Designing a European Style Kitchen

Some people are drawn to color and patterns when looking at a kitchen, while others are more impressed by lavish and elegant designs. If you’re one of the latter, you may want to consider a European theme for your kitchen. There are lots of design ideas for kitchens out there, but few really capture one’s tastes like Europe: the grand décor of Italy and the Atlantic coast, the opulent arts of the Victorian era, or the rich designs of French impressionists. And the good news is that it’s easy to pull off, even if you’re on a budget.

Of course, European design is a broad term and there are lots of ways to go about it. You can go for the simple themes of Mediterranean design or the more luxurious look of ancient Greece. That’s why the first step is to choose the overall look and feel you want for your kitchen. It can be something simple like a color scheme or a dominant material. Once it’s done, it’s just a matter of adding a few things here and there to complete your design. To help you get started, here are some design tips and tricks worth trying out.

Traditional cabinetry

At the shop, you may be tempted to get those sleek modern cabinets with glass doors and straight metal knobs. But while they’re certainly attractive, they don’t exactly fit in with the European theme. Instead, opt for more traditional kitchen cabinets with wood facing and either a painted or varnished finish. If you already have wooden cabinets, you could probably just have the doors refaced with more detail, or repaint them to suit your new theme.

If you want a bit of color, you have a choice between neutral colors like brown and beige, or a stronger “feature” color such as blue or deep green. It mostly depends on what colors are already present in the kitchen. For example, if your walls are already a striking color, you may want to go for a more mellow shade for the cabinets. To help it match better, you can just use colored accents for the knobs and edging.

Solid counters

One thing you’ll notice about real European kitchens is that everything is made from top quality materials. Stone, solid wood, marble and granite usually make up the major elements, particularly the kitchen countertops. As with any other kitchen, countertops in European homes tend to be the visual center of the room and dictate how the rest of the space will look. So take your time and choose a countertop that works with your current design elements, paying close attention to the texture and quality of the material.

If you want something neutral, go for wood counters—it goes with most color schemes and is easy to accessorize. You can choose a light wood for a cozy country feel, or a darker shade for a more elegant atmosphere. Timber tops can save you a good deal of money if you find solid wood counters too expensive. You can also just go for laminate countertops—they usually come with a wooden print layer on top, so you’ll be getting the same look for less.

Fancy furniture

Furniture is no doubt the defining element in European design. While fancy chairs and tables may fit better into the living room, you can also fit them into your kitchen by just rearranging some of your fixtures. Consider getting small kitchen tables in European styles or colors, and using them as a spare workspace or a coffee corner. Instead of big upholstered chairs, go for simpler pieces and just accent them with throws or cushions.

Another thing you can do is turn your kitchen island into a bar area. All you need are a few European-style bar stools—preferably in a wood tone that matches your color scheme—and enough counter space for people to eat and drink. This adds a modern touch to your European kitchen and makes it more inviting. It also creates a nice division between two areas, perfect if you have a large kitchen or an open living room.

Decorative accents

Finally, don’t forget to throw in a few accents. Even if you’re going for a simple, minimalist look, you’ll need a few add-ons to really make the kitchen stand out. Otherwise, it won’t look any different from those you see in magazines—pretty all right, but they don’t really feel like your own. Choose kitchen accessories that reflect your personal taste and lifestyle. It could be a painting, a photo, a sculpture you made yourself, or your silverware collection. They don’t necessarily have to match your existing décor. Design and aesthetics are only secondary; when it comes to accessorizing, it’s all about what you want and what makes you like the room even more.

Of all the décor themes on the market, nothing makes such a big impact as European home décor. The rich colors, grand arches, and elegant spaces never fail to catch the eye and make any homeowner want it for themselves. The only reason they hesitate is that they don’t think they can afford it, much less pull it off. But that’s not always the case—while European décor can be grand and opulent, there’s always a cheaper way around it. If you know where to look, you can design a European home without going over budget.

Start by choosing a focal point for your design. In most European homes, this is usually an architectural feature such as a cozy alcove or an intricate arch. Look around and see if there’s anything you can transform into a work of art. It doesn’t have to be anything big—sometimes just a bit of cornicing or wainscoting on the walls can do the job. Find a way to draw attention to it, so that it’s always the first thing people see when they enter.

The kitchen plays a central role in many European homes, so pay close attention to it. On the one hand, you want it to blend with the rest of your décor, but on the other, it’s also important for it to stand out. Think of it as a place to entertain guests rather than just a place to eat and cook. Create cozy sitting areas, decorate a kitchen island, or simply set up a little coffee nook by the window. Invest in quality items such as stone counters and cast-iron cookware. They fit better into the European theme and will last much longer.

For the living room, furniture usually takes center stage. European furniture is characterized by deep wood tones, delicate curves, and intricate patterns. Of course, a genuine European piece can cost you a small fortune, but you don’t have to get one. If it’s just the look you’re after, you can find a nice Victorian couch or chair for a fairly good price. Just add on some rich fabrics and throw pillows to give it a splash of color.