The decision to remodel their kitchen was easy for these two working parents. After traveling to Italy and being inspired by the local architecture as well as the local cuisine, they knew they wanted to bring a taste of Italy home with them. The couple enjoys cooking and together with their two children, the family spends a lot of time in the kitchen and family room area, so the space needed to be both comfortable and functional.
The design began with cabinet refinishing. Going from a very dark red cherry stain to a more neutral brown tone was a smart choice on my client’s part, but as so often happens when one change is made it makes the other design flaws more evident. White counters and floors and the dark wallpaper, although attractive on its own, did not go along with the Tuscan look. We needed to make changes, and this busy mother of two called me for help.
We started by choosing the largest elements first: flooring, counter tops, wall surfaces including tile for the back splash and a decorative paint finish for the walls. Natural elements such as wood, copper, and stone are all combined to provide warmth and texture. I recommended a wide rustic plank hickory floor to evoke the time worn look of a Tuscan farmhouse. To compliment the floor we chose a tumbled natural stone back splash installed on the diagonal to give movement without being too busy. Copper accent tiles also add interest. For the counter tops, we made a trip to Dente Classic Stone in Oakmont, PA to choose our granite by the slab. Walking among the many large granite slabs, we were able to view the entire pattern on the surface, instead of just choosing from a small sample. The wallpaper had been stripped off by this time so we also chose a warm decorative paint finish custom created by a professional painter to give the walls the look of old plaster yet with a very modern feel.
With all the new earthy surfaces, we needed to also take a look at the furniture. We all agreed the old wrought iron table and chairs needed to be replaced with something that would better define the breakfast nook. My client located a wonderful copper top table with leather chairs from Arhaus Furniture, a local furniture store. A round area rug from Ballard Designs completes the look and ties all the colors together.
The beautiful black and gold damask valances, accented with beaded trim, are all custom designed by TComino Designs.
My client has told me many times how much she loves her new kitchen. She tries to find some quiet time each week before school is out for the day and the kids get home to just sit and enjoy her surroundings. Perhaps the kitchen does have some of that old world charm of Tuscany. Maybe all the elements did come together in a warm tapestry of color and texture. Italy, it seems, is not as far away as we think.
