A Tuscan style kitchen is appealing, warm and welcoming.  Through various colors and accents, you can design a kitchen that brings to mind the serene Italian countryside!  Your kitchen is the heart of your home; it’s where you enjoy meals with your family and entertain guests.  The ideas below will help you create a Tuscan themed kitchen that rivals any you would find in Venice.

Wrought iron is essential

Wrought iron is huge part of decorating with a Tuscan flair.  Wine racks hung on the walls, a wrought iron pot holder hanging from the ceiling, even a wrought iron baker’s rack give the room a flavor of Italy.  In the baker’s rack, weave silk vines or greenery throughout the edges for a unique, inspiring look.

You may want to consider a large oil painting or print for a single wall, framed out in heavy wrought iron.

Incorporate the colors from nature

In a Tuscan style kitchen, colors often mimic those found in a Tuscan landscape; earth tones, rich golds, terracotta and colors from the sea blend together to bring to mind old Italy.

Colors can be added through accents, flooring, counter tops and walls.  Natural materials also lend to the old-world charm.

Furnishings

When it comes to your dining room table and cabinets, think worn and wood.  A chunky wood dining room table with distressed paint and chipped areas add to the comfortable, welcoming atmosphere.  A wooden cupboard contributes an authentic look; consider chicken wire doors for further appeal.

You can distress your furniture yourself if you currently have wood furnishings that are a bit too modern.  Simply paint the wood in a natural, earthy color and sand in areas where the furniture would naturally “wear”.

Natural floors

In the Tuscan style of decorating, natural elements should be applied to the floors as well.  Think wood, ceramic tile or stone.  The rudiments of this decorating theme are completely natural; the more earthy the appearance, the more enhanced the look.

Accessories

Now the real fun begins!  The accents found in Tuscan decor are colorful and rich.  Think terracotta pots filled with natural herbs for the counter tops.  If your cabinets drop down from the ceiling, decorative jars of all shapes and sizes filled with peppers, grape vines, garlic and other herbs topped with colorful lids are perfect for the soffit space.

Consider antique metal signs or pictures incorporating anything wine related for your walls.  Grape vines, grapes and wine bottles, bowls filled with fruit – these aspects, when combined in pictures, make a rich, colorful addition to the walls.

A rich tapestry designed in a Tuscan theme makes a beautiful focal point for a wall in the dining room.  Murals or wallpaper borders designed using a Tuscan motif adds further depth and appeal.

Updating the look of your kitchen can be accomplished with ease, and you don’t have to spend a fortune to do it.  When you think of the rich warmth of Italy, let it inspire some creative ideas of your own!  The look is elegant, natural, warm and a bit romantic – your family and guests will love the new decor.

Many homes have a small kitchen and dining room area, which is unfortunate considering that these are the rooms in which many families spend most of their time.  How can you open up this area and make it more appealing?  There are many things you can do to brighten up a small area and make it look more spacious.   The tips and ideas in this article will help you do just that.

Just remember, before you start to make changes, that you really love the decorating theme, otherwise you will never be happy with the results.

Choosing the right colors

Since your kitchen and dining room are already on the small side, you want to avoid dark colors as much as possible.  Dark shades will only make the room look smaller, so stick to light colors.

Pale hues of country blue, peach, soft yellow and cream are perfect for the kitchen.  You may even want to consider a monochromatic color scheme.  An ultra light gray shade combined with country blue and white is beautiful, and makes the room look more spacious.  It is perfectly fine to use small splashes of bright color to add interest and depth to the room.

Choose small scale furnishings

When it comes to the dining room, consider a modern or contemporary style of table and chairs.  This style of furniture is usually built on a smaller scale; lines are sleek and clean, giving the room a more spacious appearance.

Traditional or country furnishings tend to be on the bulky side, so you probably want to avoid this type of furniture.  If you must use this style in your decorating, choose a round table that is smaller in diameter or one with drop-down sides.

If you need an island in your kitchen, consider one that rolls so that you can place it in a closet or the pantry when not in use.

