www.qns.com RIDGEWOOD TIMES OCTOBER 11, 2018 15
AT HOME
4 Ways to Bring Classic Character to Your Kitchen
In today's stainless steel world filled
with clean lines, sharp angles and
sleek kitchen accessories, it may
seem daunting to achieve the perfect
antique style for your kitchen.
While it's true that blending looks
from the past with modern-day functionality
can be challenging, you don't
have to be a famous designer to create
the kitchen of your dreams. These
tips can help you turn back the clock
and design a kitchen with timeless
character.
STRIKE A BALANCE
When you set out to create your
new look, it's easy to go overboard,
so remember that moderation is
best. Make sure you're choosing
items that showcase your individual
style while keeping in mind there is
a fine line between Victorian Chic
and your grandmother's cookie jar
collection.
In addition to knowing what elements
to look for, it's important to
consider how the components can
be integrated to create a harmonious
look. Consider updating antique
elements with more contemporary
touches to create a fresh, unexpected
aesthetic. For example, pair a set of
ultra-chic dining chairs with an old
wooden dining table passed down
through your family or upholster a
simple dining bench or window seat
with Victorian-patterned fabric.
ESTABLISH A FOCAL POINT
If you're overwhelmed trying to
envision how all the details will come
together, many designers suggest the
first step is defining the focal point for
your kitchen. In many cases, that will
be the appliances.
Antique appliances lend themselves
to a range of styles, from
Victorian to farmhouse to cabin and
cottage. While it's possible to purchase
refurbished antique models, if
you want your appliances to include
modern features and functionality,
you might consider antique-inspired
appliances. For example, Elmira Stove
Works offers a line of 1890s-style
appliances that deliver the warmth
and charm of a bygone era to today's
kitchens.
Equipped with the latest in cooking
technology, these appliances have
been designed to meet the culinary
standards of nearly any home chef,
and include a selection of customizable
ranges, refrigerators, microwaves,
wall ovens and matching dishwasher
panels. To explore how this
line can give your kitchen the perfect
vintage feel, visit elmirastoveworks.
com/antique/ranges.
ADD ACCENTS WITH
PURPOSE
Once you've established the centerpiece
(or centerpieces) for your
kitchen, you can add smaller details
as you go. Visit antique stores and
flea markets to look for finds such as
vintage kitchen tools, antique serving
platters and cast-iron cookware.
Antiques frequently show some
wear and tear, so make sure any items
you are planning to purchase are in
good condition. Also remember that
vintage items can be delicate. If you're
planning to put an item to use daily,
ensure it's in good working condition
and will be up to the task.
INCORPORATE RUSTIC
ELEMENTS
Rustic home decor can turn something
that was once rugged into
something beautiful. An example of
this is reclaimed wood accents, which
can be functional, attractive and
eco-friendly.
Use reclaimed wood to create butcher
block countertops, cabinetry or to
design a one-of-a-kind kitchen table.
Pine offers the most authentic rustic
design, but it can be soft and susceptible
to dents. Hickory, alder and cherry
can also deliver a cozy, rustic feel.
"Live edge" tables and accents, which
preserve the natural edge of the wood
in the design, are another way to add a
rustic but current aesthetic.
When you're ready to retrofit your
kitchen into perfect past-present
harmony, remember these tips, give
yourself permission to take chances
and get creative to whip up the kitchen
of your dreams.
Courtesy Family Features
/www.qns.com
