classic farmhouse kitchens tend to combine a good mix of natural materials, earthy granites, oversized thick timber tops and chunky end-grain butchers blocks. The cabinetry tends to be in-framed but simple, perhaps with a chamfer or small cock-bead detail around the frame, often hand painted in buttery cream tones. This may also be complemented with the occasional oak piece. However, the detailing tends to be kept simple with the focus being on natural products.
 
When it comes to handles, pewter drop perhaps with porcelain inserts and pewter knobs are a popular choice given their practicality. Timber knobs can also be used to complement the laid back look of the kitchen and tie in with any areas of timber worktops. An increasingly common introduction to the farmhouse kitchen is granite worktops, which are often used with timber in high use areas around a Range or Aga and often teamed with a chunky end grain chopping board.
 
Often a period style mantle shelf will be the main focal point above an Aga or Range, as this helps to frame the main cooking area as well as being a practical feature by providing extra shelf space to house pots and ornaments.
Another key feature of the farmhouse kitchen is a large/double Belfast-style ceramic sink, with a bridge tap over to make maximum use of a practical sink area.
 
Most farmhouse kitchens also have a separate free-standing welsh style dresser, often with a timber top, which may present the opportunity for further shelving space. This reinforces the main concept of the farmhouse kitchen, that most kitchen items are in sight rather than stored away.
 
The overall farmhouse look is gained by a large number of cabinets with a generous area of worktop, often with decorative features such as bookshelves and plate racks as this helps to give the kitchen a real lived in feel without requiring much effort.
 
Introducing a few farmhouse elements into the home can make a potentially unwelcoming modern kitchen seem more homely and appealing. However, the complete farmhouse kitchen is set to remain a popular style, especially amongst families and those with large eat-in kitchens as it is an easy to live with practical choice. The style also suits most types of house, from the modern house through to period properties and barn conversions.





Old World Kitchen Design

Old World Kitchen Design - Wayne Hemrick

 

 

Many homeowners build new homes, but then realize that there can be a starkness to some of the modern home styles currently in vogue. In order to bring some age and patina into the home, an old world kitchen design may be in order. Going back to a time before computers and digital electronics swept the country, and giving a nod to European traditions and design sensibilities is at the heart of achieving a lovely old world kitchens design aesthetic in your own home.

 

You can start to think about an old world kitchen look by visiting a home decor store or even an antique store. You want to focus on items that have a vintage and timeworn look to them. This can translate into the types of flooring, counter and cabinet surfaces as well as the paint techniques and wallpapers that you might select. Items that have an heirloom feel to them are always appropriate in an old world kitchen.  

 

Another idea is to give your kitchen an European feel through the use of color and textiles. French country style is still very hot right now, and it focuses on the bright colors found in nature in the south of sunny France. Think of bright reds, blues and yellows harmonizing in kitchen curtains, towels, table cloths, napkins, lamp covers, as well as surfaces that can be painted in those rich colors so beloved in France. Dishes, serving bowls and other food preparation items can be purchased with a European aesthetic in mind. Fiestaware plates, bowls and cups in bright colors can be perfect in this type of old world setting as well.

 

The types of fabrics and finishes you select also will play a part in how the room comes across to you. Vintage furnishings can give a cozy and comfortable look to a room, while more traditional desks, cabinetry finishes and hardware, as well as tile flooring can give a prestigious country style that is elegant.

 

Garden influences can work wonders to create an old world setting, since potagers, or kitchen gardens, were and remain common in Europe. Fruit and vegetable motifs might decorate backsplash tiles and fabrics used in the kitchen, for example. If you have several collections, you can layer them to give the room the appearance of fullness. A bowl used in the kitchen might be reinvented to hold a grouping of candles, for example, or an outdoor garden bench might be brought into the kitchen seating area for added appeal.

By working closely with a kitchen designer, you can plan now so that your kitchen will have that old world design that you want, and you will not overlook any crucial areas needed to bring this design idea to fruition.

Tuscan Kitchen Design Ideas

Tuscan Kitchen Design Ideas - Candi Randolph

If your dream kitchen includes a large gathering table and chairs or benches to seat the entire family, warm sunshine streaming in through the windows with bold, warm, earthy colors throughout the space, natural elements including wood, tile and stone, you'll be thrilled  with Tuscan kitchen design!

Tuscany style kitchens are strong yet welcoming, bold yet serene. How is this balance achieved? First, by selecting Tuscan kitchen colors, which include those found in nature: reds, burgundys, oranges,yellows, olive green, ivory, turquoise, deep purple,brown and black.

How you use these bold colors depends on your own decorating style and comfort. But know that you can comfortably place just about any of the colors (except black) described above on your walls and remain true to Tuscan kitchen colors and design. Suggestion: select shade of deep gold for the walls. It will always present a warm, sunny tone and will provide a beautiful backdrop for your darker wood cabinetry.

The bold colors will be balanced by the natural elements used such as tile, plaster, wood beams, stone and wood furniture, usually oak or pine. Cabinetry should be of a medium to dark wood grain, or a deep, dark wood tone (almost black) for those of you who are more adventurous in their Tuscan Kitchen decor. Your cabinets and furniture will be accented by the warm, beautiful color on the walls of the Tuscany style kitchen. Cabinet pulls should be iron, pewter or wood.

Floors should be tile, stone or wood to most closely follow the Tuscan kitchen design (think of that old Italian kitchen in the country - you know, the one with the chickens strutting around the room and Grandma at the stove preparing the pasta!)

Natural lighting will influence your wall color, although you will want to make sure that you have numerous sources of lighting in your Tuscan kitchen design. Examples include an iron chandelier, undercounter lighting, lighting above the cabinetry, brushed pewter lights,etc.

If your kitchen is large enough for an island, a Tuscan influence in this area may include pots hanging above, and counter tops of tile or stone. If faux stone is in your budget, there are many choices that are realistic in look and will give the same result for your Tuscan style kitchen decor.

Accessories continue the colorful and bold theme of Tuscan design, and many times include pottery, pewter and copper pieces. Whether you have collected, inherited, antiqued or spent some time at the discount store, your Tuscan kitchen design will include these pieces. Themes and patterns will often include fruit, grapes in particular. Beautifully colored tiles, whether used as a back splash or decoratively, are also found in Tuscan style kitchen decor.

Consider bold area rugs, greens (natural or faux), natural finish fixtures in dark brown or black, stainless appliances and touches of fruit, grapevines and/or sunflowers.

Remember as you design and decorate your Tuscan style kitchen to keep to these strategies: bold, earthy colors, natural elements and large scale proportions. Use a healthy dose of accessories keeping a watchful eye out for knowing when enough is enough (you don't want to create a flea market effect!). Above all, create a warm and inviting environment for the entire family to enjoy together, and you will have accomplished your Tuscan style kitchen design goal.