Minimize clutter

Clutter can take over a room and make it look messy and it takes up space on the kitchen counter.  Your goal is to achieve clean, open spaces.  Put small appliances away when not in use, and avoid trying to decorate the tops of the counters with knick-knacks, plants and other items.

The appliances you choose can also make a difference in how open and spacious your kitchen appears.  White or stainless steel tend to look clean and open, while black or dark colored appliances absorb light instead of reflecting it.

Brighten up the walls

If you currently have wood paneling or walls that are painted a dark color, paint them a light color.  Wallpaper with busy patterns also diminishes the size of a room, so consider removing it and using a solid color.

Bright pictures with light colored frames add an additional splash of color; consider hanging a large mirror on the wall along one side of the dining room table.  It will reflect the entire room, making it appear twice the size!

These tips and ideas will help you design a kitchen and dining room that appears open and inviting.  You don’t have to live with a small kitchen – transform it in to a space you and your family will love!

A Spanish style kitchen incorporates elements of nature along with bold splashes of color.  The look is warm, inviting and beautiful.  Stone, rustic wood, terracotta, copper and ceramics are just a few of the elements you will find in this welcoming decor.  Whether your home is designed in a Spanish style or you just love the look, this article will help you design a kitchen that is magnificent.

Floors – the foundation of the look

In Spanish decorating, wide-plank wood or stone floors are the perfect basis for the rest of your decorating.  Ceramic tile floors will also work, as long as the color and design offers the look of nature.  Stone, granite and terracotta shades work well and lend to the overall appeal of the room.

To accent the floor, choose Spanish style rugs that are ablaze with the colors of nature; vibrant reds, sunset yellow, ocean blue and golden tones add a warm touch to the room.

Walls

If you have been in an authentic Spanish or Mexican restaurant, you have likely seen stucco walls.  This is what you want in your own kitchen!  If you cannot have the real thing, paint the walls a light stucco color and use a texturing technique to give the walls that old-style appeal.

You may even want to incorporate an area of the wall with a faux stone finish; this would be perfect in the area where the dining room table sits.  Use the stone finish for about 3 feet of wall up from the floor, and then finish the space up to the ceiling with stucco.

Decorate the walls with a touch of the southwest.  Include accents containing wood along with rope, and incorporate turquoise, red and golden yellow which are bright and add a Spanish flavor.  Copper pots and utensils also add interest and warmth to the walls.

Add architectural flair

Even if your home wasn’t built using Spanish architecture, you can create the look yourself.  If you do not have exposed wood beams, hang worn wooden planks on the ceiling to replicate the look!  Instead of a solid wall between the kitchen and dining area, place a few wooden beams from floor to ceiling to further enhance the Hacienda appeal, and add an open, airy look.

Wrought iron, wood, stone, copper – all of these elements bring a Spanish feel to your kitchen.  Top your counters with a few terracotta or ceramic pots filled with dried flowers or a bouquet of wildflowers.

Make plenty of room for the family and guests in the kitchen!  Choose a large wooden table with a rustic or worn finish; flank with chairs (mismatched is fine), and add wooden benches along the long length of the table for a warm, welcoming appeal and plenty of room to sit and enjoy meals.

Creating a Spanish style kitchen is easy with a little imagination.  Follow these tips, look through your favorite home decorating magazines, and soon you will have a kitchen that rivals the most authentic of Haciendas.

Does your kitchen need a little pick-me-up, a little something to make it more appealing and interesting?  There are all kinds of things you can do to spice up your kitchen.  For most people the kitchen is the most frequently used room in the house; it’s where meals are shared with the family, the day is evaluated and discussed and where family or friends congregate while enjoying a piece of pie.

If your kitchen lacks personality, the tips and suggestions here will give you some great ideas!  Your kitchen is the “heart” of your home, and you don’t have to live with a kitchen that has become boring or ordinary.

Choose a new theme

Whether or not you have an existing theme, thumb through home decorating magazines for new ideas.  You may lean toward traditional, European, modern and sleek, or old-fashioned country.

Whatever type of decor you decide upon, carry it throughout your entire kitchen; cabinets, accent rugs, your kitchen table, window treatments and other aspects of the decor should continue the central theme.

