Interior design inspiration comes from all over the world – being inspired by different cultures and architectural styles, it’s no wonder the designs are so diverse and varied. But when it comes to kitchens, there’s one place that seems to be the first choice when looking for design ideas.
Italian kitchen decor is becoming increasingly popular, especially in the summer months, offering a classic style that adds character and personality to kitchen ideas.
And with interior design trends this year following a homey style, it’s no wonder so many of us are looking to these traditional European spaces for inspiration.
If you’re looking for easy ways to add some Italian style to your spaces, look no further. These designer-approved kitchen decor ideas will brighten up your space in no time.
5 Italian kitchen decor ideas
Bringing Italian kitchen decor ideas into your space certainly doesn’t require a kitchen renovation. Whether you’ve fallen in love with Tuscan kitchens or can’t get enough of Italian decor trends, there’s something here to satisfy you.
1. Create an authentic kitchen backsplash with tiles
Tiles play a big role in Italian kitchen design. An easy way to incorporate them is with a decorative backsplash that brings in the textures and colors typical of Italian kitchen design.
“For kitchen backsplashes, hand-crafted square tiles or subway tiles in a creamy shade are great for reflecting old-fashioned Italian style. Hand-painted tiles are also perfect for Italian-inspired kitchens, either as an accent behind the stove or as a complete kitchen backsplash,” says Kali Gibson of Fireclay Tile.
The key is to choose something that feels fairly traditional – this kitchen uses star and cross-shaped tiles in cream with a brown border. The colour combination feels authentic and the unique shapes create visual tension.
2. Introduce open shelves
In a traditional Italian kitchen, there are fewer, if any, upper cabinets. Instead, open kitchen shelving is a preferred choice, providing easy access to the most commonly used kitchen utensils and turning functional pieces into a decorative element.
While removing the wall cabinets is probably not a practical solution, adding open shelving anywhere in your kitchen – even if it’s just small, decorative shelves – can instantly add an element of Italian kitchen decor to your space.
Display a mix of kitchen essentials like cutting boards, bowls and mugs alongside your favorite decor like artwork, ornaments and collectibles. Remember, the less you curate your shelves, the more authentic and lived-in your space will feel.
Terrain Page Ceramic Vase
Open shelves in the kitchen are the perfect place to store a vase. This ceramic design is simple in style but has a vintage touch, perfect if you want to add Italian decor to your kitchen.
A wooden cutting board is a classic choice – and a must-have in any kitchen. When not in use, it can be placed on open shelving, adding warmth, height and interest to your display.
This decorative jug is the perfect pretty yet practical piece for the kitchen shelf. The design is reminiscent of the Italian countryside and looks lovely filled with utensils or just displayed on its own.
3. Decorate with warm neutrals and earth tones
When you think of an Italian kitchen, a certain color palette probably comes to mind. Warm neutrals, earthy tones, and bolder, brighter tones like blue and yellow will instantly give your space the Italian kitchen style.
“Italian kitchens are the heart of the home – just think of all the delicious dishes that are cooked there – and are therefore often places that exude a certain richness and warmth, which is reflected in the choice of colours,” says Grazzie Wilson, creative director at Ca’ Pietra.
“Warm neutrals are perfect and pair well with natural wood cabinets, which you would also expect to find in an Italian kitchen. If you want something a little more dramatic, add bold yellows for plenty of depth and a touch of Italian sunshine,” she suggests.
4. Add terracotta floor tiles
Kitchen flooring ideas are key to Italian kitchen decor. Natural materials are usually a staple – because they look great, wear well and keep rooms cooler. But not every tile is suitable.
“It’s not just the colour of your wall that’s important, but other elements like tiles can be another way to add much-needed colour,” says Grazzie. Warmer tones work well, and the obvious choice would of course be terracotta tiles.
“We love the idea of bringing Italian style into the kitchen with warm, earthy tones. A terracotta shade on the floor transforms your space into your own private Tuscan villa,” adds Kali.
5. Decorate the walls with display plates and artwork
Kitchen walls can easily be decorated with Italian decor, and there are a few basic ways to do it. Stick to the more traditional and combine old and new for an authentic feel.
Display plates are a great option and a decorating style often found in Italian kitchens. Place a few plates together to fill an empty wall, or hang a row of decorative plates over a window to draw the eye upward.
If plates aren’t your taste, you can look at vintage-style artwork that features either still life or landscape paintings of the Italian countryside or coast.
There are many ways to bring Italian kitchen decor into your space. Whether you want to add small touches of style with shelving and artwork or make bigger changes with paint and flooring, there are plenty of ideas to suit your kitchen.
