Tuscan Colors

Decorating with Tuscan colors can make your home feel relaxing, inviting and warm.

The Tuscany region of Italy is known for its beautiful landscapes, famous wines including Chianti, and art. Frances Mayes' popular book Under the Tuscan Sun introduced millions of readers to the foods of the region. When people think of Tuscany, they envision sprawling vineyards: rows of vines, sculpted cypress trees, rambling stone walls, winding dirt roads, weathered farmhouses, moss covered villas, blue skies and bright sun.

The colors of Tuscany are inviting and muted, just like the region. These colors work very well in a number of different decors.

• Mossy and olive greens. Greens never go out of style. Some years certain shades are more popular than others but that is not a concern when creating a Tuscan feel in your home. If you study a vineyard, you will discover many different shades of green: bright grape leaves, dark colored trees, moss and olive. Mix all of these greens together to create a very soothing interior.
• Soft blues. Blue is a universal color. It is said to produce a calming effect so it is often a good choice for bedrooms. The blue of the Tuscan region is a bright but soft blue, like the morning sky before the sun peaks for the day.
• Shades of gold. A Tuscan-inspired interior isn't all soft basics. Mix different hues of gold together in the same way you would the greens. Gold accents on vases, pottery, window treatments and even woodwork can create a visually interesting room with lots of depth.
• Teracotta. Teracotta is a great color for kitchens and bathrooms. The color mixes well with a number of other colors and can be used on the floor, the walls or the room's accessories. It is a great anchor color for a Mediterranean-inspired room.
• Earthy browns. Since the soil in Tuscany runs from sandy to clay-like, anything goes with brown when you are designing with Tuscan colors. If you want to create a rich look, use a dark, warm brown. If you prefer a more contemporary, minimalist feel, stick with soft browns and earth tones.
• Rich wines. The wines of Tuscany are rich and full bodied. Keep this in mind when decorating. Use burgundies, reds and plums to spice up a quiet interior. Wine colors work well on window treatments, throw pillows, area rugs, wall hangings and bedding.

When you are decorating with Tuscan colors, you should balance the many, varied hues with a mix of materials in your furniture and accessories.

• Wooden farm tables. The warm, honey browns of antique farm tables work very well with Tuscan-inspired interiors. Add comfortable seating, oversized pottery and you can create a place where friends and family will linger for hours.
• Glazed earthenware. Think simple and oversized when it comes to your table settings. Balance the neutral wood furniture in the kitchen with shiny copper pots to create some visual interest.
• Wrought Iron. Tuscan villas often have wrought iron rails and even furniture. Mix metals to give your rooms some texture. Hang wrought iron wall hangings, add iron backed tables or glass tables with metal legs to your sitting areas.
• Plants and herbs. Since Tuscany is wine country, there is green growing everywhere. Add potted herbs to your kitchen counters or windowsills to bring some life to your interior and complement your color palette.
• Marble. Offset an earthy, terracotta wall or floor in your bathroom, with a luxurious marble sink. Mixing materials is a great way to make a statement in any home.

When working with Tuscan colors, don’t be afraid to mix hues and experiment. Think of the way the sun and shadows interact when you are in the country and let that inspire you. Comfort, beauty and warmth are the goals when creating your own private villa. .

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