Tuscan-Style Kitchen and Dining Area

Kristan Cunningham, Spencer Anderson and Dave Sheinkopf are warming up a large, dated kitchen with rich, warm Tuscan colors, new furniture and more efficient storage.

Sheinkopf builds a custom butcher-block island and adds a shelf below for more storage. He also adds cup hooks to the underside of the top to hold pots and pans. To give the island a distressed look, he knocks off the corners of the legs with a machete and uses chains to give it an even more faux aged look. After he sands the edges, he applies a two-part glaze for a rich finish.

Anderson and Cunningham pair up to build a bench seat with storage above to make better use of the dining area and to hold the homeowner's extensive cookbook collection. The entire piece is made out of medium-density fiberboard with a router used to create decorative grooves for more interest. It's painted with sage green semi-gloss paint and enhanced with a stria paint effect created with a dry brush and dark glaze.

Bulletin Board

An oversize cork board covered with fabric provides the perfect spot for notes.

Paint

The Tuscan design is started with a terra-cotta paint color to complement the exposed brick.

Fabrics

An array of fabrics is used for seat cushions and pillows, and new curtain panels dress up the sliding glass door and window over the sink.

Rug

A rug with a rich pattern and dark colors brings the Tuscan look to the white tile floor.

Accessories

Little touches include a decorative plate and table runner.