Capture the Old World Charm That is the Spanish Kitchen Design
Creating a Spanish kitchen design is possible while retaining contemporary appliances and devices. These are hidden behind cabinetry as in any integrated kitchen. The charm of this sort of kitchen comes from a 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 appliances 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 which serves as a preparation area could also include an oven and cooktop.
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.
Hand-painted ceramic tiles are very decorative and a Spanish country kitchen would probably feature cream, blue and green. Colorful Talavera tiles, pottery and dishware are plentiful both to use in cooking and eating, and as decorative items. Mosaic tiles are also common in old world kitchens.
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 - 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.
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 beautiful.
Display copper and pewter items such as espresso pots, garlic presses and mortar and pestle. Heavy mason jars can be useful as well as decorative.
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.
Your lovely Spanish kitchen design will make everyone happy and will really ground you in the heart of your home, with its deep, earthy colors, natural materials and its solid feel of an age gone by.
Go to Victorian Kitchen for ideas about decorating in this style
Information about a beautiful rustic Italian kitchen
How to make a kitchen fit for a top chef
Ideas about decorating in a European style
Tips and ideas about creating a classic French style kitchen
All about creating a country style kitchen
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