Budget conscious?  Easy transformations

If you don’t have the money to invest in a new dining room table or kitchen cabinets, do a little revision yourself!  Cover the dining room table with a country-patterned table cloth for a colorful, fresh new look.  Add complementary or contrasting place mats and napkins and the dining room takes on an entirely different look.

If you’re tired of your cabinets but cannot afford the fortune it costs to replace them, give them a coat of paint!  By simply sanding your existing cabinets down, putting a colorful coat of paint on and changing out the hardware, no one will know the cabinets are not new – except you.

Liven up the walls

Decorating the walls is essential in creating a kitchen that is warm and inviting; after all, consider how stark and cold blank walls look!  For the dining room, hang a single large picture on one wall.  This may be a kitchen themed print such as fruit, a botanical garden, or even an English country landscape.  Choose the art that you prefer, and that compliments the rest of the decor.

Another idea for the walls are wood plaques; today, you can find wooden accents designed in the shapes of watermelon, sunflowers, roosters, teapots and many other forms.

Copper is a beautiful addition to many kitchens; hang pots, pans, and utensils on the walls, or display them on top of your cabinets if they are open to the ceiling.

Spruce up the floors

If your kitchen floor has seen better days, maybe it’s time to get a new laminate or ceramic tile floor.  Wood is also a great choice for many decorating themes, and adds welcoming warmth to the room.

If you cannot afford a new floor, don’t worry!  Cover the worst areas with rugs, or give the floor a few coats of paint – yes, you can actually paint a linoleum floor, and the results are fantastic.  Two to three coats of paint, followed by three coats of polyurethane to protect against wear, and your kitchen floor looks brand new.  You can even stencil on your own patterns and designs if you like!

Now you’re getting excited; you never realized there were so many things you could do to freshen up the kitchen.  While these are just a few innovative ideas, go ahead and let your imagination run wild.  Get those creative juices flowing, and make your kitchen the most beautiful, relaxing room in your home – even on a budget.

If you are in the mood to freshen up your kitchen but do not want to spend a great deal of money, there are many things you can do to completely change the look of your cabinets.  Everyone knows that having new cabinets built is extremely expensive; in fact, it’s one of the most costly projects in the kitchen.  In this article, you will learn about many different ways to transform the look of your kitchen cabinets.

Paint – the solution for nearly every decorating problem

Paint has always been one of the cheapest and easiest ways to decorate your home; it’s also a great way to change up your kitchen cabinets.

To do the best job, remove the doors from the hinges so that you can paint the insides as well.  If you have grooves or inserts, consider painting them a different color from the frames.  If your kitchen is decorated in a country theme, a mixture of worn country blue and soft yellow creates a unique look.

For a modern look, consider painting your cabinets bright white.  Sand down the old finish first and clean thoroughly to remove any built-up grease and grime.  Use a bright white semi-gloss finish, and consider using a primer before you apply the paint for a look that lasts for years.

If you love a bright, contemporary look, paint your kitchen cabinets completely different colors!  Using high-gloss primary colors, paint your kitchen cabinets alternating blue, red, green and yellow.  Once the paint has dried, apply a final layer of high-gloss clear acrylic varnish.

Sand your kitchen cabinets for a country or rustic look

If you prefer the old-time charm of a country or rustic kitchen, consider sanding the cabinet doors so that they take on a worn look.

Remove the doors from the hinges, then sand around inserts and edges, or anywhere the cabinets would normally wear.  If your cabinets are painted, use a rough textured sandpaper to get the look you want.  You can sand the entire door, just make certain that you always sand in the same direction so that the look is uniform.

Change out the hardware

Once you have completed your painting or sanding project, consider changing the hardware to give your kitchen cabinets a totally new look.  If your drawer pulls and door handles are plain, look for decorative knobs.  If you prefer a modern, sleek appeal, straight steel handles may be what you prefer.

Consider the theme of your kitchen when choosing hardware.  The hardware you choose will depend on whether you are striving for a country look, traditional or European appeal, or something ultra-chic and modern.  If the hinges are in view, change those out as well to match the rest of the hardware.

Giving your kitchen cabinets an entirely new look can be accomplished without spending a bundle!  Hopefully, these ideas will help you give your kitchen a fresh new appeal that suits your design tastes – without breaking the bank.

