Summer homes are retreats from the workaday world. Design a kitchen that does double duty as an efficient work environment while still being a warm and welcoming place that reflects your unique style. Here are some summer style themes that you can take inspiration for your own home kitchen.
Country Cottage
Go back to the laid-back lifestyle of an earlier time without sacrificing convenience with a few mixed and matched pieces. Early cooks used whatever was available to utilize every inch of kitchen space. Replicate that look with furniture elements. Use open shelving over drawers or built-in bookcases for storage. Convert an antique marble-topped buffet into an island or use a pie safe as a pantry. Soapstone countertops have a smooth, silky feel and naturally develop an aged patina over time. Summer is all about sunshine. Open up the room with white painted cabinets, a distressed wooden floor and sheer curtains. Complete the scene with vintage-look appliances, hammered copper light fixtures, antique hardware and other homewares. A pegboard keeps frequently used utensils and cookware within easy reach.
Seaside Chic
If you spend your summers by the shore, you can use your small kitchen to reflect the relaxed atmosphere of beachfront living. Choose pale golden browns, sea foam greens and pastel blues to replicate the outdoor landscape without overpowering a small space. Ceramic tile countertops in jewel tones naturally reflect light and gleam like hidden undersea treasures. Alternatively, get a mosaic effect with a poured concrete countertop inset with sea glass or shells. Use hardwood, bamboo or laminate flooring for easy sweep-up from sandy feet and painted bead board to add texture to walls. Choose dining furniture that complements the look. Place a small table and chairs in a sunny window or build a bar with stools for grabbing a quick bite before hitting the surf.
Family Getaway
If your summer includes hosting a houseful of children and pets, you'll want to design a kitchen where everyone feels at home. The good news is that modern materials make it possible to get designer looks that will stand up to wear and tear. Avoid stainless steel counters or appliances to minimize fingermarks. Engineered stone has the look of granite without the fragility. Sturdy butcher-block countertops can be scratched or cut, but they're easily repaired with sandpaper. Vinyl laminate flooring is available in finishes that mimic looks ranging from slate to hardwood, and it's durable enough to stand up to heavy traffic from kids and dogs. Choose cabinets in a distressed or dark finish, and use built-in locks to keep little hands away from knives and cleaning supplies. Whether your summer home is a rustic mountain cabin or a seaside showplace, designing a kitchen to suit the surroundings creates harmony, enhancing the feeling of relaxation that vacations naturally bring.
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An Interior Design Consultant/Stylist for Super A-Mart-Australia's leading Furniture Retailer, Sam writes about interior design and loves to help people transform their homes, rooms and spaces into their ideal living spaces. You can read more of Sam's writing at the Super A-Mart Blog. You may also visit his website here at http://www.superamart.com.au/ .
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