Using a hutch in the dining area makes both practical and home fashion sense. The hutch is such an important piece in the French Country design scheme, and it offers a convenient place for storage right next to the table. Of course, a hutch can also be used for displays, with open or glass shelving. This article will provide some ideas for the use of a French country hutch in the kitchen or dining room area; some ideas are traditional, some more modern approaches, but the use it to inspire your own creativity when it comes to the use of this versatile piece!

– A favorite collection of dishes: The collection of fine china or stoneware is a grand tra-dition, seen in many residences from local neighborhoods all the way to the White House. Throughout history, there were families who entertained so much that guests could stay at the family home for one month without eating on the same dinnerware twice! Many people have a 2nd set of dishes or china stored somewhere in a cabinet. Why not let these pieces, often chosen for their specific appeal to our tastes, become an item of decor instead of just a storage item?

– An eclectic collection of dishes: A hutch can also be a great place to tie together a col-lection of mismatched dishes picked up at estate and garage sales, passed down from family members, or given as gifts. Use a central color scheme to connect the various pieces to one idea. The key is to space items well, so that each individual piece can be admired.

– Kitchen supplies: Another ideas is the storage of canned goods and other non-perishables. Many of today’s products come in old style packaging. Watch for these “anniversary” items, or pick some up from a local merchant or general store. Baking supplies are a great example of this, and can give your room the whimsical feeling of an old-time mercantile.

– Antiques: Display collections of small kitchen appliances and hand tools you have picked up throughout your searches. In a display like this, each item can become a conversation piece! If you are a collector of brand name vintage advertising, you can attach the signs you have collected to the backboard of a hutch.

– Baskets and Copper: A traditional pairing of two warm materials- straw and copper can be a great focal point for a French country kitchen. This is an especially nice contrast when a cooler color such as blue or green is the dominant one in the room.

– Cookbooks: A collection of personal favorites, family treasures, or junior league cook-books from your travels is both practical and pretty. You can combine books with figu-rines, mixing bowls, or other kitchen-appropriate items to prevent the display from be-coming to heavy.

– Dry Goods: Dry goods such as flour, sugar, beans, and pastas can be stored in glass containers. Be sure to use airtight containers with tight fitting lids. If desired, you can even attach the lids permanently to the underside of the hutch shelving, creating a per-manent storage place for spices or other light items.

– Table linens: A neatly stacked and folded combination of color coordinated kitchen lin-ens and tea towels can transform a hutch into a focal point of color.

– Canning supplies: Make your hutch reminiscent of a 1930’s kitchen complete with grouped canning jars, lids, and other supplies. Mixing up unfilled containers with homemade jars of brightly colored preserves and fruits makes this especially attractive.

Hopefully, this list will get your creative juices going. There are most likely items you have right now in your own home that you’d like to see on display. It’s a great way for you to share your interests and personality with your guests. One piece of furniture can help to create beauty, conversation, an convenience.

Author Bio: Click here to learn more about French country furniture. Andrew Hallinan is the owner of Tampa Search Engine Optimization company, and is Tampa Bay’s leading Search Marketing Specialist.

Category: Home Management
Keywords: Antique Bathroom Vanity, Custom Wood Furniture, French Country Hutch, Reproduction Furniture, Cu