The kitchen is often the “hub” of the home; it is where families enjoy meals and share the activities of the day.  When visitors come, this is the room where everyone “hangs out”, especially if there are snacks involved or you’re hosting a party.  You want your kitchen to reflect who you are, and you want it to be as beautiful as possible – but there are other reasons you may want to remodel your kitchen as well.

Increase the value of your home

One of the major reasons people remodel their kitchen is to increase the value of their homes.  The kitchen is the most important room in the house when prospective buyers are looking; even more than any other room, they want a kitchen that is not only beautiful but designed in a way that is efficient.

When looking at the kitchen, a buyer may look to see how close the dishwasher is located to the sink, or if the refrigerator is located in a convenient place.  Cabinets also make a difference, as they are perhaps the most expensive “decor” item in the kitchen.

Get the whole family involved

You may not even be thinking about selling your home, but if your kitchen does need an “update” – it would be a great way to get everyone in the family together on a fun project.

Remodeling your kitchen doesn’t necessarily mean replacing all of the cabinets and having new counter tops or flooring installed.  There are many things you can do yourself that will make your kitchen look as though it has been completely remodeled.

Paint the cabinets or give them a coat of stain; paint the walls and add wainscoting for richness and depth.  Put in a new porcelain or stainless steel sink – there are TONS of things you can do!

Just because your kitchen looks tired

The best reason of all to remodel your kitchen is because you want to; it’s beginning to look dated, and you’ve grown bored with the current decor.

Maybe your kitchen is now decorated in a traditional or elegant style, and you want something a bit more fun.  Transforming an elegant kitchen into one that is primitive or country is easy!  Change up the color scheme, trade out the accents and paint the cabinets.

An easy way to accomplish a country or cottage chic look in the kitchen is to paint the cabinets and then sand lightly around the edges to give them a worn or antique look.  Add accents that offer country appeal, such as sunflowers, roosters, iron skillets, rolling pins and tin signs.

Change the curtains to add further to the country decor theme.  You may want to use wood shutters, or a gingham fabric in a checked pattern.  A wrought iron hanging pot rack and bakers rack complete the look.

Painting the walls makes a huge difference in the atmosphere of the room.  With a country theme, warm colors such as muted reds, warm oranges and sunny yellows give the room cheer; in a French cafe or wine decor theme, gray, purple, burgundy and cream add a romantic, soft ambiance to the room.

As you can see, there are many great reasons to remodel your kitchen!  You can do it on a shoe-string budget, but the transformation to your kitchen will be phenomenal.

Nothing is more relaxing and cozy than a rustic or log cabin kitchen.  The wood elements that are often incorporated in this style of decor are comfortable, natural and appealing; this type of kitchen says “home” like no other style can.  If you want your kitchen to bring to mind a time and place from long ago, the tips in this article will help.

Distressed cabinets offer rustic appeal

Cabinets made of oak or knotty pine are perfect in the rustic kitchen; left in their natural state and coated with clear coat for protection, these cabinets blend seamlessly with the other wood elements in the kitchen.  Cedar or mahogany will work as well, but you might want to purchase distressed versions or distress them yourself with a little sanding to give them a worn, more antiqued look.

Decorate the counter tops with old-time charm

If you already have a butcher-block counter top, this is one of the best looks for the rustic kitchen.  Since you use it to chop and cut foods, the natural wear lends further to the rustic appeal.  If you don’t have this type of counter top, not to worry; just place a few large wood cutting boards randomly to add to the effect.

An old cracked pitcher filled with wildflowers is the perfect accent for the counter top.  Add a set of copper canisters and a wooden paper towel holder, and the look begins to come together.

Choosing colors for your rustic kitchen

The rustic style of decorating uses the colors found in nature.  Calm shades of orange such as burnt or spiced orange are comforting and warm.  Rusty reds, shades of brown, golden yellow and sage green add color and depth to the room.

Incorporate these colors into the room through scattered area rugs, a table runner for your dining room table, curtains and dish towels.  You may want to consider using wooden or ceramic roosters as colorful accents as well.

