Tuscan Style Decorating Ideas
Earthy colors and natural materials are two basics for the “old
world” style of decorating. To get an idea of the colors we’re
talking about, go for a walk outside and take notice of the
beautiful colors around you, the blue sky, the golden sun, even
the chocolate brown of mud in the springtime. Ok, so you don’t
have a view of the blue/green Mediterranean Sea but you’ve seen
pictures of it haven’t you? On that walk, stroll through the
produce department of your local grocery store and note the dark
purple eggplants, the red peppers, yellow lemons, green olives.
These are some of the colors you’ll want to consider for your
Tuscany decorating. Natural materials will include wood (think
rustic, sturdy type furniture), tile (colorful ceramic for wall
accents) natural stone for flooring and unpolished metals such
as copper, tin, or pewter for accents.
You probably already have some Tuscan influences in your home.
Iron scrollwork brackets, terra cotta planters (more about these
later), fruit themed artwork, colorful pottery, copper, tin,
pewter items, tapestry wall hangings - what was old is new
again! Check your garage, attic or flea markets for some of
these items.
What could be simpler than lining a sunny windowsill with some
pretty little terra cotta pots with Italian herbs (oregano,
basil, sage, etc.)? Do you have a section of old wrought iron
railing that once graced your front porch? Bring it in, clean it
up and get creative. Maybe you could use it for a pot hanger in
the kitchen or hang it on the wall for a decorative accent in
the family room. How about that old leather trimmed trunk? It
may make a great coffee table or storage area. Since colorful
tile work is essential for the Tuscan style, how about making
your own mosaic masterpiece? Just break up a few pieces of old
china, (use safety goggles), apply it with tile adhesive to a
terra cotta planter, old vase or whatever you choose, let it dry
for 24 hours, grout it and wipe down with a damp sponge.
If you’re redoing your walls, a simple way of getting that
time-burnished stucco look is to use Venetian plaster, which is
simply drywall compound mixed with latex paint. First, paint the
walls a Tuscany color such as gold, cream or even a terra cotta
red. Then spread the plaster over the wall in varying
thicknesses - let some of the painted wall show through. Then,
you can seal it with a latex sealer if you wish. Or, you may
want to check out wallpapers that imitate this look.
Keep in mind, the whole idea is to create a warm, comfortable
“lived in” look and you’ll get it using these ideas and some of
your own.
Visit www.1st-Home-Deco
rating-Ideas.com for more information.
