How to Create a Tuscan Inspired Home

Tuscan interiors are warm and welcoming and create a timeless style that works in both modern and traditional homes. While Italian in their setting; Tuscan interiors take influence from wider Mediterranean countries such as Spain and France to create a rustic, countrified look that also maintains an air of elegance and sophistication. The style brings together hints of classic renaissance and medieval design and marries them with natural accents that are drawn from the Tuscan landscape to create a rich and homely interior design.

Colour palettes include earthen and natural tones such as cream, beige, almond and honey and warm terracotta, brown and plaster peach. Accents of green and yellow can be taken from the surrounding outdoor landscape that includes acres of vineyards, olive groves and sunflower fields.  If you wish to include a more bold pop of colour then add a hint of blue and red that is in keeping with a classic Mediterranean colour palette and creates a visual contrast against the earthen and neutral background.

A classic finish in Tuscan interiors is stucco or rough plastered walls that feature heavily in historic Italian homes. Freshly plastered walls can be given the illusion of age with a paint washing or stippling technique or use a textural wallpaper to mimic the rough stone finish. Include elements of exposed stone and wood where possible or add some classic mouldings and covings for a more sophisticated Tuscan design. Walls and floors can also be decorated with wooden panelling and terracotta tiles or detailed, Mediterranean patterned tiles for a splash of colour and print. For a more luxurious feel include gilded or gold leaf finishes on the outer edges of your mouldings that will create an air of elegance and refinement.

Wrought iron accessories are a major feature in Tuscan home interiors and create visual detail against the natural materials and finishes of the walls and floors. Metal wall sconces and lights can be used to accent alcove or recess spaces and look great lining a hallway or stairwell area. Classic pewter jugs, candelabras and lanterns featuring scroll and flower detailing will add an authentic antique feel and large door handles drawer knobs and window latches should all feature a co-ordinating metal finish. For a hint of rustic femininity then select an ornate metal bed frame that features intertwining vine leaves and scrolled accents that will create a visual centrepiece in a neutral bedroom area.

Include artwork on your walls in simple oil paints of the Tuscan landscape or still life prints of fruit, wine or animals. Decorate kitchen diners with fruit bowls, garlands of peppers and lemons or spice and wine racks while ceramics and terracotta pottery will look great grouped on a large sideboard or dresser. Soft furnishing should be simple in their appearance with natural cotton or linen fabrics in oatmeal, beige or crisp white colour schemes. Opt for chunky and rustic oak furniture items such as a large family dining table, classic dresser or ornate wardrobe for a rural yet elegant finish or for a more sophisticated look, select ornate carved furniture in a white wash or gold gilded finish that will compliment the neutral interior colour scheme.

For more ideas on using a Tuscan inspired interior design in your own home, take a look at our latest Pinterest board - Pinterest - Tuscan Interiors