Modern Tuscan Kitchen

Even the most modern, fitted Tuscan kitchen must adapt to a very old house.

There is a special challenge to installing a modern Tuscan kitchen in an ancient building. Even one as modern as this fitted kitchen in an Italian villa has its special characteristics. (Please forgive the slightly blurry photos, I had to enlarge them but I thought it was worth showing this actual Tuscan kitchen to upend the really awful faux Tuscan style that has infected the U.S.) This one, with fitted cabinets enclosing the refrigerator and the range would be considered “American style.” Still, it has typical Italian informality and charm. One very common thing to find in a country kitchen is open is open storage areas in the bottom or base cabinets. Large scale terracotta tile behind the range and on the floor is part of the look, as are the white stucco walls and tile ceiling. Kitchen chimneys in old houses are remnants of the original fireplaces and often still function without extractor fans. There is open shelving on each side of the range.

A closer view of the refrigerator wall shows something unusual in a country kitchen — an American style refrigerator with water in the door. What’s interesting is to see how an armoire is built around it.

However, the ceilings are so high in old buildings the tops of the cabinets serve as storage areas. Note the ancient paneled kitchen door that most likely served as the prototype for the material and style of the cabinets.

The wall opposite the range is broken by an old low arch. It’s an awkward space but the stone adds a pretty edge. Since the wall isn’t fully usable for storage, two plate racks were installed for display of typical faïence dish ware.

A partial view of the main sink, under a window, shows a large plate rack over the paneled dishwasher. The rustic table in the center of the kitchen is also available as a secondary work space.

(Source: Il Trebbio)

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