Apr 13 2010
Tuscan Style Brings the Casual, Warm Touch of Italy into Your Home
The Tuscan style of home décor invites the warm atmosphere and natural beauty of Italy into your home. Natural materials such as stone, wood, terra cotta, and marble are incorporated everywhere. In this style, the elements of nature are abundant. With the Tuscan style, there’s no pretense, only a natural, comfortable, and worn look that’s heightened by colors that reflect the glowing sun setting over the gorgeous mountains of Italy.
A Look That’s Completely Comfortable
This style of décor leaves homes feeling airy and open. Windows are often left completely bare, allowing natural lighting and other elements of nature to seep in. The cupboards are also often left bare, although some keep all the contents easily visible by using chicken wire for door fronts.
The Tuscan look feels relaxed, lived-in, and completely comfortable. Furniture might be made from local wood. Lines are kept simple, the wood rough hewn. Furniture made of pine or dark wood can even be distressed at the factory, giving it a well-used look.
Wall Accents Add to the Charm
Terra cotta, brick, burnished yellows, and greens are all used to create the Italian-inspired look. Walls are often gray or soft white, and you’ll often see them adorned with Tuscan accents such as rich tapestries. Tapestries are sometimes large enough to decorate the whole wall, adding texture and interest to the décor. With Italian-themed hangings, you can create an exquisite and colorful focal point for the room. Even better, they’re available in a variety of styles. Italian work is unmistakable, whether you choose a re-creation of a traditional tapestry or something entirely new.
Tuscan-Inspired Floors
A Tuscan-inspired style can be carried throughout the floors, walls, ceilings, and furniture in your home. Flooring options include timber boards, wide wooden planks, terra-cotta bricks, clay tiles, and rough stone. For an artistic touch that adds splashes of interest to the décor, scatter some gently worn and antique-looking rugs around the room. Particularly popular in the kitchen and dining areas are clay tiles.
Integrate Wrought Iron into Your Décor
Wrought iron is a popular look in Italian Tuscan décor. Hang wrought-iron pot racks from the ceiling and put a baker’s rack against one wall. Terra-cotta pots filled with herbs and greenery make a nice touch. Kitchen sinks should be made of natural stone or porcelain. All those ceramic touches work to add color and depth to the décor. A wrought-iron fireplace screen can add a touch of elegance to the living room. Other great additions that add to the ambiance include wrought-iron wall sconces and candleholders.
Warm and inviting, Tuscan décor is truly inspired by nature. The outdoors is brought in via all the natural textures used for the walls, floors, countertops, and other surfaces. You really get the feel of a charming Italian villa with all these earthy materials. Surrounded by exposed wood ceiling beams, plenty of natural light, and all the colors of nature, you can retreat to the comforts of a warm and inviting home after a hard day’s work.
