Color Pattern Texture, AND AND OH MY!

Even though kitchens are considered functional spaces in the home, they can still be a feast for the eyes. Create a primitive country design trifecta in your workspace by incorporating a variety of complementary colors, textures and patterns.

Paint the blues.

To add depth, dimension and a splash of drama, paint lower cabinets a striking shade of blue, which will also help anchor them in the space. Cindy applied a basecoat of navy milkpaint and then went over it with a lighter blue chalky-finish paint.

Distress to impress.

Lightly distress cabinets, countertops and other wood surfaces to give them a weathered primitive appearance. Be sure to seal the surfaces so they retain their texture and color over the long term. Hang an antique hutch top in place of standard upper cabinets.

Trim with textures.

Put the finishing touches on your design with textured pieces such as woven baskets, faux flowers and wreaths, tin canisters, and a combination of porcelain figurines and pottery. The interplay of materials will offer visual and tactile appeal to the room.

Let it shine.

Bring a hint of sheen to your kitchen—and foster a more airy feel—with a stainless-steel island. Cindy chose a contemporary, open design for her workstation, which allows the beauty of her blue cabinetry to peek through. A set of copper pots and a fixture in a similar finish complement the island.

Cindy tucked a simple primitive cupboard sized to suit the space next to the stairs and filled it with favorite vintage books and understated collectibles that blend seamlessly with seasonal decor. She wrapped a vibrant fall garland around the staircase’s newel post and up the handrail to carry the autumn theme to the second level.