Tuscan DecoratingHome decor has come a long way from the Victorian and Georgian styles that were so common in the last century. Today, the Western world is more openly accepting styles from different parts of the world. Among the various contenders in international home decor styles, Tuscan decorating styles figure very prominently. Originating from Tuscany in Italy, today this style has reached many American homes and is giving them a completely new look. Just check out Tuscan decorating styles on the Internet and you won't fail to be mesmerized by them. Here are a few tips for you if you plan to bring this Italian style to your home too. The Tuscan style of home decorating includes a lot of earth tones. Usually, the walls are colored in brighter paint than the floor and even the ceilings. Carpets do not accentuate the floors much, but are placed in some emphatic points such as under a seating area or by a bed. Wall to wall rugs are uncommon. Another important feature is the profusion of wood in the home decor, including the ceiling which is made with an incline and a lot of wood. The wood is mostly of a dark color, designed to create a sharp contrast with the faint colored walls. Colors preferred for the walls are beige and lighter shades of brown. Combining this with a dark brown or tan floor gives great effect to a home designed on Tuscan lines. There is a lot of stonework used in Tuscan decor too. Stone walls are found commonly in the living space, near the fireplace and simply used for wall shelves where decorative items are placed. You will find that urns are used quite effectively in these styles. So, if you are planning to have Tuscan styling for your home, invest in a few big urns and place them strategically in various places of the home, especially in the living area. You need not keep anything inside these urns; they look good all by themselves. Another great art addition would be a potted plant, where the pot is really big. If you have a large floor space, place some chaise chairs around a sunlit corner and place a large potted plant in a strategic area. Besides looking beautiful, it adds greatly as a conversational piece. What's a Tuscan home without great paintings? You can select some of the best Italian Renaissance art to bring true vivacity to your home. Select other accessories like lamps and clocks that are true Italian heritage. Remember that true Tuscan decor lies in the details. Old-fashioned though it might seem, placing a single round face clock on a stone mantelpiece is a great idea. Just place a comfortable chair near the fireplace and you will find yourself transported to the Mediterranean! Another point where you need to pay attention is the furnishings that will be used on your furniture. Tuscan decorating follows theme colors; hence it is best to select colors for the upholstery that match with the rest of your room colors. Make sure to design a lot of windows so that the sunlight streams in too. |