Comments : 49

Good morning! ?I like to think the kitchen I am building/about to put into my new home is a modified European looking kitchen. I wanted it to be heavily ?”European influenced” and have definitely incorporated some serious European touches such as the reclaimed limestone floors, the limestone hood, the distressed beams, the black European range,the aged hardware (that I am still picking out) and other little decorative touches.

?I could have gone even further but for me ?I needed to also combine this strong aesthetic desire with functionality and practicality. That said, there is nothing in my eyes, more beautiful than a gorgeous European looking kitchen. It is so timeless, and it never ever goes out of style. It is so grand and elegant, so regal and stately. It just works. Here are some of the “ingredients” that I think are necessary to create a true and authentic European kitchen. Would love to know what?you think and if you have any additions to make, would love to hear them!!





ANTIQUE BUTCHERS BLOCK……LOVE this, such a unique piece, still trying to figure out a way and I am determined where and how I can incorporate one into my own kitchen. The new ones just won’t do. The old ones are just so fabulous with their aged woods and the most perfect patina, the beautiful hardware…how gorgeous are they? They can be found fairly small to be used as a small accent piece or you can scour the land and find some really big monster blocks. They just add instant character to a new kitchen, no doubt about it. The second to last picture shows a very large one incorporated into a newer kitchen…fabulous!!!!!!

How clever was this to have an antique butchers block outfitted with plumbing and used as a vanity? ?Gorgeous!!!!!!!
EUROPEAN RANGE. The ever so beautiful enameled range, is there anything that says ” I am European” more than the quintessential enameled range? I think not. There are many brands that make them, each wonderful, beautiful, highly functional and fabulous. Ilve, Le Cornue, La Canche, and now Viking has gotten in on the act, and they each make their ranges in a host of ?spectacular colors ?with rich old world heavy duty hardware. They truly are the crowing touch in any European inspired kitchen. Below is a ?sampling of the ranges….all so beautiful!

This is the one I ended up doing, the 60 inch Ilve in black

This is a close up again of the Ilve in black

HONED MARBLE COUNTERTOPS. Some might argue that marble is not practical, it scratches, it stains,etc…but I owned it for seven wonderful years, and every day that I walked into my kitchen I swear that I thanked my lucky stars for my gorgeous marble countertops! They MADE my kitchen and I would not have done it any other way. ?There is a reason where throughout Europe you see marble lavishly and abundantly used throughout every pizzeria and?
restaurant?countetop and its been this way for centuries! So, I of course?will be going this route once again and very happily I might add! I love the?look of honed marble in particular, it gives it a slightly aged worn?look………and a few scratches and stains just add to the character of the stone.

GORGEOUS HARDWARE. In a kitchen of this nature, the hardware can make or break the look so choose wisely. In my humble opinion, an antique brass or bronze hardware works well as it is in keeping with the old world feel of this particular look. Though I am a huge huge fan of polished nickel, it is too new and shiny and perfect for this look therefore I would steer clear for this particular style kitchen. Here are a few examples of kitchen hardware that I think work well in this style kitchen
EUROPEAN APPLIANCES. Seeing these beauties makes my heart beat a little faster. They are just so incredibly gorgeous. Built to pass down for generations, these are not for the faint of heart. (and I am referring to your pocketbook as well so start being real nice to hubby NOW) These are heavy duty ready for battle serious appliances! Love the old world feeling, the gorgeous hardware, the beautiful patina and the rich array of colors as only the Europeans seem to be able to master! Make sure you allow six months when ordering….but so worth the wait.(very hard to get for the U.S. this company is mostly geared for Europeans but its fun to look- isn’t it?) There is no doubt that these are the crowning touch for any European inspired kitchen!

WOOD BEAMS. Nothing like distressed/antiqued beams in a kitchen to add some charm and character to a kitchen. I love the look…. personally to me, for a European feeling kitchen, the beams add a great deal of authenticity. Slightly distressed, antiqued is the way to go…too perfect makes them feel too new. Here is an example of how great they can look….
Love the mix of woods here, stunning!
House Beautiful featured this gorgeous kitchen
Pretty beams highlight the island and hardwood floors
Traditional Home….love this entire space, just perfection!
RECLAIMED LIMESTONE FLOORS. I know you have to pick your battles. This was one I was determined to win, (and I did) and my husband was man enough to admit I was right 🙂 The reclaimed limestone floors totally “make” my kitchen, in my eyes. Though my kitchen is not in, and even though its the only element in my kitchen, it just added instant character to the space…it was amazing how it transformed an empty shell! I love them. We got ours from Paris Ceramics who import theirs from France. They are truly exquisite and so timeless…whats not to love!

