Kitchen Italian Decor

About Kitchen Italian Décor

It goes without saying that there is no one style of kitchen in Italy. In the big cities, like the fashionista center of Milan and busy Rome, it would be very common to find modern kitchens filled with sleek appliances and clean lines, and in newer Italian flats, kitchens can be very basic and plain. The Italy most people are trying to capture when they want to decorate their kitchens with Italian décor is the country Italian kitchen. These are the kinds of kitchens that you might find in rustic Italian farmhouses that are home to families who work olive tree fields or homes in the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside. The kitchen Italian décor found in these kinds of homes epitomizes the old world charm most often associated with Italy.

In terms of decorating styles and techniques, these kinds of Italian kitchens make heavy use of natural elements and the influences of the countryside. The design style is unfussy, and this is one style in which imperfections are welcome. Much like Country style interior design, whether American country, French Country, or English Country, Italian kitchen decorating encourages a kind of cluttered hominess – the kind of hodge podge of accessories and furniture that makes the kitchen look lived in and like it is the center of family life.

Italian Kitchen Décor Style Basics

While there may be a lot of flexibility and room for improvisation with Italian kitchen décor, there are some style basics you should employ to give your kitchen that distinctly Italian feel:

• Colors – The colors most often used in Italian kitchen design are the colors of the Italian countryside itself. Rich blues the color of the sky or of the sea and the green of rolling, grassy hills are common cornerstone colors of Italian style. Deep red, orange and yellow can be used to give your kitchen warmth. Fields of lavender are a common site in Italy, and the muted purple of the lavender flower can also be used to give your kitchen a splash of color.

• Natural Features – If possible, play up the natural features of your kitchen. Exposed beams are a perfect Italian kitchen feature – if you don’t want a huge remodeling project on your hands, try decorative faux beams. If your kitchen makeover is a remodeling job and not simply re-decorating, then a fireplace surrounded by natural stone and slate makes a perfect touch.

• Furniture – When choosing furniture for your Italian kitchen, look for pieces that look like they might have been in your family for generations. Large, wooden furniture is the best – think of long, farmhouse style kitchen tables and wooden chairs or benches that are perfect for gatherings of family and friends. Wooden butcher block counters are also a great feature.

• Lighting – You can make your Italian kitchen instantly feel more authentic by keeping the lighting soft. Think of a farmhouse that is lit by the sunlight during the day and by candles at night. Avoid bright overhead lights.

• Accessories – Look for accessories that incorporate things like brass, copper, clay or terra cotta. Brightly painted tiles can be used to brighten up backsplashes or can be used for the floor itself. Woven baskets are another typical feature of Italian kitchens. You can also decorate with traditional Italian food by keeping decorative olive oil bottle out or hanging strings of garlic bulbs from the wall. Remember, Italian kitchen design is supposed to be cozy and inviting; don't be afraid to add the touches that are special to your family.