Gingham and checkerboard patterns kick it up a notch

The patterns and fabrics you use can give a room an added “punch” of color and boldness.  In the rustic kitchen, gingham and checkerboard patterns are perfect for chair covers and curtains!  Since rustic decor usually evolves around wood, these colors and patterns will help to liven everything up while still keeping the room warm.

While most people choose to keep their pots and pans hidden away in a cabinet, rustic decor is made even more charming when these utensils are put on display.  Hang your pots and pans from a wrought iron rack hung from the ceiling – this is a great focal point for the room!

Sunflower accessories, old tin signs, cast iron cookware and anything “old” works well for decorating your home with rustic flavor.  Put your own creativity to work and create a kitchen that is as comfortable and inviting as it is beautiful!  This will no doubt be the favorite room of your entire family.

Your home is your castle, therefore it should be comfortable to you and your family.  The kitchen should be designed so you get the best use of all the space.

Deciding on colors, flooring and other factors

The first thing you need to do is decide on the colors you want.  What about the flooring; do you want tile, linoleum or something else?  You need to consider what type of floor will best suit you and how easy it is to clean.

You may decide you want an island in your kitchen; before installing, decide if you prefer it be stationary or portable.  How about the placement of your windows, do you want one over your sink looking out toward the street or to the rear of your home?

Placement of appliances

Where would the dishwasher work best for you? Place it near the sink if it is to be stationary or consider a portable if you would like the convenience of rolling it to the table so that you can load the dishes without carrying them in to the kitchen.

Now it’s time to consider the range; do you want a built in range or just a range top and a separate oven built in?  You may want white because it looks clean, but you may prefer a colored range because stains and splatter won’t be as noticeable.  Be sure it doesn’t clash with your wall colors.

Your kitchen sink will be used often, so decide whether you prefer white or colored porcelain or stainless steel.  While choosing your sink, it is a good idea to go ahead and pick faucets that will match the design.

The biggest decision you may make is what refrigerator will be best for your family  A side-by-side gives you more freezer space; if you choose a refrigerator with the freezer on top or bottom, consider how many frozen goods you usually keep, as you may need to buy a separate freezer to store those items.  Again, keep your color scheme in mind when selecting your icebox.

Other decisions to ponder

Would a pantry be of use to you?  If you store a lot of canned goods, boxed items and vegetables, a pantry comes in handy.  You can build one in the kitchen if space allows, or build it in another area of the house where it may even hold a chest freezer.

Cabinet placement requires a bit of thought, especially if you want certain items to be conveniently located.  For example, you may want your drinking glasses located in a cabinet near the refrigerator, so that you don’t have to walk across the room to get ice.  Cookware stored near the stove is a good idea as well if you cook on a regular basis.

Can a section of your counters be used as a bar?  If you plan on using it for meals or as a place for the kids to have a snack, think about how high it should be.  A counter that is normal height will require bar stools; if you prefer to use chairs, the counter area will need to be a bit lower than normal.

These are all details you need to think about carefully when designing your kitchen.  Since this is the room that your family is likely to be in most often, you want it to be relaxing, comfortable and convenient.  Use the tips above to design a kitchen that is not only beautiful, but created with great use of available space as well.

Primitive kitchen decorating brings to mind years past, when life was less complicated.  Even though times were tight, family members relaxed and enjoyed themselves in the kitchen; the atmosphere was comfortable and welcoming.  Today, many people choose to decorate their own kitchen using a primitive theme, whether it resembles country decor or shabby chic.  This article offers tips and ideas for creating your own primitive kitchen.

When it comes to color there are no rules

In primitive kitchen decorating, draw out the colors of the accessories you plan to use.  Apples, baskets, and farm animals are common accessories used in country style primitive decor.  Consider painting walls and window sills sage green, soft blues or yellow.

Colors are washed and worn looking; you want furnishings and accents to have a worn, weathered look.  This is why sage green and country blue tones work so well with this style of decor.

Furniture – buy new, or “re-do” what you already have

Furnishings in primitive decorating take on a well-used appearance as well.  You can buy furniture today that has an old-fashioned primitive appeal.  If you cannot afford to buy a new dining room suit, distress the one you have!  This can be accomplished with a sander, some paint and a few crackling techniques.

