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Italian Kitchen Designs for a Modern House

Posted: October 26th, 2008 | Author: admin | Filed under: italian kitchens | 8 Comments »

modern italian kitchen 300x262 Italian Kitchen Designs for a Modern HouseThere is nothing more comforting to a city dweller than an image of a traditional Italian kitchen full of family and simmering pots of time-honored dishes. During our time working in Brooklyn, NY we have seen Italian kitchens become more and more popular with homeowners. Of course it would be hard to say that there is only one type of Italian kitchen décor, after all Italy is a modern and diverse nation. However, when most people refer to this type of kitchen, they indicate the traditional rustic style.  These types of kitchens could be found in the Tuscan countryside in houses overlooking hundred year old olive tree fields.  These kitchens often use natural elements and convey the influences of the countryside.  In many ways, the traditional Italian kitchen is the opposite of the modern sleek style that has also become popular in the last few years. The Italian kitchen embraces the charm associated with the old world by creating a deep sense of tradition and warmth.

When creating a perfect Italian kitchen one should never be afraid of creating some clutter and disorder. It does not mean that a sense of design goes out of the window! Instead these types of kitchens require an even keener sense of the underlying motive. In a perfect Italian kitchen there might be some clash of colors, some outdated appliances, and even some tired looking furniture, but the overall effect should always be fresh and welcoming.

Typically Italian style kitchens allow for a lot of flexibility in the actual choice of appliances, furniture and colors.  But if you are looking for a very traditional appearance, we suggest you use lots of bright and natural colors. Look towards the Italian countryside for inspiration. Use lots of warm yellow and orange tones as a way to mimic a beautiful sunrise and sunset. Use blue for the sky and green for the foliage found all over Tuscany. Finally, allow the colors to come together in unusual ways, for example by putting red and green next to each. This will allow colors to pop and create a sense of liveliness. When creating a perfect Italian kitchen in Brooklyn, you must not be afraid to experiment and allow yourself to go a step further than feels comfortable. Whenever possible utilize the already natural and rustic parts of your house. You can play up a wall by exposing the underlying brick or by exposing a few well chosen beams. You can add a fireplace or a beautiful hardwood floor if you are willing to invest a bit more into the project. You can also look for furniture that has an appearance of being in your family for generations.  This is often hard to find in modern stores, but it is well worth the search. Finally, make sure to keep everything in moderation. It is important to find a balance between the old and the new. After all this will be kitchen designed for the 21st century, and it should have all of the modern conveniences that you have come to love and depend upon.


The Latest Trends in Kitchen Designs

Posted: October 19th, 2008 | Author: admin | Filed under: design trend | No Comments »

In most of today’s households the kitchen is the center of the family life.  The kitchen is where we prepare our meals, where we gather together as a family and spend time with our guests. A good kitchen design is practical and allows us to carry out our life in a most seamless way possible. But that does not mean we should give up on style! A kitchen can be both practical and beautiful. A designer kitchen should accommodate all of your family’s needs, while also creating a beautiful environment for you and your guests.  We at the Artistic Kitchen Designs (located in Brooklyn, NY) have compiled some of the latest trends in kitchen designs that should meet all of your needs.

The biggest trend this season is not a particular-themed design, but a highly unique and individualized kitchen that reflects the character of the homeowner. Magazine editors are encouraging individuals to make bold style choices that reflect their personalities. This might mean mixing a few styles to achieve a truly unique designer kitchen. For example, you might like the look of a traditional style kitchen, but prefer the simplicity of a modern décor. Now you can mix the two styles by using a traditional wood finish, but also utilizing shelves that minimize clutter. The possibilities are truly endless and you should feel free to play around with the options.

A kitchen is nothing without a great set of appliances. Today’s appliances allow you customize your kitchen as much or as little as you need. Many homeowners choose to get two sets of appliances in order to streamline their kitchens. For years designers have been installing two dishwashers into their designer kitchens, but the latest trend takes it even further. Homeowners who love to entertain or have big families are encouraged to get two stoves for their new kitchens. In addition to these more traditional choices, homeowners can also upgrade to warming drawers, three-bowl sinks and stovetop barbecue grills. The overall theme this season is the focus on highly practical kitchens that create a uniquely-beautiful atmosphere for their users.        


Choosing the Perfect Cabinets for Your New Kitchen

Posted: October 2nd, 2008 | Author: admin | Filed under: kitchen cabinets | 5 Comments »

So you have decided that you need a new kitchen. You have wanted to make a change for a while, and you are finally ready to make that commitment. Great! Our knowledgeable staff at the Artistic Kitchen Designs located in Brooklyn, NY is ready to help you with this important project. Many people who decide to remodel their kitchens feel lost and don’t know where to begin. Well the most important decision you can make is to pick your kitchen cabinets. This might seem like an easy enough proposition, but there are hundreds of styles and finishes to choose from and will require a bit of research. When making the decision consider your family needs, the climate you live in and the style you want to project.

Kitchen cabinets come in two basic types: face-frame and frameless cabinets. Face-frame cabinets have a hardwood frame on the face of the cabinet and create a very classic cabinet appearance. These are the cabinets that are typically used in the American homes. Frameless cabinets don’t have such frames and allow the builder to create a more seamless-streamlined look. This is the style most often used by the European builders. The style you should choose depends on the look you want to create for your kitchen.  A more modern look would probably require a frameless construction, but a traditional kitchen would look great with a face-framed cabinets.

The appearance of the cabinet doors is the second most important decision you can make. After all, this would be the face of your kitchen, the first thing a visitor will see when entering the room. The cabinet doors come in all designs and finishes. When making this decision, consider your budget and your kitchen needs. Keep in mind that if you are on a budget, you can choose lacquer or vinyl as two great alternatives to pricey wood or metal finishes. If you live on a beach or in a very humid environment, you should think about investing in stainless steel cabinets because these hold-up much better in such conditions. If you have young children in the house, consider investing in a finish that would allow you to take off dirt quickly and easily. Finally, don’t forget about all of the extras that make a kitchen truly unique.  You can choose among a countless number of hinges, knobs, and light fixtures to compliment your new kitchen design.