GO WITH THE Grain

Alicia is drawn to wood’s intrinsic beauty. To imbue her new kitchen with nostalgic details, she lets the finish and graining of the oak cabinets and laminate flooring inspire the overall theme. Take note of her simple decorating tips for making new spaces look old:

1.

Replace standard cabinet hardware with nickel knobs and bin pulls. Alicia’s grandmother’s meat grinder echoes the silvery hue.

2.

Center a farmer’s table in the room instead of buying or building an island. Choose a table with a low shelf, or mount a table on a wood platform. Secure a peg rack on one side to maximize storage for cookware and collectibles. Install casters so the island can be moved easily.

3.

Set vintage cutting boards on the counters. Their patinas warm the space, disguise less-than-ideal countertop surfaces and increase food preparation areas.