Tuscan Style Decorating
Essentials of Tuscany décor
The Tuscan decorating style is strongly influenced by natural elements.
The style reflects the peaceful setting of the Italian countryside, and it
has become very popular in modern homes.
The appeal lies in its simplicity.
The look of Tuscan style decorating is rural, warm, and welcoming, and it
uses materials such as stone, wrought iron and hardwood that will last for
generations.
The Tuscan look brings the outdoors inside. Walls made of natural stones
are either left natural, or painted a soft gray or white.
Stone is used very
effectively in kitchens and bathrooms. Some of the types of stone used
include:
- Limestone – porous and easily stained, but natural in appearance
- Granite – enduring, strong and heat resistant
- Marble – inappropriate for kitchen countertops because of its
softness and porosity, but recommended for bathrooms and floors
Wood planks, coarse stone, slate, irregularly colored terracotta bricks,
or clay tiles are the types of flooring you will find in homes incorporating
a Tuscan style décor.
Plastered ceilings and wooden beams are common in
Tuscan rooms nowadays, unlike the small, dark spaces of ancient Tuscan
cottages.
Stay away from modern lighting for this old world style. For accessories,
look for old pottery bowls and pitchers.
Furniture should also have an old
world look - distressed wood with peeling paint is perfect. It can be
created from iron, rustic woods or fine hardwoods. Flea markets and antique
malls are sure to have the perfect pieces to complete the look.
Tuscan kitchens are as beautiful as they are practical and the old world
design kitchen has displays of spices, vinegar, oils and herbs prominently
featured.
Cupboards can sport chicken wire doors for authenticity. The
bathrooms often have marble walls and floors with metal wall sconces for
lighting.
The vibrant color palette of this style is full of warmth and passion.
Earth tones are blended with the colors of the sea and the rich gold of the
meadows. Colors and themes include Italian produced products like grapes,
olives, wine, pottery and brightly colored tiles.
Over the vast geographic expanse that encompasses Tuscany, there are
numerous kinds of interior decoration. These go from the splendid interiors
of the palazzi or castles of Florence or Siena, to the stately decorations
of manor houses of the undulating countryside or hill towns, to the
restrained interiors of stone farm houses to the contemporary furniture
found in many medieval buildings situated in the villages and historic
centers.
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