Tuscany, a province in the northwest region of Italy is world-renowned for its Sangiovese grapes that produce Chianti Classico wine, one of the most popular vintages in the world. The region is also renowned for its natural beauty - rolling hillsides dotted with pencil thin cypress, deep green olive trees, grapes, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers and all the wonderful ingredients of traditional Tuscan cooking. The natural beauty of the region is only enhanced by its sunny stucco villas crowned with rich red-tile roofs. From Florence to Sienna, Pisa to Assisi, Tuscany equals quintessential Italian style. Capturing this romantic look has become a favorite decorative pastime of homeowners everywhere and there are certain decorative elements that should always be included to lend an air of authenticity if you wish to adopt Old-World style.
Embrace antiqued patinas
Terra-cotta roof tiles and sun-bleached stucco are the very definition of Tuscan style. Weathered woods and old wrought iron are other favored materials. While you may not be able to clad your home's exterior in stucco or terra-cotta roofing tiles, copy the look to your interiors with aged porcelain and ceramic tiles on floors and backsplashes. Tiled murals in the kitchen or bath are excellent ways to add a touch of Tuscany, as are distinctive pieces of wrought iron wall art or canvas art depicting the Tuscan countryside.
Aim for a relaxed, unpretentious ambience
Warm inviting tones should be used for walls, fabrics and furniture. Classic Tuscan choices include burgundy red, eggplant purple, deep brown, ochre and sunflower yellow and shades of green that range from olive to deep evergreen. Repeat these colors in rustic patterns in tapestries, pillows, fabrics and upholsteries.
Rustic wood furniture that proudly displays nicks and dings, exposed beams, unfinished stucco walls, aged shutters, aged copper pots and simple ceramic pottery and pitchers holding bunches of sunflowers are simple ways to add Tuscan style. Leave window unadorned or choose simple canvas or lace panels that add softness without intruding on the unpretentious ambiance. Color washing techniques can impart the look of stucco on the walls. Flooring is simple as well, with weathered planking or ceramic tile adding carefree style. Patterned area rugs with Tuscan or classic motifs add a layer of comfort in bedrooms and living areas.
In the kitchen, choose colored concrete, marble or granite for countertops. Open or free-standing armoires lend an antiquated look and lots of extra storage. A long wooden-table surround by rush-seat chairs offers a place for impromptu and everyday casual dining and accent with earthenware dishes and serving pieces in red, yellow, green and blue. Provide detailing with copper pots hung from racks, wine racks loaded with Italian reds and whites, glass jars full of pickled olives, dried pasta and olive oil, pitchers of fresh flowers and tiered platters and bowls of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Don't let your Tuscan style stop at the door. Graceful gardens, bubbling fountains, stone walkways and driveways, wrought iron gates, overflowing flower boxes and a vegetable patch full or ripe tomatoes and cheerful sunflowers will make your home authentically Tuscan both inside and out.
Embrace antiqued patinas
Terra-cotta roof tiles and sun-bleached stucco are the very definition of Tuscan style. Weathered woods and old wrought iron are other favored materials. While you may not be able to clad your home's exterior in stucco or terra-cotta roofing tiles, copy the look to your interiors with aged porcelain and ceramic tiles on floors and backsplashes. Tiled murals in the kitchen or bath are excellent ways to add a touch of Tuscany, as are distinctive pieces of wrought iron wall art or canvas art depicting the Tuscan countryside.
Aim for a relaxed, unpretentious ambience
Warm inviting tones should be used for walls, fabrics and furniture. Classic Tuscan choices include burgundy red, eggplant purple, deep brown, ochre and sunflower yellow and shades of green that range from olive to deep evergreen. Repeat these colors in rustic patterns in tapestries, pillows, fabrics and upholsteries.
Rustic wood furniture that proudly displays nicks and dings, exposed beams, unfinished stucco walls, aged shutters, aged copper pots and simple ceramic pottery and pitchers holding bunches of sunflowers are simple ways to add Tuscan style. Leave window unadorned or choose simple canvas or lace panels that add softness without intruding on the unpretentious ambiance. Color washing techniques can impart the look of stucco on the walls. Flooring is simple as well, with weathered planking or ceramic tile adding carefree style. Patterned area rugs with Tuscan or classic motifs add a layer of comfort in bedrooms and living areas.
In the kitchen, choose colored concrete, marble or granite for countertops. Open or free-standing armoires lend an antiquated look and lots of extra storage. A long wooden-table surround by rush-seat chairs offers a place for impromptu and everyday casual dining and accent with earthenware dishes and serving pieces in red, yellow, green and blue. Provide detailing with copper pots hung from racks, wine racks loaded with Italian reds and whites, glass jars full of pickled olives, dried pasta and olive oil, pitchers of fresh flowers and tiered platters and bowls of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Don't let your Tuscan style stop at the door. Graceful gardens, bubbling fountains, stone walkways and driveways, wrought iron gates, overflowing flower boxes and a vegetable patch full or ripe tomatoes and cheerful sunflowers will make your home authentically Tuscan both inside and out.
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