All you need to do is paint your wood furniture with the shade you have chosen, then sand lightly around areas that would naturally “wear” over time.  If you really want to do a professional job, sand the old finish off before you start.  Paint chairs and cabinets; replace hardware on drawers and cabinet doors with hardware that has a more primitive look.

Rugs, Curtains, Accents – The small things make the biggest difference

In primitive decorating, choose rugs and curtains that are made of natural fabrics.  Cotton, hemp, and linen – these fabrics offer a light, natural look that lends itself to the room.  A unique idea for the windows is to hang cotton material or even dish towels from a wire stretched across the top of the window; secure the dish towels with wooden clothes hangers for a look that is original and appealing.

When it comes to accents for your kitchen, the older they look the better!  Set an old cast iron kettle on a back burner to resurrect old memories; for the walls, consider rolling pins and old metal or tin signs.  A hanging pot rack, some old jars of various sizes lined up above the cabinets, flour sifters and pastry cutters bring the primitive look together.

As you can see, decorating your kitchen in a primitive theme doesn’t have to cost a fortune; in fact, it can be accomplished for practically nothing!  Shop flea markets, antique and thrift stores and estate sales to find things that are “old” but will bring a whole new appeal to your kitchen!  Take your kitchen (and your mind) back to a time when life was meant to be enjoyed – it’s easy.

Decorating your kitchen in a retro diner theme is perfect for those who love the old-time appeal of diners from the 50′s and 60′s.  If you’re tired of the way your kitchen looks and want to do something dramatic, this is your chance!  Friends and family will love gathering in your retro-style kitchen to visit, play cards and enjoy a milkshake, just like the good old days.

Decide on a color scheme first

Before just jumping into everything, first choose the color scheme you want to use in the kitchen.  Consider using colors like red, turquoise, and pink; bright flamboyant colors are perfect for this retro look.  Of course, black and white work as great accents for any of these choices.  Many times you will see an old fashioned diner use red and white checkered table cloths and decorations.  No matter what colors you choose, make sure there is plenty of chrome!  Shiny accents further enhance the appeal of a retro kitchen.

Prepare to paint

Before you begin painting walls or cabinetry, take the time to tape off trim, door frames, window sills and other areas you aren’t going to paint.  Tarps are great for protecting countertops, cabinets and floors from paint splatters, so that you don’t spend more time cleaning up and touching up than necessary.

When you have chosen the primary color for your kitchen, paint at least one wall to infuse the room with bright color.  If your cabinets are currently stained or painted, sand them to remove most of the surface paint or finish.  You can then re-paint them any color of your choosing – and don’t forget the hardware!  This is the perfect time to include a little of that chrome we were talking about earlier.  Buy spray paint in a chrome finish, and give your drawer pulls, cabinet door knobs and other small accessories that retro “shine!”  If you painted one wall red or turquoise, you may want to consider painting your cabinets black or white to contrast.

Give the floor “retro” appeal with black and white

Ceramic tiles are perfect for a retro themed kitchen, but if it’s easier on your budget vinyl will work as well.  Black and white tiles fit right in with the theme; they add further depth and interest to the room.  You can also use black and red if you really want the room to pop, but make sure that the bold color won’t wear out its welcome too soon.  Before you purchase your flooring, make sure to measure the room so that you don’t end up with too many tiles (costly) or too little flooring to cover the area.

Rev up the retro with accessories

Now that you have the biggest part of the work completed, it’s time for those accessories that really help bring out that retro diner appeal.  Anything that is shiny or chrome will work; the dining room table should have chrome accents, and vinyl upholstery really contributes to the vintage look.  A large neon clock or flashing sign will bring to mind the old diners of the 50′s and 60′s.  Flea markets, online auctions and vintage shops are the perfect places to find these accessories, usually at a great price!

You can be sure that when you transform your traditional kitchen in to a “retro diner” it will bring a bit of nostalgia and old-time enjoyment to the room.  Everyone who enters your home will be envious of a kitchen that is warm, welcoming and totally unique!