Tuscany Interior Design

From LoveToKnow Interior Design

The rolling hills, farmhouses, and vineyards of northern Italy have inspired a surge of interest in Tuscany interior design. The old world charm of this region can be brought home with the use of rich colors, natural materials, and unrefined textures.

Tuscan Design Basics

The scenery of Tuscany is dominated by terracotta tile roofs, fields of lavender or sunflowers, and towering cypress trees. Influences can be seen from the ancient Etruscan culture to the Renaissance period of the Middle Ages. Murals, frescoes, and pottery decorate Tuscan homes of yesterday and today. Other characteristic features of Tuscany interior design include wrought iron accents, tile mosaics, and rustic florals.

Wall surfaces in Tuscan homes are usually plaster or stucco with handcrafted, decorative finishes. Popular wall treatments include glazing, color washing, lime washing, and hand troweled textures. Classically designed plaster moldings add definition and sophistication to Tuscany interior design. This trim work is sometimes accented with gold leaf or finished very simply.

Ceiling medallions are a nice addition above light fixtures or just to dress up a plain ceiling area. Dark wooden beams are standard features of a traditional Tuscan ceiling. They create a rustic contrast with the smooth, light-color plaster walls. Painted designs such as clouds or angels are frequently used to decorate ceilings in foyers and dining rooms.

Details in Tuscan Interior Design

Colors taken from the Tuscan landscape make up the typical interior color scheme. Hues of deep sky blue, celadon green, earthy brown, and clay red are dominant in Tuscan color palettes. Warm tones of sunny yellow and rusty orange add intensity to wall finishes and painted accessories.

Wall décor is kept to a minimum with large statement pieces like tapestries, metal grilles, and decorated tiles. Accessories in Tuscany interior design typically include ceramics, hand-painted plates, and Murano glass art. Flooring materials tend to be tiles made from ceramics or terracotta, wide wooden planks, travertine, terrazzo, or marble with decorative inlays.

Furniture in Tuscany interior design can range from sturdy pieces with time-worn finishes to richly finished wooden and upholstered pieces. Embellishments like nail head trim, gold leaf, tile accents, metal hardware, and mosaic inlays enhance the interest of these furniture pieces. Tuscan fabrics seen on upholstery, bedding, and window treatments include texture-rich linens, lush damasks or brocades, and luxurious velvets or silks.

Tuscan style kitchens feature metal pot racks full of copper vessels and utensils. Practical Tuscan kitchen accessories like potted herbs, olive oil bottles, and ceramic canisters are functional as well as beautiful. Terracotta urns or Tuscan pottery can be displayed as convenient utensil holders or serve as added decoration. Woven baskets are another handy accessory to have in the kitchen due to their usefulness and rich texture. No Tuscan kitchen would be complete without bottles of Italian wine which can be used for cooking or entertaining. Dress up dining tables or breakfast nooks with place mats or table runners made from woven straw or decorative old world fabrics like chenille or tapestry.