Earthy colors and natural materials are two basics for the "old world" style of decorating. To get an idea of the colors we're talking about, go for a walk outside and take notice of the beautiful colors around you, the blue sky, the golden sun, even the chocolate brown of mud in the springtime. Ok, so you don't have a view of the blue/green Mediterranean Sea but you've seen pictures of it haven't you? On that walk, stroll through the produce department of your local grocery store and note the dark purple eggplants, the red peppers, yellow lemons, green olives. These are some of the colors you'll want to consider for your Tuscany decorating. Natural materials will include wood (think rustic, sturdy type furniture), tile (colorful ceramic for wall accents) natural stone for flooring and unpolished metals such as copper, tin, or pewter for accents.
You probably already have some Tuscan influences in your home. Iron scrollwork brackets, terra cotta planters (more about these later), fruit themed artwork, colorful pottery, copper, tin, pewter items, tapestry wall hangings ? what was old is new again! Check your garage, attic or flea markets for some of these items.
What could be simpler than lining a sunny windowsill with some pretty little terra cotta pots with Italian herbs (oregano, basil, sage, etc.)? Do you have a section of old wrought iron railing that once graced your front porch? Bring it in, clean it up and get creative. Maybe you could use it for a pot hanger in the kitchen or hang it on the wall for a decorative accent in the family room. How about that old leather trimmed trunk? It may make a great coffee table or storage area. Since colorful tile work is essential for the Tuscan style, how about making your own mosaic masterpiece? Just break up a few pieces of old china, (use safety goggles), apply it with tile adhesive to a terra cotta planter, old vase or whatever you choose, let it dry for 24 hours, grout it and wipe down with a damp sponge.
If you're redoing your walls, a simple way of getting that time-burnished stucco look is to use Venetian plaster, which is simply drywall compound mixed with latex paint. First, paint the walls a Tuscany color such as gold, cream or even a terra cotta red. Then spread the plaster over the wall in varying thicknesses ? let some of the painted wall show through. Then, you can seal it with a latex sealer if you wish. Or, you may want to check out wallpapers that imitate this look.
Keep in mind, the whole idea is to create a warm, comfortable "lived in" look and you'll get it using these ideas and some of your own.
Jill Kane is the owner of http://www.1st-Home-Decorating-Ideas.com. A site with tips and resources related to home decorating.
If you are looking for a quick and easy way... Read More
Its summertime and the livin' is easy or at least... Read More
Set the stage for your beautiful room decor with a... Read More
Candle making can be a fun creative hobby. It can... Read More
Picnic baskets are the best way to eat outdoors, and... Read More
If you want a touch of class and art in... Read More
Antique wood stoves provide decoration and can still be used... Read More
Philip Diehl first invented the ceiling fan in 1882, around... Read More
Parlez-vous Françes? Don't worry - you don't need to speak... Read More
The quality of the wear layer determines frequency of refinishing... Read More
Woven wood shades, also known as bamboo shades, are a... Read More
From the office cubicle to the executive penthouse suite and... Read More
Several materials are used to make waterbed sheets. Waterbed owners... Read More
Luxurious linen has been used for centuries. Writers speak in... Read More
Ionic air purifiers are not filter systems. Ionic air purifiers... Read More
The bathroom may be the hardest room to decorate. Its... Read More
Do you want to add a sense of style and... Read More
Of all the various kits available from hobby stores and... Read More
The Mathmos Color Bubble is made by Mathmos - the... Read More
Wood wine racks provide the best storage system for a... Read More
An inspirational poster can really inspire us!Its benefits to us... Read More
The proper pool table lights is critical to playing your... Read More
A room divider in a theme that compliments your décor... Read More
I love the decorative look of a ceiling fan as... Read More
Warm and luminous like sunlight, the right shade of yellow... Read More
(When designing a child's room, you want to create an... Read More
Adjustable beds, also known as Semi-Fowler beds, can be adjusted... Read More
Painting walls in various colors is a quick and easy... Read More
This Italian lifestyle project, underlined by the aroma of espresso... Read More
Room dividers can be both decorative and practical. They can... Read More
Are you looking for that special something to turn your... Read More
Roman shades are inexpensive and elegant window treatment to block... Read More
Despite the high-end look, discount wood blinds are available. Constructed... Read More
One of the easiest ways to add a romantic or... Read More
Hanging wine racks help to neatly store wine in tight... Read More
Many people are not aware that the air inside our... Read More
The importance of following feng shui decorating guidelines.Feng shui decorating... Read More
At one time, ceramic tile was only for the wealthy.... Read More
Pressed glass, Depression glass and crystal - this month we'll... Read More
Rugs are a great way to decoratively cover a floor.... Read More
Shower curtains are a quick and inexpensive way to change... Read More
What constitutes a balanced room according to feng shui theory... Read More
Many people enjoy a glass of wine with dinner or... Read More
Wood blinds offer nature's rich, subtle colors and unique textures.... Read More
There was a time people thought the world was flat.... Read More
Bathroom vanity tops offer many options to the discerning customer.... Read More
Should I buy silk plants and flowers for my home... Read More
Decorating on a budget can always be a challenge, but... Read More
Children's bedroom furniture and nursery furniture can help turn a... Read More
For picnic tables, decks, porches, patios, and sidewalks, decorators are... Read More
If you have children in your home, what sort of... Read More
Having trouble getting a room in your home to have... Read More
The great thing about looking for a retailer or manufacturer... Read More
Use kitchen island ideas to better understand how to create... Read More
Deciding what colors to use when decorating your house can... Read More
I can still picture my roommate as she lay stretched... Read More
Since conservatories have so many windows, choosing conservatory blinds is... Read More
For those wanted to give their home an instant facelift,... Read More
A latex mattress is not exactly the same thing as... Read More
Among the varied accomplishments of it's inventor, the lamp was... Read More
Shutters are a wonderful addition to any home. They give... Read More
We've all heard of exterior shutters. We see them on... Read More
I spent a recent weekend curled up with a stack... Read More
When redecorating a room, don't forget about your lighting. While... Read More
There is literally thousands of different colors, different patterns even... Read More
There is nothing more attractive and cheerful than a room... Read More
Interior Design & Decorating |