Decor of Tuscany

To capture the soul of Tuscany, your home decor must reflect the climate of the Mediterranean region and the agriculture that drives the culture. Theirs' is landscape of sunflowers, vineyards, and olives, tilled with iron and ox, and gathered into ceramic and glass. Theirs' are hills dotted with sheep and goats, milked to make cheeses wrapped in muslin, and wool shorn to weave colorful tapestries. These are the elements that give the Tuscan home decor it's flavor.

Start with stucco walls and a sun-baked color pallet of terracotta, yellows, oranges, burgundies, and olive greens. Paint a fresco on one wall using the 2 dimensional perspective Etruscan style, depicting daily life, banquet scenes and celebrations. Frame the picture in leafy vines painted into the fresco. On another wall, hang a woven art tapestry depicting a landscape in bloom. Floors should be large tile, preferably in earth tones.

Now you are ready to add the rustic wooden and wrought iron furniture. Tables, chairs, and beds should be of solid dark wood with sturdy thick construction that will last for generations. Wrought iron embellishments and furniture made entirely of wrought iron are wholly appropriate. Wrought iron is also used to decorate walls with elaborately ornate designs. Keep metals dark and aged looking, not shiny.

Ancient traditions of bronze work and clay sculpture of the realistic human form characterize the Etruscan heritage of Tuscany, and make wonderful decor accents.

The terracotta and salt bleached pots on the patio and windowsills should be planted with flowers, and indoor pots planted with ambient light loving trees.

Atop your kitchen cabinets, display glazed pottery, and that of the black Bucchero style, intermingled with decorative glass bottles. Wrought iron made to look like grape vines and olive branches weaving in and out of the pots and bottles would be the perfect accent for such a display.

Now add muslin drapes and canopies over beds, and you have your Tuscan dream home.