THE LIMESTONE HOOD. Ahhh..the almighty limestone range hood. Gotta have it! The focal point of the kitchen (well it might have some competition from the gorgeous enameled range) but no denying the beauty of this majestic element. Many companies make them in a wide range of styles from French to more Gothic…all so beautiful. They are truly the ultimate way to showcase a beautiful range. Here is a sampling of how gorgeous?they are……..

ANTIQUE LIGHTING/LANTERNS. You definitely need an antique or antique reproduction lighting element in this kitchen. It can be over the seating area, over the island or over both (as I think I am going to do) but lighting is really a key element in a kitchen and I am sometimes blown away by how much or little of an impact lighting can make, so definitely ?take the time to choose something really great! I love these antique lanterns below…….this is just the kind of look?I am after. (especially the first one, unfortunately this particular one is sold)?
COPPER POTS. No European kitchen is complete without gleaming copper pots! Ideally ones that are actually used to cook in and not just for show:) There are many brands that make them, Ruffoni is a popular brand sold here in the U.S. Bourgeat is another French company which also makes outstanding copper clad pots. Chateau Provence, Ballarini are a few more wonderful companies and still there are several other great companies….copper pots are a must!
There you have it…of course you have to add in your own little “extras” like special dishes, gorgeous linens, little knick knacks that make your kitchen your own personal space and lets not even forget the almighty wine!! Would love to know what you think and if there is something else you would add to create the ultimate European kitchen!! I always love to hear what you have to say…….enjoy your day!

Photobucket

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I feel as though I just waltzed through a dream!! I am on pins and needles waiting to see your final masterpiece.
Loved your guest blog!!

Your kitchen is going to be out of this world gorgeous! I’m going to have to make a special trip to NY to have lunch with you to see everything in person! JK! Anyway, I love the butcher block islands and the marble countertop. I really love the black stove or the silver with gold trim. I would have to look over all the photos again when I get home. The gray cabinets are gorgeous, too! I saw them in one of the photos. Just think, of dipping French bread in olive oil……what kind of kitchen would make that more enjoyable! Definitely a European one! Being nice to hubby always helps in the building process!

Beautiful photos! What a splendid kitchen you are planning!!! love the European appliances (but be sure they come with a little man to fix them if something goes wrong!)

What a dream! From the butcher block down to the hardware, it’s perfection! I couldn’t agree with you more about honed marble countertops. I LOVE mine and can’t imagine ever having anything else in my kitchen.

I have no words – my jaw is on the floor – this is going to be the most amazing kitchen ever. For the longest time, there was a cream colored La Cornue stove in one of the showrooms here and I would always stop and just sigh over it every time I walked by. I love your choice too!

Beautiful pictures Tina and what a fun decision process! 🙂 I know who to look to when it comes time for me to select my range! I agree on the marble…we even have it on our garage on the window sills! I think it’s also that when they build, they build for it to last…so they choose the very best – just as you are doing! 🙂

Tina,
You nailed it!!! Your kitchen will be the perfect example of a European kitchen! I couldn’t do any better!!
I am looking forward to see your installed kitchen within a few weeks!!
Just wonderful!
xx
Greet

I love receiving your blog! It is a collection of things that I find most beautiful. I agree with all your choices for a European kitchen. Just lovely. 🙂

Your kitchen is going to be spectacular! Those European ranges and appliances are so fantastic! I am right there with you on the honed carrera marble-I had it in my last home despite many warnings and it made me so happy. I will be putting it in our house this time too!

Tina, I am exactly like a child at Christmas when I open my email and see that there is a new post by you. They are always SO well done, have so much substance, and are simply gorgeous. This one is no exception….I am in love with the bathroom that they brilliantly fitted for a sink and used as a vanity! Do we get house updates this week???? Can’t wait!
Stacy

There’s a butcher’s block in my kitchen, and my parents LOVE it! I love the pictures of the ones you chose though! I love the idea of having a farmhouse with a huge wooden butcher’s block like the one in the 4th picture!

I saw the most gorgeous kitchen in some magazine years ago and have never forgotten it– it had marble counter tops similar to those you posted and ever since I have wanted them in my someday kitchen! I also love the ranges you featured!

