Saturday, November 21, 2009

Decorating Ideas For Traditional Kitchens

By Matthew Kerridge

Traditional Kitchens are becoming one of the most popular styles in new homes today. They have the look of old inviting country kitchens full of warmth and charm. These are truly kitchens everyone feels welcomed into.

Placing a aged wooden farm table in the kitchen or dining area is a true way of really getting the traditional style. You can also buy vintage flour cabinets that are usually metal and wood painted white. These have the flour bin and sifter built right into them and the counter surface extends for rolling dough and cutting it out. This is a real find if you can locate one of these in perfect condition.

Your floors if you want to continue the country charm should be in tiles that are rustic in design or get linoleum that looks like real wooden flooring for half the price that actual wood floors would cost you.

A great way of thinking about things to add in your kitchen that flows with the traditional themes is to think what your Grandmother's looked like and what types of accessories and designs she had in it. This is true vintage traditional. This will make it much easier for you to choose items by thinking this way.

Your cabinets should be in natural pine or cedar with just a clear varnish on them. No paint or stain should be applied as this detracts from their natural beauty. You can also shop around for baker's rack to match it in color and display some cast iron cookware, stoneware plates and vintage tea towels etc. On them for even more touches of the country feel. If you want cabinets with color then go for traditional white with glass front doors on some or a country blue.

If you are using curtains on your kitchen windows you can either make your own valances out of fabrics that are country looking or buy some in bandanna prints etc. Linen napkins, tablecloths and place mats work best in these more traditional kitchens.

Browse on-line at some of the auction sites or ramble through flea markets and vintage shops for the best in classic country charm. Here you will find true vintage things to add into your kitchen and make the feeling even more cozy for all who enter within it.

You can never go wrong with displaying spices in your kitchen in an old wooden spic cabinet. These usually come in medium to larger sizes and have tiny clasp o the front that keep them closed. They have old papered spice uses on the front of them and add such great charm to all kitchens that have been decorated in the traditional styles.

Using a center island in your design if you have the room is great for a work station, especially if counter tops are narrow. These islands give you more room to work and prepare your meals before cooking. They can be excellent homework stations as well.

Little modern touches which have an air of convenience to them can be hidden from sight but you know they are there. Make a corner cabinet useful by having pull out corner shelves to make reaching things much easier. Have small wire racks added to cabinet doors for holding utensils, spices and favorite potholders etc. All these things make up traditional kitchens but the real thing that makes them yours is your own personal touches.

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