When deciding how to bring changes into one’s home décor, it is often wise to look to other cultures and their customs. One of the excellent places to explore is the Old World Tuscan era. The beauty of their architecture and the interior of their homes is known and coveted throughout the world.
Tuscany, Italy is well-known for its colorful designs and use of natural colors. Bringing the outdoors inside is a technique they have developed, especially in their use of the colors which are inspired by the flowers and other flora. When combined with natural woods it makes a statement all its own.
When entering a Tuscan home, one is immediately greeted with bright, rich colors. The green of the trees, the blue of the sky, the orange of the fruit, the brown of the dirt, the yellow of the sun, the red or wine, and many other natural colors are interwoven to produce outstanding designs delightful to the eye. The furniture shaped from natural woods and accented with throw pillows reflecting the flora of the area, presents a soft, rustic design that is aesthetically pleasing to everyone entering the space.
The walls of old Tuscany homes were originally built of natural materials, such as stone. Later this developed into the use of stucco which is still found in many homes today. The interior walls of the house using this material combined with a faux finish technique provides an interesting and unusual texture and appearance.
The kitchen is one of the main rooms of the house and has a large table to accommodate the entire family. The sink is usually stone or porcelain. Marble, tile, or granite are used in the kitchens and produce a striking look to the counters. Cupboards in the kitchens, unlike American homes, have no doors or just have chicken wire in order to display special dishes or articles. Pots and pans are hung on wrought iron hooks above the stove for easy access.
Adapting the Old World Tuscan design to the American kitchen would require some re-think on the mind of the homeowner. While many might not like the idea of cupboards without doors it could be adapted by having doors with see-through glass. Stone sinks are available and, with modern development, are not difficult to keep clean, but enameled sinks would also be acceptable. Counters with colorful tile, brightly colored curtains, bright and attractive ornaments with a long wooden table would complete the picture. If the kitchen is small, the table could be in an adjoining room with a large arch between the rooms.
If desiring to incorporate the Old World Tuscan design into other American rooms, many of the original Tuscan ideas could be used. Using the bright colors for pillows and other materials, beautiful rustic furniture, and nature pictures or other decoration, together with neutral colored walls, a striking effect can be achieved for any room in the house.
Tuscan furniture should be simple and rather rustic. Any furniture, on which a person will be sitting, needs to look and be comfortable. It should give the appearance of being used and enjoyed for a period of time. Old World Tuscan design not difficult to achieve and can create a distinct appearance for the modern homeowner.
__________________________________________________________________________________
iSearchDécor is the nation’s premier, no charge, on line, real time, matching service for consumers who seek the perfect match to local home décor hidden gems (unique home décor stores and experienced home service professionals). Visit us for all of your home decor needs at www.isearchdecor.com
Tags: home decor Old World Tuscan
