Tuscan Home Decorating
Bringing the Beauty of Nature Indoors
The main theme of Tuscan Home Decorating is inspired by the elements of nature.
This can be seen in its earthly colors, the generous use of stone, wood, and textures.
Color, Stone, Earth, and Water
Tuscany is a region that is deeply connected to the land and
incorporates the beauty of the outdoors into the home.
A feature of Tuscan home decorating is the use of a natural color scheme and calls upon the harmony of nature.
The palette comes from the earth, and reflects on the beauty of the countryside.
Think of landscape paintings you've seen of the Tuscan countryside.
The colors should have that sun washed, weathered look to them, and make you feel comfortable.
Terra-cotta, olive greens, deep browns, brick, yellows, golds, and Mediterranean blue.
All of these colors recall the earth and compliment the rich wood tones used in Tuscan home decorating.
A lot of the time these colors, especially for the walls are combined with textures. Through faux finishing techniques, artists can make walls look hand plastered, like they are in Tuscany.
Stone is widely used in Tuscan home decorating.
You can use stone in kitchens, bathrooms, as fireplace surrounds, and also as wall treatments.
With respect for the past, many a stone wall was left free to be seen in the interior of a Tuscan farmhouse, and became a focal point for the room.
Some furniture, in keeping with the Tuscan home decorating theme, will have stone accents. A sofa table for example, with a marble top.
Keep in mind the different types of stone.
Granite is very strong and used for countertops.
Limestone on the other hand is very absorbent and can stain easily.
It is used for flooring, (just not in high traffic areas), and in the bath.
Marble accentuates a floor in the foyer.
Tumbled it can be used for the kitchen back splash,
while
Terra-cotta tiles can be nice in a sun room, or a fireplace surround.
These are just a few of the many ways to utilize this natural earth's element.
The strong, simple lines of Tuscan country furniture is based on the Italian architecture. It employs a provincial charm,
and yet can coexist with more grand and ornate pieces. It can be down to earth, or have a more restrained elegance.
The furniture draws heavy from the past.
The pieces don't need to be antique, but having a few family heirlooms would be great!
The mix of the old and the new will give you a very comfortable and "lived in" feeling.
Actually, many present day manufacturers engage artisans who pride themselves on replicating the traditions and style of the past.
The furniture is made with distressed wood, characterized with a dull wax finish.
The finishes used have an old worn look, reminding you of what natural wood looks like after it darkens with age.
Nothing wants to look new, or have a shiny finish.
In fact it is rare to see a luxurious piece of mahogany furniture in the Tuscan theme of decorating.
Tuscan furniture styles will incorporate the use of stone, leather and wrought iron as accents.
Why not bring a touch of the Tuscan countryside into your own home?
Italian Style Home Decor Shop
Features beautiful Tuscan style home decor accessories such as imported Italian ceramics, luxury bedding ensembles, wall decor, wall tapestries, Tuscan kitchen accessories, and more.
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