If you love the timeless style of Old World European architecture, an Old World style kitchen may be the perfect choice for your Norwalk, CT kitchen remodeling project. This kitchen style is robust, timeless, and mostly handcrafted with a level of warmth and sophistication you won’t see in modern design. With little niches, unusual angles, and grand details, an Old World kitchen offers all of the modern conveniences you want in a kitchen that looks as if it’s been there for centuries. Here are the classic traits of an Old World kitchen and how you can achieve the look in your own home.
Handcrafted Wood Elements
One of the dominant elements of an Old World kitchen is ornamental, furniture-look cabinetry with heavy cornice molding. Dark woods are typically used for cabinetry like walnut, which is paired with a light natural stone to balance out the darkness. Quality craftsmanship and the work of a handyman are the focus of the woodwork in an Old World kitchen. Classic architectural elements like raised panels, beaded edges, Greek-key molding, pediments, and columns are incorporated everywhere. To create the appearance of age, a handyman can apply a transparent dark glaze to custom cabinets on-site for the Old World character you’re going for.
The look of free-standing furniture should expand beyond the cabinets as well. A traditional Old World kitchen will also have large buffets, free-standing armoires, and other types of oversized furniture with ornate details.
Along with the cabinets and furniture, an Old World kitchen usually features thick, exposed rough-hewn ceiling beams. Rich wood continues to the flooring, which may be oak or cherry-wood. Because Old World kitchens are inspired by the European design of the 1500s, modern appliances can clash. Stainless steel appliances are usually disguised with custom wooden panels.
Wrought Iron Elements
Wrought iron once represented a skilled trade that involved heating iron and working it by hand with tools into complex and decorative items. Wrought iron elements are key to achieving the Old World feel and they can be incorporated in many ways. For example, wood cabinet panels can be replaced with wrought iron or it can be used as a decorative window dressing. Large wrought iron chandeliers can set the mood while wrought iron stools or kitchen chairs can help ground the space.
Old World Color Scheme
The right color palette will bring your new Old World kitchen remodeling project together. An Old World kitchen is usually colorful with a color palette that’s deep and rich. Deep blues and bright reds are balanced with gold, brown, and cream tones in natural stone. Pewter, copper, and wrought iron all complement the rich color scheme. You can also add vibrant pops of color with custom mosaics and hand-painted tile.
The Details
Along with the main elements of the kitchen, the Old World feel truly comes together with the details. Traditionally, Old World kitchens included a fireplace or hearth, but this isn’t always possible or practical. Instead, the centerpiece of the kitchen may become a large copper and stone range hood with a colorful medallion. The walls of the kitchen add new texture with red brick, claystone, or faux plaster. Your new Norwalk, CT kitchen can be completed with arches and columns around your windows and over the sink and stove areas. Don’t forget to accessorize your new kitchen with copper or bronze faucet fixtures, lighting fixtures, and cabinet hardware.