Tuscan Style

Tuscan Architectural Style

2013-05-30T09:25:00.001-07:00

Have you ever been to Italy? Have you visited some of the older villages and seen the gorgeous houses that exist there? Tuscany is an especially lovely place to visit, and has been the inspiration for home styles all over due to the simple yet elegant designs.

Even if you have never been to Italy, there is still a very good chance that you have some idea of what a Tuscan villa looks like. This is because they aren't just located in Tuscany. Today you can find Tuscan architectural style homes all over, though some are more likely to appear in certain places than others. For example, it's much more likely to see one situated in sunny California near a vineyard than in the woods of Vermont. Still, no matter where you live there is nothing stopping you from enjoying one of these fine homes or simply incorporating elements from the overall design into your current home. A little bit of elegance can go a long way.

The history behind how these villas reached the United States begins in the past when they were first introduced to England in the 1840s. Over time, they made their way here through both people inspired by them and by people from the original region with enough income to recreate a traditional villa-style home from the ground up. Many Tuscan architectural style homes have a mixed interior that is inspired by Old World and Mediterranean styles. This can mean stone accents, tile accents, and wrought iron pieces. You can almost always find wood beams within the structure as well as wide plank wood flooring.

The exterior of the Tuscan villa is what is the most noticeable and easiest to identify. Many of these homes still incorporate tile at a low pitch or terra cotta roofs. Construction is made with stone or stucco, and you are bound to see gorgeous arched doorways and windows. The windows will often include wooden shutters, and their design almost always means that they will be tall and narrow.

Ways that you can incorporate this type of style into your own home include considering what will work best within your home. Could your house benefit from some new hardwood flooring? What about a stunning new door? How about some Tuscany inspired moulding? These are just a few of the ways you can bring a bit of Italy into your house. But, sometimes, it's the little things that can make all the difference in the world.

Mason Morrison is a home improvement expert and writes articles for Sun Mountain Inc, a leading [http://www.sunmountaindoor.com/moulding/browse/arch/tuscan/]Tuscan style doors producer

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Tuscan-Architectural-Style&id=7533385] Tuscan Architectural Style

Understanding Tuscan Decorating

2012-09-29T09:38:00.001-07:00

Tuscan decor is used quite often throughout America in order to improve the appearance of the home. However, there are many people who do not know where the Tuscan style originates and why it is used so often.

Obviously Tuscan style decorating originates from Tuscany. Now Tuscany is one of the most beautiful places in the world and it boasts welcoming and warm looking homes. It is home to the Renaissance and Leonardo DaVinci, Dante and Michaelangelo, all originate from there. There are old buildings full of history and everything about the country helps people to feel a sense of belonging and carries them away with wishful thinking. That is the main reason Tuscan style decorating is as popular as it is today.

When you look at the colors of Tuscan style decorating, you realize that mainly earthy colors are used as well as a few sea blue colors too. Warm reds, smooth chocolate browns and olive greens all go well within a Tuscan style home and the pictures you can purchase with a Tuscan feel are usually landscapes which show natural beauty.

The Tuscan style theme has changed over the years and it was in the fourteenth century that European architecture started to change. The well known Italian architect/artists such as Brunelleschi and Giotto started to build taller buildings. Symmetry played a large part in their designs, as did scrolling ironwork and floor mosaics. It is this change that really got Tuscan decorating going.

The Tuscan theme was again changed during the Roman times. This was because Tuscany started to become a place in which trade and travel were common. Tuscan designers started to take inspiration from countries such as Egypt and India and they brought over pieces of furniture and accessories highlighting the two countries' styles.

If you look at the furniture which is used in Tuscan style decorating, you will notice that it has quite a few different architectural elements. Table legs and chair legs both often are carved as though they were columns, highlighting the fourteenth century. You can also see that many types of Tuscan style has mosaics incorporated into them such as coffee tables which have mosaics on the top of them. These highlight the Roman period in Tuscany.

Overall all Tuscan style furnishing pieces are inspired by a different period in Tuscany. So it helps to have some knowledge on each era before you start decorating your home in a Tuscan theme.

Adam Peters is a syndicated editor of http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com. A website with tips on [http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com/1106tuscan_design.html]tuscany theme remodeling, amongst many related topics. Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/. Understanding-Tuscan-Decorating&id=664430] Understanding Tuscan Decorating

Tuscan Style Home in Beverly Hills

2012-08-17T08:31:00.001-07:00

Home Decorating - the Tuscan Look

2012-07-26T08:22:00.003-07:00

The Tuscan look evokes pastoral simplicity and an inviting atmosphere that recreates a country retreat inspired by nature. Pick pure, simple colors that remind you of Tuscany at sunset, the inspiration for this popular country style. Cool blues and greens provide contrast against earthy terra cotta, brick and yellow tones.

