The ousted kitchen offers the advantages of simplicity and functionality as well as decorative liberation.

Our Spanish rental house had a marvelous ousted kitchen. Despite that, I had little intention of using it as I declared a hiatus from cooking while on vacation. While I enjoy it, I wanted to spend my time relaxing in the Balearic Sea. Once there, however; I changed my mind. The kitchen worked well, had amazing views, and was my own private sanctuary.

A lovely Spanish kitchen.

My favorite thing about the kitchen was its first floor location. A small stairwell lead down to the kitchen and the adjacent dining room and laundry. This seclusion of the kitchen is not at all popular in the US, but I think it is so smart. As one who does not like to entertain in the kitchen, I appreciate one that is hidden from sight. I don’t see the appeal of standing around the kitchen chatting with friends while sandwiched between a counter and an island. This is the purpose of a living room.

Because most people entertain in their kitchens, the budgets for these rooms are enormous when they don’t have to be. A kitchen that is designed for function can be quite beautiful in its simplicity. European kitchens often have tile walls for easy cleaning, but they are typically simple inexpensive tiles as seen in the photos below. Less money spent in the kitchen allows for special finishes in other rooms which can be neglected because of a financial deficit.

Another advantage of a segregated kitchen, is that decorative options open up. Today so many homes have open plans. There is no place to stop and start different paint colors or wallpapers. Consequently, a neutral color is chosen to run through these areas because they are easy. That can become boring or at the least a missed opportunity to create something more interesting.

Our Spanish kitchen had a tile backsplash behind the stove and a few other tiled details. There were nice wooden countertops and cabinets, but overall the kitchen had a simple layout without fancy finishes. There was adequate space and storage. Its greatest feature were two sets of French doors opening out to the covered terrace with views down to the pool and the sea beyond that. There was always a healthy breeze and surprisingly no bugs flying around.

View from the upstairs living room.

Looking back at our rental house from the pool area. The kitchen doors are underneath the two arches.

European kitchens are sometimes more utilitarian than our fancy US counterparts, but no less beautiful.

This Italian kitchen’s sole decoration is its paint colors.

This Sicilian kitchen uses decorative tile to distinguish the oven. The copper cooking utensils had a pretty gleam against the matte painted walls.

The Spanish kitchen has a beautiful arched ceiling and a cement tile backsplash. The other finishes and furniture are basic.

Casa V Interiors brings beauty and functionality to their kitchen projects.