An Old World Kitchen,
Not So Old Anymore.
The Old World kitchen style is steeped in tradition and very warm and inviting. With an emphasis on natural materials and deep, rich tones.
This style kitchen is reminiscent of 1700's Europe. Raised Arch panel doors, brick, and stone are very well placed in this kitchen. Stone flooring and plaster walls are also a staple of this design.Woods commonly used are mahogany, red oak, and cherry. Dark colored woods are usually seen in newer homes with painted cabinets seen in the older homes. Painted cabinets are often seen with crackled finishes and beadboard details. Open dish and cup racks are also popular elements of this design. Floors are usually stone, such as slate flooring, are most common. Stone is also common on the walls and around the range. Wood flooring can also be a good choice if the color is not to light, and made of heavy, dark woods. Mahogany floors are a good choice. A big part of the design of an Old World kitchen is the range hood. Often covered in plaster or brick, it protrudes and is a huge focal point in the room. Often much larger than the range and extending into the room much more than a standard range hood. Hoods can also be made of copper but new copper is often too bright for the design and is artificially darkened, or patinated. Ornate crown mouldings are often seen as well. With arched doorways to match the arches in cabinet doors. Wood casings the same material of the cabinets are used to bring the whole design together. Lighting is often chandeliers, sconces, and pendants. Recessed lighting is not normally used because it doesn't fit into the whole design concept. But a good lighting design can incorporate these if used at a minimum instead of the main lighting scheme. Lighting is usually made of wrought iron or pewter with clear glass. Sconces in the style of old lanterns are a perfect match to the Old World kitchen. Countertop materials are often granite and marble. With modern materials able to better mimic the natural materials, they can be used as well. Some of the new composites match natural materials very closely. Other details commonly seen are turned legs on the corners of base cabinets and island, bun feet, and flush toe kicks. Bringing all of these design elements together will help to create a truly magnificent kitchen. Similar styles are Gothic, Tuscan, Mediterranean, Castle, and French Chateau.
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