Do you love simple, nature-associated finishes? Choose the Tuscan style for your home! Read how to give your interior a character straight from this sunny region of Italy. We will advise you on which furniture and accessories to choose, so have a read!
Anyone who loves the warm, nature-associated colours and the unique rustic character of the finishes will certainly be delighted with the Tuscan style. The design-led decor from central Italy is inspired by elements of nature. Marble flooring, crushed stone on the walls, solid wood furniture and intricately wrought iron accessories are all hallmarks of the Tuscan style. What makes it so popular is its flowing association with the peaceful countryside, free from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Can such effects be achieved anywhere, even in a metropolis? Of course you can! All you have to do is stick to the guidelines we have collected for you and presented below.
What characterises a Tuscan-style interior?
It is above all simplicity and naturalness. For decades, people have been trying to get away from the overwhelming nature of the city and have opted for the idyllic character of the countryside, adapted for both houses and flats in a block of flats. It is fair to say that in this style nothing looks new. The walls of the interiors are made of raw materials that are characteristic of this region of Italy, namely limestone and sandstone. The roofs of the Tuscan houses are covered with classic terracotta tiles. Homeowners can use this charming element as an interesting addition on the balcony. The large windows, letting in lots of natural light, usually have no curtains, only wooden shutters. All rooms have a warm, inviting feel. Stucco and beamed ceilings are very popular in Tuscany and can also be successfully applied to a flat in a block of flats.
Tuscan style colours
Tuscany is all about sun, vineyards, rocks and the sea. This is why the Tuscan style is primarily characterised by lots of golden yellow, ochre, luscious green and blue. The dominant colours, which form the background to the other colours, are light beiges, warm browns and, in places, white. All the colours in the Tuscan style are associated with a hot day in the Italian countryside. There are often elements in reddish shades to evoke terracotta roof tiles and brick chimneys. To "cool" the interior, usually the bedroom, Italians use soft blues, similar to those found in the Tuscan sky. Green colour additions on walls and ceilings are also common.
Tuscan-style furniture – what sets it apart?
Tuscan style furniture is characterised by simple lines and unobtrusive finishes. Almost exclusively raw wood, usually walnut or pine, is used to create them. Spacious and robust beds, capacious wardrobes and wide chests of drawers have a solid and sturdy construction. The functional elements of the furniture are forged from iron or created from copper. Additions in the form of tiles on cabinet fronts and natural clay mosaics often appear. Deep armchairs and sofas that can accommodate a large family are mainly made of leather and their frames are created from solid pieces of wood. A hallmark of the Italian countryside is large families bound together by strong ties and Tuscan-style interior design reflects this. Dining tables tend to be very large and massive in order to be able to accommodate not only many people but also a lot of food.
Additions to a Tuscan interior
Open cabinets and shelves give a wide range of options when it comes to decor choices. In Tuscany, copper pots and dishes have been very fashionable for years. Italians like to display them against furniture made of light pine wood. In many kitchens in southern Europe, ochre-coloured pots are hung above the worktop or cooker. On the wooden shelves in Tuscan-style rooms, it is common to see all sorts of terracotta or wood containers and boxes for storing small things. On the walls hang family photographs in iron or board frames. Braided carpets in red and rusty tones are popular in Tuscany, and plaids are often found on armchairs and sofas.
Tuscan-style kitchen
Tuscan-style kitchen furniture consists of tall and massive shelving units, usually without lockable cabinets. Dishes and supplies are stored "in plain sight" in Tuscan kitchens. Ceramics, especially those created from clay or stone, wooden kitchen utensils and charming linen cloths are an indispensable utility and decorative element in the Italian countryside. Very common additions in Tuscan-style kitchens are numerous pasta jars and garlic or onion braids displayed on the sides of the cabinets or separate hangers. On the countertops you will find olive jars and red or yellow flowers in plant stands. The floor is mainly terracotta, but unlacquered wood is also quite common. The walls are often covered with Venetian plaster or mosaic. A copper hood hangs above the cooker, which resembles a real hearth, and the worktop is made of marble.
Tuscan style in your home is more than just plain decor. Associated with the raw nature of southern Europe, the interiors help you to relax and calm down, while giving you a sense of warmth and comfort. Using simple and environmentally friendly materials such as natural stone, marble and solid wood, you can easily bring a piece of Italy under your own roof.
