Cause Your Basement To Leak And How To Stop It
What a time to be alive! Every two years new smartphones are coming out, new laptops surface every couple of months, the newest vehicles make their way into the spotlight, and new diets are constantly being shoved down our throats. All of these things teach us that when something gets boring, old, worn down, or used that we should toss them aside and get the next best thing; however, is that the case with your home? It doesn’t have to be! Home remodeling is a fun and exciting way to keep cherished memories from your original home and bring them with you to an upgraded version of the same rooms, walls, and roof that has always been yours.
The Mediterranean Kitchen is a popular style for home designs, and kitchen remodels. Thanks to the popularity of cooking shows and food-related TV series, many people have been enthused about this particular design style. However, it can be easy to get lost when you’re trying to create a Mediterranean kitchen on your own, especially if you aren’t familiar with the major design elements that define this type of style.
To help our readers learn more about how to create a Mediterranean kitchen design during their own remodel, we’ve put together a list of six essential details you need to focus on to pull off this look successfully. In addition, we’ll discuss some of the benefits of hiring a licensed professional who specializes in this type of renovation project.
Mediterranean Kitchens are All About Texture
The next time you go out to eat at a Mediterranean restaurant, take note of the textures found in this type of cuisine. Bold flavors reign supreme in many dishes from regions like Greece and Turkey, but texture also plays an important role. For example, Greek salads are often lightly dressed with olive oil and vinegar or lemon juice for enough zing without overpowering the vegetables. Similarly, it’s common to see bright pops of chopped vegetables that slightly contrast each other within Mediterranean appetizers, entrees, and desserts.
Many home cooks use this same approach when designing their own kitchens by choosing contrasting elements that blend together beautifully using color or texture instead of flavor alone. For example, rough stone countertops can be paired with elegant marble floor tile for a striking border pattern. Other options include pairing smooth stone countertops with sleek metal barstools or adding wooden cabinets that line the walls alongside smooth white appliances.
White is an Important Design Element
White is one of the most popular colors in Mediterranean homes, particularly when it comes to kitchens. There are several reasons why so many designers choose this color for kitchen remodels. First, white reflects light well and can brighten up dark corners or spaces with no natural lighting available. Second, white works well with other colors because it doesn’t detract attention away from them; you can use warm earthy tones like yellow and orange in your kitchen without these colors clashing against stark white elements like cabinets and countertops.
Lastly, white represents cleanliness. Many people want kitchens that look elegant but also embrace their own culture or background, which is why white features so prominently in Mediterranean kitchens. People who live in regions like Italy and Spain often value their cultural heritage without feeling the need to constantly call attention to it through specific decorating details (although that certainly doesn’t mean you can’t decorate with vintage items or other moments from your past).
People Love Provence-Inspired Details
Many of us have seen watercolor paintings of European landscapes featuring wide open fields, vibrant flowers, rolling hills, lush greenery, and quaint stone buildings nestled into small villages. If these images inspired you to travel abroad someday, or you simply admire them for their beauty, you might want to consider including some Provence-inspired details in your kitchen.
One great example of how to do this involves incorporating stone elements like floor tiles or wall panels into the design while keeping other materials like cabinets and countertops white. To amp up the authenticity, you can also choose appliances that match the look of vintage French ovens; for example, these items come in black, cream, or rustic gold finishes paired with decorative flourishes like embossed lettering or etchings.
Think About Lighting and Fixtures
When creating a Mediterranean design, be sure to focus on the lighting and fixtures in your kitchen. The Mediterranean climate is warm and dry, meaning homeowners don’t need to turn on the lights in their kitchens until later into the evening. This realization has a profound effect on what types of lighting you choose because it can dictate how much light you need when using your kitchen.
For example, recessed downlights are ideal for smaller kitchens used during early mornings or late evenings where task lighting isn’t necessary to complete cooking tasks. On the other hand, larger seating areas typically require more overhead or ambient lighting so that guests can easily see what they’re eating while also providing enough brightness for everyone present to avoid squinting or eye strain.
Wood Accents and Furniture Are Ideal for Mediterranean Kitchens
If your home already contains wood flooring, cabinets, or furniture, you can use this common material to create a more cohesive kitchen design. Alternatively, you could choose wood cabinetry and accents like counters and backsplashes to introduce new warm finishes that contrast with existing elements (i.e., the white marble tile in your bathroom).
Lastly, try adding custom wall art made from reclaimed wood framed by simple wooden frames. Whether you’re decorating the entire space or simply installing old-fashioned light fixtures to create an inviting ambiance, wood is one of the most versatile materials out there because its color works well with so many other hues found throughout Mediterranean kitchens.
Authentic Tiles and Designs Matter
Another critical element of Mediterranean kitchen design is the use of authentic tiles. From flooring to countertops to accent walls, homeowners have plenty of options for choosing different tiles that work well with their overall layout. If you’re looking for ideas, consider these popular elements found in homes located throughout Italy and southern Spain:
Ceramic Tiles – Many homes in this region are constructed using beautiful ceramic tiles because they’re durable, have a traditional look, and are easy to clean. However, before shopping for ceramic tiles, be sure they fit your budget.
Choza Tiles – If you can’t afford ceramic tiles, consider Choza tiles which are just as beautiful but more affordable. As a bonus, they’re easy to clean and stain-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about accidents. Plus, they’re also available in various colors and patterns so that you won’t get sick of the design anytime soon.
Marble Tiles – Marble is another popular choice because it’s classy and timeless, with intricate designs that add sophistication to any space. However, marble is both soft and porous, which means it stains easily and requires special sealing before installation (or after).
Slate Tiles – Slate offers homeowners similar benefits like durability plus stunning finishes like matte or shiny textures that add dimensionality to the space. Yet, like marble, this material is porous and requires special sealing before installation.
Terrazzo Tiles – Made from a combination of sand and epoxy, terrazzo tiles offer homeowners all of the benefits of slate and ceramic at a fraction of the price because it’s less expensive than other stones. Plus, they’re easy to maintain and come in various finishes, including matte or glossy, so you can find one that matches your existing decor or desired look.
The Benefits of Choosing a Licensed Professional
Hiring a professional kitchen remodeling contractor is one of the easiest ways to ensure that your new home improvement project goes off without a hitch. Kitchen renovations are complicated because they require electrical, plumbing, and structural upgrades, which means you need someone who can understand these elements and determine what’s needed for your space. For example, suppose you’re looking to install an island or change the size of current counters. In that case, we recommend hiring a professional contractor with experience overseeing similar projects, so they know how much time and money will be involved in the process.
On top of this, contractors also offer invaluable insight into what works and what doesn’t work within each design style because they’ve likely installed dozens if not hundreds of kitchens before yours. If you’ve ever visited homes decorated using different styles and wondered what the main differences were between them, they’re likely due to decisions made by the contractor. For instance, if your home is decorated using modern design elements, you might notice that light fixtures tend to be sleek and streamlined with clear bulbs rather than ornate silver chandeliers, whereas homes decorated using Mediterranean design features might use hardware with intricate carvings or rounded edges.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kitchen Remodeling
Kitchen renovations are only as challenging as homeowners make them. Without proper planning, it’s easy to lose track of time and money. We recommend taking a breath and making a list of goals for your new kitchen.