Appliances, Hardware, and Fixtures
Fireplaces are a standard element in the kitchen, usually having a scrolled wrought iron metal screen in the front. However, it does not fit everyone’s taste. Thankfully, it can be emulated using a brick arch over the stove.
With today’s modern style appliances in the kitchen, having them visible is not ideal in an Old World kitchen. A solution to this is to cover the exposed microwave, dishwasher, and refrigerator with distressed, dark-stained cabinet doors or purchase black appliances as they tend to integrate better in the style.
Wrought iron and hand-forged metal are great accents to add to the kitchen as decoration or in practical uses such as pot racks, decorative scrolled arches in windows, or bar stools. Oil-rubbed bronze, brass, copper, and black metals are great for faucet fixtures, pot racks, lighting fixtures, knobs, handles, and other hardware. These tie in the overall feel and look of an Old World kitchen.
Counters, Furniture, and Backsplashes
Limestone, travertine, marble, and granite are great options for your countertops. In keeping with the theme of contrast, light-colored stones work well against the darker colors of the cabinets. However, if it is preferred, wood can replace the use of stone for the countertops and still be as beautiful and blend well with the rest of the kitchen.
A unique feature to the furniture of this style is that most of it is freestanding and not built in. If this is the preferred style, it’s best to avoid having built-in shelves and pantries and utilize freestanding cabinets and shelves for storage. Adding a central workspace and a gathering place in the kitchen, such as a kitchen island with a marble top or butcher block helps to add a focal point in the room. To add a little more detail to the island, use hardware and hinges that are bold, rustic, and oversized to the doors and drawers.
Backsplashes are a great way to add a bit of color and personal flair into the kitchen. A great way to add this is by hand-painting the tiles with designs and colors pulled from this style. Light colored tiles, such as limestone or travertine, are excellent backgrounds for the designs and add another light/dark contrast to the kitchen.
Finishing Details
There are many little details to add to the Old World style in the kitchen. One way is through the use of different fabrics. Adding tapestries, brocades, large floral or scroll patterned damasks, woven materials with tassels, fringe, or beads to walls and windows, rich rugs to floors, or leather or chenille for seat covers will pull the Old World aesthetic together.
Adding little touches such as canisters, vases, knick-knacks, metal or ceramic dishes, or even a few house plants can add the final touches to the kitchen.
