Magazine images of beautiful kitchens may catch our fancy, but let’s face it: they often lack a personal connection, making it difficult to really picture yourself there. I suggest a more organic way of creating the kitchen you desire. An artful picture of a place you love can be all the inspiration you need.
I recently stumbled upon this photograph in “House Beautiful” of a streetscape in Havana, Cuba.
The suggested gray and green color palette plucked from the photograph would be gorgeous in a kitchen. But why limit inspiration to just color? I love the wrought iron and the molding on the doors, too. Havana is certainly a fantasy destination for many; why not design an entire kitchen around such an alluring place? Or, for that matter, any place that gets you daydreaming?
If I were to use Havana as a muse, I might choose the following design elements to hint at the old city’s aesthetic:
This bronze chandelier from TK Collections
This Pfister faucet has an elegant vintage feel, but would be totally at home in a state-of-the-art, modern kitchen:
And of course, Cuban tile for a backsplash would help complete the Havana mystique.
But Havana isn’t the only place I find enchanting. This photo of a Martha’s Vineyard home could also evoke a beautiful kitchen. Who could go wrong with beachy touches paired with a New England sensibility?
What speaks to you? Maybe you crave a kitchen that feels lush and earthy, like the floor of a redwood forest:
Or something rich and decadent, like the façade of the Taj Mahal:
What might these kitchens look like? Pick your destination and get inspired.
Try this at home
- Think of a place that stirs you—even if you’ve never been there. Flip through travel magazines or “National Geographic” for pictures that appeal to you. What colors draw you in? What are some of the indigenous artifacts that can be incorporated into a design? Your design doesn’t have to be literal, but should hint at sense of place.
- Don’t go for broke—Choices of paint, cabinet pulls, light fixtures and faucets are ways to create a “destination kitchen” out of your existing layout without breaking your wallet.
- Consider texture—Is your favorite place modern and sophisticated? Bohemian? Sandy and bright? Surfaces of countertops and cabinets are great places to convey your ideas. Stainless steel countertops might hint at the shine of a skyscraper while distressed, whitewashed cabinets may evoke the quality of driftwood.
- Keep it subtle—You don’t want your kitchen to look like a theme park. Avoid anything that is too obvious, such as a seashell chandelier for your beach retreat kitchen or cigar poster art for your homage to Cuba.
Photo Credits:
Flickr CC By-SA 2.0 Torcello Trio – Martha’s Vineyard.
Flickr CC By-ND 2.0 Jerry John – Redwoods.
Flickr CC By-2.0 Christopher John – Taj Mahal.
