If Under the Tuscan Sun left you breathless and madly in love with Tuscan-style decor, you’re certainly not alone. The hills and the call of the land itself seem to have imparted their presence into the psyche of those who read the book or watched the movie.
This growing trend in Tuscan-style decoration is similar to the theory of which came first from the chicken or the egg.
Whatever the answer, the results are genuinely inspiring. Images of our direct connection to the earth itself are born and awaken a longing for the proximity of familiar faces.
In the Tuscan style decoration we can reflect our passion for that connection with the land and with the real.
All that is old and forgotten becomes new and meaningful again.
The elements of the Tuscan-style decoration incorporate the exterior within the interior limits of the place where we live. You don’t have to be outside to commune with nature. Instead, it communicates in harmony with life within our homes.
Colors in Tuscan-style decoration
Warmth and intensity … as in fine Italian coffee fills the vivid color palette of this style. Earth tones ranging from scorching yellow like the sun itself to concentrated golds like the ones it hides in its deepest crevices are used throughout this theme. Abundant rich shades of reddish and chocolate are also incorporated with prominent amounts of terracotta.
Other earth tones also blend into the harmony of the Tuscan-style décor. Include expressions of charcoal black, deep blue or lake and olive with hints of sea green in combination with generous amounts of oxidized reds for added flavor.
Stone in Tuscan style decoration
When it comes to home decor, this style is literally the salt of the earth. Natural stones and rocks from the earth itself bear this evidence. Even bricks, which are man-made, start with clay and other elements from the earth.
Stone is used in Tuscan-style decoration very effectively in kitchens and bathrooms. Other places where it makes a powerful statement are around the fireplace and hearts, as well as in hallways and other entryways. Creating a faux stone wall adds an immediate Tuscan flair to any room.
Before choosing stone for your Tuscan-style decorating project, learn about the physical qualities of any stone you are considering. Before deciding which stone to use and where to use it, you need to know its limitations. The three most commonly used stones are granite, limestone, and marble.
Granite: strong, durable and heat resistant. This stone creates a stunning Tuscan-style décor focal point, but is expensive.
Limestone – Natural in appearance, but highly absorbent and stains easily. Typically used on floors and for shower interiors, but not recommended for areas that receive frequent traffic.
Marble: soft and porous, unsuitable for kitchen countertops, recommended for bathrooms and floors. Use unpolished to better complement this theme.
Metal decoration in Tuscan style
True to the concept that exists in harmony with the land, the idea in Tuscan-style decoration is to appreciate the natural. Instead of using highly polished metals that have a shiny appearance, you will be incorporating metals from the past.
Select basic tin pieces to create a sense of authenticity. If you’re creative, you might even want to try making your own Tuscan-style tin decorating accessories. You can go as basic or bold as you like, from making a simple picture frame to a tin insert for an antique cabinet.
Mix other raw metals like copper, iron, and pewter for dramatic effects.