Any home that takes decorative inspiration from the architecture and atmosphere of Tuscany, is influenced by the elements of nature.

Sun washed hillsides that offer home to rustic stone farmhouses with crumbling stone walls, marble flooring, heavy hardwood furniture and wrought iron detailing, hint at just some of the characteristics of this Italian decorative style. The universal appeal of this peaceful and timeless setting ensures that elements of the look are increasingly popular for today’s interiors.

Ultimately, simplicity is the key here and without any suggestion of pretence, the harmonious combination of worn and comfortable furnishings and sympathetic detailing and colour, creates a room that is instantly warm and inviting.

As long ago as Roman times, people had moved to the hills of central Italy to escape from city life and embrace the idealised culture of the country. They enjoyed the attraction and beauty of nature and instinctively incorporated these elements into their homes. These very same elements are what makes Tuscan influenced decorating so appealing for use in a more modern era.

Using the natural materials to be found in this area of Italy, the Tuscan home is built of sandstone or limestone in a wide variety of hues. Marble is used extensively and used for decorative details and flooring and arches. Homes here exhibit an enduring timeless quality and look solid and substantial. Terracotta roof tiles are seen everywhere in the area as are rustic wooden shutters to keep out the heat of the midday sun and retain warmth during the winter months. Both should be considered for any home or feature where the Tuscan style is desired. Using materials that stand the test of time, the look should always be one of inviting rustic warmth. Any feature or accessory that is shiny and new has no place here.

And for interiors the same rules apply. Simplicity is key with marble or rustic wooden flooring softened by a few scattered faded rugs and soft throws and accessories.

Wrought iron detailing and deep set window frames compliment the look, and within the master or guest bedroom dark wood furniture might just work perfectly with an old Iron Beds or simple Wood Beds to form the centrepiece and inspiration for the rest of the room.

Emyvale beds to set the mood perhaps?

Admittedly not an antique but in antique bronze finish and simple elegant lines, more than just a little in keeping with the terracotta warmth and rustic detail that personifies Tuscan style. The secret for an effective Tuscan styled interior is to bring the outside, in. Woods, stone and colours are all important elements and natural stone walls are best left natural.

True old Tuscan homes often have low ceilings and were small and dark, although more modern Tuscan rooms use wooden beams, plastered ceilings and have a more open, airy feel. Wooden surfaces such as cupboards, doors and window frames, shutters and ceiling beams are traditionally left plain with a natural patina. Colours found in Tuscan homes are inspired by the earth – Terracotta, ochre, greens of all shades and golden yellows are seen everywhere. Blue and green are incorporated to add a visual cooling effect in regions that experience very hot summers and surfaces that have been painted add a dash of colour even when a little faded.

Homes often use flooring of wide wooden planks or rough stone or unevenly coloured and textured terracotta bricks or clay tiles with antique rugs to add warmth and colour.

As in the bedroom, furniture styles usually feature straight, simple lines made from rough sawn local timber with accents of tile, wrought iron and marble. New pieces of furniture, whether wooden or metal are often distressed to achieve a more aged effect and open cupboards and armoires are found in almost any room and used for the storage of crockery, linens and clothes. Door fronts left open and covered with chicken wire add the definitive Tuscan touch.

By combining some or all of these elements the allure of the Tuscan inspired decorative style is within the grasp of most, to add warmth and a well – loved look and feel to any home.

Tags: Iron Bed, Iron Beds, Iron Bedstead, Iron Bedsteads

This entry was posted on Monday, May 3rd, 2010 at 8:04 am and is filed under Design Inspiration. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.