The Tuscan style of decorating has become quite popular, primarily because of the beautiful warm look it brings to the home. This decorating style originates from Tuscany, which is one of the world’s most beautiful regions. The area has many old buildings and is full of rich history and beauty. It is this kind of atmosphere that people are trying to recreate when they decorate their home in the Tuscan style. Of course, as with all decorating styles, the overall Tuscan theme has changed over the years. It was influenced by European architecture in the fourteenth century, which added new style elements. Because of travel and trade during the Roman period, the Tuscan style also gained inspiration from countries such as India and Egypt.
The Color Palette
The Tuscan color palette contains warm earthy shades, combined with a few colors from the sea. You’ll find warm shades of brown, red, olive green, and sea blue shades. These colors are generally combined in interesting ways, providing the room with a rich, warm look.
Furniture Styles
If you take a close look at some Tuscan styled furniture pieces, you’ll notice that they actually seem to contain architectural elements. Chair and table legs frequently have carved detailing, which makes them look a bit like columns. You’ll also find mosaic touches in Tuscan furniture pieces, such as coffee tables with mosaic tops. Some Tuscan furniture can be roughly hewn, while other pieces have beautiful detailed carving. Dark shades of wood are usually the norm.
Materials and Textures
There are plenty of interesting and rich textures used in the Tuscan style of decorating. You’ll find plenty of wood pieces, which can vary in style according to the period. You’ll also find stone used frequently, such as is the case with flooring, countertops and decorating accessories. Granite, marble and travertine are popular choices. Rich fabrics in the form of tapestries, furniture upholstery, blankets and throw pillows are also common decorating touches. You’ll also find leather used frequently. Wrought iron touches, in the form of accessories or furniture adornment, are popular in this style of decorating. Interesting pieces such as a Tuscan initial wall grille can help highlight the use of interesting materials and textures.
Decorating Accessories
You’ll find plenty of homespun charm in the Tuscan style of decorating, much of which is added through the use of decorating accessories. Beautiful pots, vases, tubs or urns made from ceramic, stone, earthenware or terra cotta can be used to hold a variety of decorative items. You’ll also see dinnerware used as decorating accessories, such as displaying a bowl or platter on an iron stand. Candles, mirrors, family photos in beautiful frames, scenic wall art, plants and flowers can all be used to great advantage. Although the Tuscan decorating style often has a rich look, it’s important to understand that it doesn’t have to be an expensive way to decorate. In fact, you can easily use discount wall art quite effectively as part of your decorating scheme. There really aren’t any set rules to this decorating style, so think creatively and have fun creating your own special look.
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