Capture The Old World Charm Of Spain In Your New Kitchen Design!

By Author: Susan Fuss
Total Articles: 6
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Creating a Spanish kitchen design is possible while retaining convenient contemporary appliances and devices. These are hidden behind cabinetry as in any integrated kitchen. The influence of this sort of kitchen is based on the hacienda or Spanish estate. Colors are vivid and rich, materials are natural and earthy and the atmosphere is dramatic, bold and family-oriented. Antiques and vintage items of interest could decorate the open shelves, giving an authentic air to your style.
Design Features: Space is an essential part of this kitchen style. A central island used as a preparation area could also include an oven and cooktop, or a deep copper sink.
Cabinets have large drawers and contrast well with the pieces of large, ornate, tall furniture that could store the equipment, large bowls, casserole dishes and utensils.
An antique lamp placed hanging over the island gives atmosphere, and other modern 'task lights' can be used for functionality in a discreet way. An antique wrought iron candelabra would be in keeping with this design.
Hand-painted ceramic tiles are very decorative and a Spanish country kitchen ...
... would probably feature cream, blue, red and green. Colorful Talavera tiles, pottery and dishware are plentiful both to use in cooking and eating, and as decorative items.
A wooden rack hung from the ceiling on old chains would be useful from which to hang pewter and copper pots and pans.This is both typical of the style and also provides storage.
Flooring should be of natural materials such as stone, clay, or wood.
A large hearth would be used for cooking over and for warmth, but you could use it to frame a gorgeous copper water jug of dried or fresh flowers, or herbs.
Walls would also be of natural materials and painted in strong colors...rich reds, deep blues, dark greens, deep yellows and warm umber. use paler accents and tones of similar colors on cabinets, shelving or picture frames. Walls and cabinets and other furniture often have a 'distressed' look. This is easy to create yourself.
Natural light is important and you can put in a skylight if possible, or open up windows. Painting a mural will also give a feeling of light and space and uniqueness.
Wrought iron light fittings, knobs, handles, hooks and racks give an authentic look to the Spanish kitchen design.
Accessories:
Display a paella pan and a cazuela, bottles of olive oils and bunches of herbs.
Earthenware pots for making cocidos and other casserole dishes can be stacked on dressers. These look solid, earthy and very decorative.
Display copper and pewter items such as espresso pots, garlic presses and mortar and pestle. Heavy mason jars can be useful as well as beautiful.
Glassware can be displayed in the dresser on glass racks or behind glass wall cabinet doors.
Display stacks of brightly painted dishes and plates that are cheerful and vibrant.
Dried lavender could be hung from your wooden rack above the island bench.
Your lovely Spanish kitchen design will attract friends and family and will really become the heart of your home, with its
deep, earthy colors, natural materials and its solid feel of an age gone by.
Susan is the webmaster of Clever Kitchen Designs, an informative and extremely useful website for all who are planning a kitchen remodel or constructing a new kitchen. You will be guided through all the elements of design and given great tips and ideas along the way!