Creating a Tuscan Kitchen through Colorful and Earthy Designs
by Joe Cooper

Warmth and old world charm are the signature qualities of Tuscan kitchen design. Although the "old country" is often evoked through the warm yellows and inviting atmosphere of a Tuscan kitchen design, many contemporary kitchen designs involve Tuscan kitchen qualities. One of the great things about this kind of kitchen design is its ability to be contemporary and match many home and family types.

Tuscan Kitchen Layout Ideas
The layout is instrumental in creating a Tuscan kitchen. The European tradition of gathering together for cooking and conversation is the essence of a Tuscan kitchen, and the layout should reflect this sense of community. A Tuscan layout should offer plenty of gathering space including:
•Open islands where several people can stand
•A bar where people can sit
•A stove top in an island to encourage outward facing cooking
•If you are remodeling, position windows over sinks and counters to allow lots of sunlight

Any kitchen design idea that encourages the gathering of multiple people will encourage the Tuscan style of your kitchen.

The Details that Make a Kitchen Design Tuscan
The celebration of flavor and color is a popular Tuscan kitchen design idea. Leaving spices and oils on countertops or ledges adds color (and functionality) to a Tuscan kitchen. This also applies to pottery, decorative dishes, or canisters. "Leave it out" could be the mantra of Tuscan style.

Hanging pots and pans (especially if they are copper) is another Tuscan kitchen design idea that adds flare to your kitchen. Stone, marble, and clay are also used in Tuscan kitchens, adding an ancient Italian feel to the space. A beautiful but affordable kitchen design idea that can also be used in contemporary design is to use an expensive material, like marble, only on the backsplashes in your kitchen. This will provide that authentic style while using a minimal amount of the expensive material.

With a welcoming, communal layout, and materials that recall the old world days of Tuscany, you can create the warm Tuscan kitchen design you're looking for.

Sources
Accents of Salado

About the Author
Joe Cooper is a freelance education, technology, and home design writer. He holds a bachelor’s in American Literature from UCLA.