In my last article, I talked about the beauty, popularity and versatility of Tuscan decorating and outlined the basic elements for achieving this look in your own home decorating style. The key to getting just the right look is by utilizing the perfect colors, textures and accessories. In this article, we’re going to focus on the use of color in Tuscan home decorating.
Tuscan decor has a warm, rustic look and feel that is reminiscent of the Tuscan region of Italy. Tuscan décor is inspired by the natural beauty of the region – the land, sea, sky, buildings – and picturing these elements in your mind’s eye will help you to incorporate the perfect color schemes into your home. Keep these colors in mind as you select paint, furniture, fabrics and accessories.
The color palette of Tuscan decor includes both bright and muted tones within each color family as is found in nature. As you contemplate each color group, think of the descriptions associated with each below and you can’t go wrong. And, don’t be afraid to mix a variety of these colors in your home color scheme. After all, Mother Nature doesn’t consult a color chart!
Reds – A light Chianti or robust Barolo wine; a plump, ripe tomato; a field of poppies; pink geraniums; the muted reds of tiled rooftops; the brick and stone of farmhouses.
Blues – A bright, clear afternoon sky; the nearby sea; the deep purple of an eggplant; the blue of the sky as it deepens to night; a field of lilac
Greens – A grove of silvery-green olive trees; a field of spring grass; a row of Italian cypress trees; the first press of olive oil; a bunch of fresh basil
Yellows – The morning sunlight streaming in an open window; a deep, golden sunflower; a bright, fresh lemon.
Oranges – The evening sunset glow; a ripe peach; an orange plucked from a tree; the burnt orange of terra cotta tiles.
Browns – Rolling hills in summer; the rich clay color of the earth; a freshly plowed field; a pasture of wheat swaying in a breeze; stacks of hay.
Neutrals – As you consider all of these beautiful color options, don’t forget that neutral whites and creams also work well with this imaginative color palette.
Remember that Tuscan home decor is casually elegant and perfect for everyday life in any home. Don’t be intimidated by it. Tuscan decorating is all about getting into the colors and feel of nature, bringing the outdoors indoors, and expressing your own personal style and flair for both decorating and living.
Whether you’re decorating an entire home in Tuscan style or are just looking for a few ideas or home decor accessories to enhance what you already have, you can’t go wrong with the Tuscan decorating style.
