How to Make a Kitchen Look Italian

Use an Italian-inspired color palette. Warm shades fill Italian villas, making them inviting and cozy. Use rich and bold colors, such as a deep red, rich green and golden yellow. Put one of these colors on your walls and choose accent colors that match your decor. Keep your color palette to three or four colors to avoid the room looking too busy. Add terracotta, gray, salmon and blue for interest.

Use window treatments that help create the mood of an Italian kitchen. Your theme may work well with brocade fabric or a colorful pattern of cafe curtains. Shutters are another alternative for a distinctive Italian look.

Add texture with interesting and useful objects. A stucco accent wall is stunning, but you can also add texture with fabric. If room allows, add columns or an arched doorway. Add warm light and decorative design with sconces. Look for a linen table runner, napkins and place mats for the table or bar. Put colorful but comfortable cushions on chairs and bar stools. Woven rugs and wicker baskets add charm.

Look for accessories that are durable and effective. Go for counters with a stone-like appearance. Granite and slate are sturdy choices. Exposed beams help create a warm, authentic look. Choose a dining set that enhances the mood of your kitchen. For example, you might want an iron set for a rugged look or a wooden set for a more modern, elegant theme.

Add accents that pull the Italian look together. Look for painted tiles to put on the walls or add a colorful tile backsplash. Display an Italian-style mosaic above your sink. Put a mural on a wall for added drama. If you have room, display a wine rack. Look for antiques to show off as well as new kitchen gadgets to make cooking Italian meals easy. Pottery is another aspect of Italian decorating that is appealing.