

Italy is known best for food and wine, fondness for the good life, and cutting-edge sense of style—all of which have given rise to two popular looks in kitchen cabinetry. Whether you long for the look of Tuscany or the sleek, smooth lines of Milan, these types of cabinets can give you exactly what you want. Here’s what you need to get started.
The cost of Italian-style cabinets depends on the scope of design, materials chosen and cabinet size. The solid wood used to make Tuscan country cabinets, for instance, will most likely cost more than the metal commonly used to make Italian-contemporary cabinets. Talk to a local contractor to get more specific price quotes for your kitchen.
The durability of both cabinet styles depends on the materials used. However, Tuscan country cabinets are known for being heavy and sturdy because of their solid wood construction, so they are likely to last longer than regular Italian cabinets.
Again, the maintenance required usually depends on the materials of your cabinets, but most only require an occasional wipe-down with a clean, damp cloth. For tougher stains, use a cleaning solution of dishwashing detergent and warm water. Always dry afterwards and try to avoid abrasive cleaners that can damage the finish.
Tuscan country cabinets vary from elegant and high-end to worn and rustic-looking. Thus, they may be painted in warm colors or dark wood finishes. Wood materials chosen for these cabinets are typically heavier and sturdier, like oak or maple.
Ceramic or wrought metal knobs and pulls also work well here. Glass-fronted doors may be used to show off dishes, though the Tuscan style favors a very elegant, put-together aesthetic.
Italian cabinets are usually frameless or Euro-style, i.e. the doors and drawers cover the entire front of the cabinets in a continuous surface. Hinges are invisible, and knobs and pulls, when used at all, are very simple. The cabinets may be set a bit higher off the floor than in other styles, possibly on legs that allow open space underneath. If toe kicks are used, they’re likely to be wider than those seen elsewhere.
If wood is used at all in this style, it’s very simple with nothing but its grain for adornment. However, you’re more likely to see lots of stainless steel and other metal used on cabinet surfaces, often combined with melamine or thermofoil finishes. All in all, they tend to be very colorful cabinets.
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