Inspired by two of her favorite kitchens in Tuscany, designer Anita De Domenico has created an Italian-style kitchen in her Santa Fe home that's as beautiful as it is functional. Filled with antique tile imported from Italy and colorful Italian pottery, with a large center island as its focal point, this great room reflects the Italian custom of gathering friends and family together in a big warm room meant for living as well as cooking. Creating the Look of an Italian Kitchen Use Italian tile: Glowing antique tile imported from Italy lines the countertop and fireplace, making the room feel like a true Tuscan kitchen (figure A). Create a large center island for working and entertaining: The focal point of Anita's kitchen, a new but made-to-look-old center island, is based on the design of authentic Italian kitchens, which usually feature a large wooden or stone table placed in the middle of the room for food preparation. The island is beautifully made, with aged wood and rustic tin, and large enough for many people to gather around to converse or participate in food preparation (figure B). The maple top serves as a large cutting board, and a deep built-in sink built offers a place to stash dirty pots and pans while socializing. Create a separate area for baking: A Tuscan kitchen often includes a baking kitchen slightly removed from the main room but still part of the space. For a European look, use an old armoire or a wooden cabinet to store baking supplies. Anita designed an old-looking cabinet for her baking area (figure C). Leave spices on display: Celebrate the functionality of the kitchen the Italian way by displaying glass bottles of pretty spices in an open spice rack. Collect Italian pottery: The bright colors and patterns of Italian pottery will add a real Tuscan flair to your kitchen (figure D).
GUESTS :
Anita De Domenico
D IV Designs
460 Circle Drive
Santa Fe, NM 87501
Phone: 505-989-4760
Fax: 505-982-1367
E-mail: DIV_Designs@compuserve.com
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