What are the main elements of Tuscan decorating? They are all certainly inspired by nature elements, like worn wood, sun-baked earth, cultivated lands and the colors of the naturally growing vegetation, cultivations and the sky. You find these elements in crumbling stone walls, wrought iron items, stone villas, marble floors and hardwood furniture.
Why everyone loves so much Tuscan decorating? Because the natural elements it employs remind so much of the peaceful Tuscan setting, a bliss where the wealthy one have escaped to since Roman times, leaving the stressful city behind to restore their inner peace. A peace that now you can bring to your daily life in your home. Simplicity is the keyword that lies at the origin of this appealing decorating style. Comfortable and worn make of a room a warm and inviting place, with absolutely no pretentious intent.
Sturdy materials used through time have made it possible for antique pieces to get to us as worn, loved elements that can be used to decorate a rustic and inviting home. Shines and new items should of course be avoided.
The outdoors of a Tuscan home include limestone, sandstone, terracotta roofing, unpolished marble window frames, thresholds, arches and pillars. All these materials give the solid look of today’s Tuscan houses. Wooden shutters decorate windows enhancing this look.
If you are planning a Tuscan home from scratch, a portico, loggia or patio must be included, as they are a typical element in Tuscan homes. The garden should also include cypress trees and olive trees and paths made of bricks or stones among which grass can grow freely.
Your windows should be framed with pietra serena, a typical limestone used in Tuscany to create finishing and framing elements. Or, you can also use red terracotta bricks to create a motif around the window. Wooden shutters are a necessary addition to Tuscan-style windows, as they are a light and temperature shelter, in addition to providing extra security. Paint them in brown or green.
For your roof employ warm colored terracotta tiles and panes, while for your gutters use round copper piping and half piping to achieve that rustic look. Also your fireplace chimney must be made of terracotta bricks topped by terracotta roof tiles.
There is a lot more to know about Tuscan-style outdoor decoration, but this should give a good idea of what it is required when decorating your home like one in Tuscany.
Some examples here:
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