Elements of Tuscan Kitchen Design

A Tuscan kitchen is about old world Italy. Specific decor and kitchen installations are chosen to create the charm of a worn and rustic look. Don't mistake worn with shoddy; however, despite its subtler color scheme and accents, a Tuscan kitchen can be just as stunning as any other. Whether you're ready to fully commit to a Tuscan style kitchen or just want to brainstorm different decorating ideas for your kitchen, here are some interesting ideas to consider.

Walls and Counters
Bringing this unique quality of worn-in charm to your walls is all about texture. The surest way to do this is with a joint compound that will create a physical wall texturing. Appealing in its own right, a textured wall is a no-brainer for Tuscan kitchen design. You can also create a similar look with a faux painting technique. This painting technique involves sponging a darker shade over a lighter shade of paint. This provides both the appearance of texture and a faded look that goes well with a Tuscan style kitchen.

If there's one kitchen that begs for a natural stone counter, it's the Tuscan kitchen. Travertine stone is becoming more popular in general and many homeowners find it the perfect stone for their Tuscan kitchen. Whichever type of stone you choose, you'll want to look for one that has a softer look but still withstands the occasional spill and other typical abuses associated with the kitchen.

Color
Color is important for good Tuscan kitchen design. People may talk about the color of a Tuscan kitchen as those of the Tuscan countryside or earth tones. These colors are popular, but the important thing is to find a solid, muted color. You can still use the full color spectrum but, you should stay away from shades that are too bright. Matted colors are meant to create the worn look without becoming shoddy.

Metal
While both contemporary and Tuscan style kitchens tend to use metal in their decorating accents, a Tuscan kitchen design takes the classic look of wrought iron metal and turns it into an accessorizing force. Candle holders, pot racks, and serving trays are some of the more popular choices for wrought iron but any kitchen accent can be done in wrought iron.

Storage
Tuscan kitchen design is closely related to the cottage style kitchen. More than just charm, a Tuscan kitchen brings an openness and functionality to your cooking area. One of the staples of a Tuscan kitchen is storing common cooking ingredients in canisters. Flour, sugar, grains, and tea are some of the more common items stored in canisters, but any cooking ingredient can be substituted. You should pick ingredients that you most frequently use and ingredients that will create a pleasant, kitchen-defining aroma. Tuscan kitchen design also asks you to put out a wooden bowl of fruits or nuts. This touch is common for many kitchens but is truly emblematic of a Tuscan kitchen.