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A Mediterranean kitchen can be one of the most dramatic areas in your house. The whole family will truly appreciate the similar feeling of being close to tranquil shores and the warm sun. You need to know the basic materials and colors to create the perfect environment though. Here are some tips on how to design your rustic and elegant kitchen.
Choosing the Right Color
If you’re planning to have Greece’s captivating environment, blue and white are great combinations. These colors will create the soothing sense of being close to the Aegean Sea. Use lime whitewash on countertops, some parts of the floor or tabletops. Windows and doors usually have wooden borders so you may paint these blue or green. The main idea is to make a beautiful contrast with the solid light color.
If you want the African environment, stick to earth colors like brown, orange, brick red and beige. These evoke the similar feeling of being in the hot deserts of the Mediterranean. Terracotta tiles are perfect both on floors and walls. You can paint walls dark orange while giving a lighter hue to window and door borders. If you’re using beige, it is recommended to add another darker color like brown for a nice contrast.
Creating an atmosphere reminiscent to that of Portugal in your Mediterranean kitchen requires more colors like blue, green, purple, pink, yellow and some of the earth hues. Your goal is to imitate the beautiful gardens and vineyards so green and flower colors are vital. You may want to experiment with lavender and yellow. A flower mural is acceptable in this design. Earth-color tiles will provide a good contrast with the bright tones.
A Mediterranean kitchen tries to infuse both a warm yet soothing feel so if the earth tones and bright colors begin to make the room seem too hot, neutralize with pastel colors like lime, sky blue and cream. Open windows act as neutralizers too by bringing in cool air and displaying the blue sky and greens outside.
Items to Add
Clay, ceramic and mosaic are common items found in Mediterranean kitchens. Because of the warm effect created by the earth colors, ceramics are important to neutralize and add a cool atmosphere. Mosaics are best placed on spots where they stand out immediately like countertops and above the sink. You may leave clay pots in one part as display. Wooden utensils and kitchen items are preferred over stainless steel ones.
Egyptian and Turkish mats and coasters make great decorations. There are also towels with African designs so feel free to hang these over the sink or the oven handle. You can have counter chairs custom-made as well. Change the cushioning or repaint with brighter tones for a warmer feel. Handmade glasses, mugs and plates are usually placed on open shelves mounted on the walls. These are both functional and decorative in nature.
Natural stones and unpolished marble are perfect for sinks and countertops in your Mediterranean kitchen. You can also invest in a few antique lighting fixtures like a hanging lamp or sconces to get that rustic look. Candle holders are very dramatic too especially when planning a romantic dinner. Avoid heavy drapes on the windows and allow as much light as you can. White silk or cotton is effective as curtains.
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