Design a home inspired by the Tuscan countryside.
A Tuscan-inspired home conjures images of a rustic Italian countryside, elegant yet practical stone masonry and earth-inspired colors. The book "Dan Sater's European Classics" outlines that Tuscan architecture integrates basic natural resources of the countryside with an old-world ambiance of opulent turrets and porticos. Those looking to revamp their home with a Tuscan flair can take several measures to reflect this aesthetic. Does this Spark an idea?
Color Scheme
Earth tones of warm chocolate brown, dusty tan and copper orange are solid choices for a Tuscan home design. Avoid sterile white walls and, instead, paint rooms using darker brown, red or beige hues. Appropriate accent colors include tomato red, eggplant purple and dark green. Incorporate these accents in the form of various accessories like vases, artwork and candle holders.
Ceramics
Large clay pots holding herbs, wildflowers and other plants are common in Mediterranean regions like Tuscany. Replicate this lifestyle by selecting such pots for your own home and garden. Replace any plastic or wooden pots with terra-cotta-style pottery. Place ornate ceramic jars along entryways of the home or perch them on wall units or kitchen cabinets.
Wrought Iron
Wrought iron is a primary feature of a Tuscan-style home: It adorns windows, staircases, doors and even chandeliers. If remodeling the home to integrate these features is too much of an undertaking, opt for inexpensive wrought iron accessories. Buy wrought iron mirrors, sconces, candle holders, door knobs for the kitchen cabinets and picture frames.
Planter Boxes
In continuation with this earthy aesthetic, place planter boxes along the windowsills and add fresh flowers or herbs to the home. Or, grow herbs indoors and place the potted plants near the window. Herbs that people commonly grow in Tuscany include rosemary, sage, basil, oregano and thyme. In addition to such herbs adding a touch of Italy in the home, you can use them to make authentic Italian dishes as well: Sprinkle them liberally in marinara sauce or on top of pasta.
Stone and Tile Designs
Alexandra Black and Simon McBride explain in their book, "Tuscan Elements," that undressed limestone is what gives Tuscan architecture its distinct appearance. This tan, sandy-colored stone is used to make tiles, bricks and archways. If this type of rock is difficult to procure, select white marble, travertine, granite and sandstone. Use these tiles for countertops, kitchen and bathroom floors as well as backyard walkways. Create tile mosaics in the kitchen and along domed archways, especially for fountains.
Furniture
Tuscan furniture uses wood, leather and other natural elements. Though expensive, furniture in dark brown or black cracked leather provides the most authentic look. Otherwise, select furniture in earthy colors. Choose ornate, curvaceous settees and other Victorian-style pieces to match the old-world Tuscan design. Add dark wooden cabinets, side tables, kitchen tables and coffee tables.
Tags: candle holders, kitchen cabinets, Tuscan architecture, wrought iron
