The usual recipe for a sleek kitchen: crisp white, brushed metal appliances and hardware can be quite stark, but not when warmed by wide wooden boards with loads of character and kisses of glossy candy apple red.
As with any renovation, keeping an eye on cost is key. One great cost-saving measure homeowners Joe Dolce and Jonathan Burnham used when adding on to their Long Island summer home was to repurpose 12-inch cypress boards from the exterior of their home for their galley kitchen. Even if you don’t have this wood at your disposal, it’s easy to bring rustic touches into your kitchen with an acacia cutting board or serve ware.
While under cabinet storage is abundant, up top, horizontal storage spaces show off all the tools that bring flavour to the kitchen. European style open shelving in place of upper cabinets makes the kitchen light, airy and doesn’t sacrifice storage space. Instead of a knife block, try a space-saving magnetic knife rack or S-hooks to keep counter space free for top-notch KitchenAid and Cuisinart appliances. Open shelving is perfect for easy access to oversized pots, pans and showing off the iconic hues of prized enameled cast iron cookware.
This country-but-current look has nothing to hide! Wouldn’t you want to display these pieces too, especially when you could get the look for less?
Go With The Grain
HIGH: Acacia Cutting-Serving Board. Crate & Barrel, $31.01
LOW: Tuscany Large Surf Board. T & G, $15.61
Cherry On Top
HIGH: Oval French Oven 6.4 L. Le Creuset, $390.00
LOW: Oval Dutch Oven 6.5 L. Le Cuistot, $89.99
A Cut Above
HIGH: Classic 7″ Santoku Knife. Wusthof, $130.00
LOW: 7″ Santuko Forged Knife. Art and Cook, $14.99
Shake It Up
HIGH: Trudeau Red Pepper Grinder, Crate and Barrel, $25
LOW: Buzz Soft Touch Electric Pepper Mill, Cole & Mason, $20
