A large stove in a brick-lined niche creates a natural focal point for a Tuscan-style kitchen.
With its vaulted ceiling, exposed beams and terracotta tile floor this natural pine kitchen has a muscular Italian. Natural pine cabinets have a definite country flavor along with the brick-like backsplash inset with tile rosettes.
But it’s the large range, built into a prominent niche also lined with staggered brick tiles that creates the kitchen’s focal point. And a most effective one it is. Look carefully inside and there’s a pot filler faucet on the right and a high shelf on the left to stash seasonings. Placing a prominent mantel shelf at the top of the opening beefs up the chimney look and provides a spot for a display of Italian majolica.
Green stools with rush seats at the raised island eating bar provide a useful jolt of color that keeps the wood tones from appearing bland. But every time I look at this kitchen I discover some new element — a wine rack on the side, the plate rack and display shelf over the sink, and astonishingly industrial pendant lights which give all the rustic sweetness a nice hard edge.
