Tuscan Kitchens
If you have ever had the pleasure of visiting that slice of heaven on earth called Tuscany, you know that Tuscan kitchens are something truly surreal.
Within Italy, family always comes first. However, food is a very close second. This is solely due to the fact that Tuscan cuisine is unlike any other type of food that you have ever tried. Fresh tomatoes that melt in your mouth, cheese that has just come from the farm, lots of homemade proscuitto, and plenty of divine wine. Dining in Tuscany is a lot like dining in heaven... and it all begins with the things that go on inside of Tuscan kitchens.
If you want to evoke a Tuscan spirit inside of your home, there are a few key elements that must not be overlooked. The first thing to remember is that nothing inside of Tuscany is rushed. This means that you will have to forget about those microwaves and fast cookers, and opt for some slower methods of producing food. Most Tuscan kitchens include some type of stone oven, lots of ceramic and stone counters and floors, and some type of grilling surface. Also, many of these spaces also include a large earthen fireplace.
As far as decor goes, you will find that stereotypical burnt orange (or “sienna”) color inside of these homes. Since more great kitchens in this area also happen to be part of large vineyards, you will also see a lot of dark red woods inside of these spaces. If you mix stone with sunset orange and dark wooden cabinets, tables, and drawers, you will be on your way to creating your own intimate Italian space. Of course, none of this will be simple to achieve (after all, Tuscany has been in existence for many decades now), which is why you may want to hire a designer to help you out.
Lastly, the one thing that cannot be compromised when creating this type of space is, well, space. There is nothing tight or small about the Tuscany region – and that includes all those fabulous kitchens. Most homes within this area include large ceilings, larger windows, and great halls filled with candles, stone, and large tapestries – are you getting the idea? If you don’t have lots of space, simply create the illusion by avoiding clutter.
In order to pull of your fantastic space, keep in mind all of those Tuscan kitchens mentioned above. Work with a designer to create the best cooking area possible, and you will soon see what dining in Tuscany is really all about.