So glad to meet you! Thanks for stopping by Life of a Southern Belle…I am now YOUR newest follower. I look forward to following the progress of your beautiful new home (and am coveting any one of those stoves!!)

My heart stopped when my eyes landed on that giant butcher block. Literally. It flipped in my chest. I also love marble in the kitchen. In fact that picture with the slab behind the stove perfectly exemplifies its simple beauty. I prefer no fancy beveling, but plenty of heft. I so wish I could afford a La Cornue range. I look at them from time to time. I should not be lusting for another though. I have a magnificent 60″ Bluestar with a raised griddle and broiler. Not nearly as pretty but it is a dream to cook on/in. Make sure someone can service your La Cornue in your area and take your bun pan or a large broiler pan in with you to check oven space. I have read it is tight.

Okay, this one has officially put me over the edge, I cannot wait to see the finished kitchen! (Yes, I realize you and some family members may feel like you are entitled to see it first, but honestly, I can’t wait to see the end product.)

The appliances are truly killer, to say I am lusting after one (or more, ahem) would be an understatement. Of the decade. You also share some outstanding insight on the other things you feel make the look appropriate and complete, all of them vital components, at least from my limited experience.

Another fabulous post!
tp

I covet and love each of these wonderful elements you featured! I can’t wait to see your kitchen! I know you will not disappoint:-). Really fantastic and well informed post. XX

What gorgeous imagines, Tina – I love those ranges.

I love the limestone – I would love to have limestone floors in my house!

I love the European kitchens and you have presented so many fab images and eye candy to drool over. I look forward to see what your final decision will be!

Wow, some beautiful visuals here. I just love ILVE’s grand oven like some of those pictured. Are they from their majestic range?

Stunning!

I have honed carrara marble countertops in my kitchen and I could not imagine having anything else. My next kitchen that I am working on will have them too. I love that look!!

I don’t know if you are a good cook or whether you even cook at all. All I know is that this will be one fabulous kitchen! It will be amazing just to be in the space. How will you go to sleep at night? I think I’d just sleep in the kitchen.

Tina … absolutely adore European kitchens and there are some stunning images here! I also have always had marble or granite kitchen benches … they are perfect to work on and give the glamour feel to a kitchen. I also have just added a chandelier in a light charcoal grey to our kitchen over our antique white granite benchtops and it finishes the look perfectly!
best wishes
Frances

All of your choices would have made Julia Child in Paris proud! From the antique butcher block to those gorgeous floors, you certainly have an eye for European. Can’t wait to see what you choose for hardware and to see pictures of the finished kitchen! Perhaps I can bring my Westchester gals and we can celebrate with a glass of champagne…
xxoo

Lost track of my favorites! So much gorgeous here. And then you throw in my favorite…copper! I love EVERYTHING about copper cookware.
Hope that your week is going well, Tina.
Teresa
xoxo

Tina I am completely in awe of all of your choices and ides! You-really have excellent taste!

Sharing with us is so generous!

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

Thank you for entering my New Giveaway from Serena & Lily! You will love it!

Beautiful! I can’t wait to see it finished. I had an old square butcher block with legs that was to low for me to use. When we built I was determined to use it so I took off the legs and had it put into the counter top next to the high heat burner on the cooktop. On the other side of the butcher block I put the prep sink. So now I wash the vegetables, chop, then into the skillet without dripping water across from an island (where the designer wanted me to place the prep sink). I have never seen it done like this before and I don’t know why. I also had the brick layer to slice the brick for my back splash and also cover the vent hood. I love it. I used a blended brick (9 different kinds, some antique). I have copper accents.

So many fabulous elements to incorporate into a stunning kitchen. I adore those antique butcher blocks!! I just got copper pots and am enjoying using them so much!!!

This post was simply delicious!
xx Elizabeth

Tina, You have such amazing taste and ideas, I love everything you choose, from your appliances, to your stone, to the lighting. I am so anxious to see your completed kitchen!

Sherry

I know for sure that your kitchen will look absolutely amazing, Tina!!! Very many beautiful images here today. I had no idea these kitchens were typically European though, but that’s probably because I live here! Happy Thursday!

xx Kristin

Looks good but it is not really practical for a busy family. Kitchen countertops chip and break. Also grout lines tend to look bad after a while unless you plan on cleaning it really good every day.You can’t just wipe the counters down you have to scrub the grout lines with a brush often to keep it looking good.

Join the World of the Enchanted Home!

Subscribe

Instagram

Designed and Developed by BNV Digital Marketing