Would you like to bring the beautiful Tuscan countryside into your home? You will be glad to know that Italian-Tuscan decor is very simple and inexpensive to achieve.
Tuscan decor favors wine, food and nature, so decorating your kitchen in this theme is a natural. To create YOUR Tuscan look, it should be bold yet simple. The use of interesting, warm colors, attention to quality and detail, and the use of creative, dynamic accessories will do the trick. Incorporate the following features with your own, personal preferences and you will have your own, unique Tuscan look.
Consider color first when creating your Tuscan kitchen. The Tuscan countryside has a large influence on the color palette popular in the region. Select from these rich, earthy colors: golden pear, terracotta, olive greens, deep browns and burgandy, mediterranean blues, red-orange and
warm, golden yellows.
Tuscan decor uses an abundant amount of texture, simply, by using textured paints and techniques to create that old world, Mediterranean look. Consider using the suede or granite paint
products on the market. Or you may use techniques such as sponging or patterned rollers.
Now that you have laid the foundation for your decor--the painting--you may look for Tuscan accessories to bring it to life. The Tuscan decor look offers many options, allowing you to express your own individuality. The most popular materials used in Tuscan decorating include tapestry, tile, wrought iron, ceramic, pottery, marble and hard woods. Check out a great online
home decor catalog for a unique selection of Tuscan kitchen decor at home decorating studio.com.
The ultimate Tuscan kitchen is beautiful, but functional and
efficient--it should reflect your lifestyle. The Tuscan kitchen decor theme celebrates food, family and friends.
Functional, yet decorative additions to your Tuscan decor, could include, canister sets, shakers, glass jars, decanters for oil and spices, metal containers, Italian style pots, bowls or plates and wine accessories.
One of the best decorating spots for your Tuscan decor is above the cupboards. Lay your foundation with the use of greenery, grape vines, grape, berry or pear garlands and country floral stems. You may even decide to add some sutle background lighting. This is not a bad look by itself, but you can really make it "pop" by adding pottery vases or bowls, metal teapots or urns, rustic plates or chargers, or wine bottles--mix and match for a unique, interesting look. Have fun with this area--it can really set the mood for your entire kitchen. Remember, Tuscan decor is a mixture of class with simplicity.
Depending on the size of your kitchen, you may consider other Tuscan influenced pieces. You may use a wrought iron rack to display / hang copper pots and pans. You should find a spot for a Tuscan country wall clock; either featuring a wood or iron frame. A country wildflower / sunflower, greenery or berry wreath will accent the cupboard decor. One of the newer trend suggestions would be to use a metal wall pocket vase--fill with floral--it
makes a very unique touch and will combine the floral and metal features of your Tuscan kitchen. Iron wall decor is always a popular choice when decorating in the Tuscan theme.
One of the most traditional styles and one that 1st brought our attention to this versatile decorating style is wine decorating. Use wine bottle racks, and decorative wine decor in your Tuscan kitchen or entertaining center. A tabletop wine bottle holder would be great on a snack bar or countertop. Unique wall and floor style wine bottle and glass holders are also available to complete your Tuscan room.
Other motifs that may be incorporated in with your Tuscan kitchen decor are roosters, sunflowers, and pears. Think color and texture.
Article written by Belinda Crouse of homedecoratingstudio.com. Thirty years experience in the gift and home decor market.