Tuscan Themed Decorating

A Tuscan style decorating theme has Old World European influences with a warm, rustic feel. Mediterranean hints from France and Spain are combined with the culture and colors of the Italian Tuscan countryside. Tuscan style is both elegant and romantic. This decorating style will appeal to those who love warm, earth tone colors and classic European accents. Commonly seen in kitchens, a Tuscan theme has become a popular decorating style throughout many homes.

Add the warmth of the Mediterranean to your home with Tuscan colors.

A Tuscan themed home starts with a true Tuscan color palette. Think natural colors, such as the hues you would find in an Italian vineyard or country farmhouse. Tuscan colors can include:

• Burgundy
• Olive Green
• Yellow gold
• Rusty orange
• Chestnut brown
• Cobalt blue

Many other shades of green, brown, red, yellow and orange can be found in a Tuscan color scheme. Shades of green are reminiscent of grapevines, cypress trees, olive trees, rosemary and sage. The many shades of brown represent the rich Tuscan soil and natural wood colors found in rustic Tuscan furniture. Rusty reds, burgundies and oranges reflect the earthy colors of terra-cotta clay, vine ripened berries, a rich merlot, a warm farmhouse fire and a romantic Tuscan sunset. Colors of ocher and yellow gold represent the warm rays of the Tuscan sun, cheerful yellow sunflowers and the beautiful golden leaves of the autumn trees. The deeply intense blue sky on a sunny Tuscan day wraps up this all-natural, earthy color palette.

Add rustic textures with Tuscan inspired furnishings and building materials.

Tuscan furniture is very rustic, crafted mainly from plantation grown hardwoods and Ponderosa pine. This wood furniture can have a weathered look or be richly finished in numerous dark stains.

Terra-cotta tiles or natural stone, Travertine tiles are a good choice for flooring. Stucco walls closely resemble the aged plaster walls of vintage Italian farmhouses. Granite or natural stone countertops and rustic wood cabinets give your kitchen a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Terra-cotta roof tiles reflect the Spanish influence in Tuscan architectural features.

Wrought iron furnishings are distinctly Tuscan but are also seen in French country themes. These furnishings include scrolled wrought iron bed frames, wall grilles, candleholders and wall sconces, wine racks, pot holders, decorative iron toppers, mirrors, plant holders and stands and bakers racks.

Celebrate color and culture with Tuscan home accents.

Colorful, hand-painted Italian ceramics will not only add bright, vivid colors to your Tuscan themed home, they represent the heritage and dedication of talented artisans who have passed their craft on for generations. Add beautiful kitchen accents such as Biscotti jars and canisters, colorful dinnerware, vases and a charming, hand painted tile kitchen backsplash.

Complete your Tuscan kitchen with accessories such as a wrought iron metal pot rack with copper pots and pans attached, hanging metal baskets filled with fresh vegetables, terra-cotta pots with fresh herbs in the window sill and a classy wrought-iron wine rack or bakers rack.

For more great Tuscan themed decorating ideas, visit Tuscan Décor.com for a helpful list of decorating books available at Amazon.com.