The more rustic your flooring, the better. Terra-cotta and clay tiles are a phenomenal addition to any Tuscan room, as are distressed wooden plank and stone flooring. Mosaic patterns or pictures made of glass, marble or ceramic inlay can spruce up your tile floor if you want a more elegantly dazzling touch. If you want the luxury of carpet but the Tuscan style, purchase a Persian rug
to get the best of both worlds.

For lighting, keep an eye out for wrought-iron fixtures with candelabra shapes or metallic leaves that bring to mind Italian vineyards and the bounty of Nature. These fixtures are ideal for creating your Tuscan getaway.

Think of simple country pleasures, including comfort, family and food when it comes to outfitting your room with furniture. Avoid furniture with formal profiles or that are too fussy-looking. Keep lines simple and clean, and look for pieces bearing the artful distressed finishes common in today's furniture market. It makes even new furniture look older and more charming. Armoires and cupboards, with doors open to stylishly display beautiful linens or tableware, are a key design component and can be placed along walls and keep the room's tone open and inviting.

Like the French Provencal style, Tuscan-inspired rooms rely on plastered walls and exposed wooden beams to highlight architectural lines and convey the idyllic beauty of a country home. Soft-hued murals on select textured walls can transport an admirer to vineyards, an enchanting hillside or make the wall look weathered for a quainter look. Use your copper pots for decorative purposes throughout the kitchen, and highlight counter space and bare areas with jars of distinct Italian ingredients like pasta, olives or garlic. Flowers work well throughout any room and bring to mind the Italian countryside.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/home-decorating-the-tuscan-look-149212.html
About the Author
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A New Small Home with Tuscan Style Architecture and Decor

2012-05-06T07:39:00.001-07:00

Light and Bright Tuscan Style Dining Room and Entryway/Foyer

2012-05-05T13:26:00.001-07:00

How to Give Your Home An Aristocratic Look and Feel with Tuscan Style Decor

2012-04-28T16:05:00.000-07:00

Arched doorways, warm earth toned walls, iron accents, hearty chandeliers and richly woven fabrics all add to the elegant allure of a Tuscan styled home.

When selecting furnishings think about incorporating a mix of textures for depth. Wood, iron, leather and fabric all blend beautifully together when selected in the same warm tones. Lamps can be found new that look like family heirlooms and the same goes for chandeliers and furniture that is heavy and traditional.

The Old World Charm of Tuscan Style

2012-04-21T18:23:00.004-07:00

An iron railed staircase with hardwoods and arched doorways beckons you to the old world charm of this Tuscan style home. This Tuscan style living room boasts distressed columns, dark stained exposed ceiling beams and a hearty fireplace. The iron chandelier, richly upholstered furnishings and windows treatments add to the graceful heirloom feel of this Tuscan style home.

Ethereal White Can Be Just as Tuscan as Earthy Colors...

2011-11-08T18:22:00.000-08:00

The Migration to Tuscan Style

2011-10-26T19:37:00.000-07:00

The Tuscan decorating style has been popular in California for more than 50 years, but it has only recently been spreading to other parts of the country. This is largely because of the promotion of the Tuscan style on HGTV on shows such as "Designed to Sell." Today, this style has spread from the west coast to the mid west and can even been seen in the southern regions of the United States.

Tuscan style showcases earth tones and other natural colors. This makes it ideal for selling your house because home buyers will not be bombarded with bright colors when they enter your home.

Textures are the very core of Tuscan style. From textured walls with plaster to textured stone floor tiles, everything in the Tuscan palette focuses on texture. This can be a little overwhelming to try yourself, however by taking a quick tiling class you can learn to put the stone in yourself. Plastering the walls is not too difficult either as they make special tools that will help you put the plaster up in different shapes and styles depending on the type of plastering tool that you purchase. Many home improvement stores even offer free classes on weeknights that will show you exactly how to do it yourself.

Tuscan style comes from Italy so age plays a large role. The wood in a Tuscan themed home often will have an aged elegance. In addition, you will see hand made ceramics and other accessories such as wine glasses spread throughout the house. These designs are a symbol of the classic family oriented Italian concept. This gives your home even more of a traditional them.

Although this style may not fit into certain neighborhoods, it is making a huge impact in other places. Not surprisingly, this style is making its way into newer neighborhoods throughout the United States even in regions that were typically built in a Colonial style. So keep an eye out in your area; you just might be surprised to find that your neighborhood is quickly becoming Tuscan.

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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Migration-to-Tuscan-Style&id=3919370] The Migration to Tuscan Style

How to Create Tuscan Style in Your Home

2011-10-26T07:45:00.001-07:00

Tuscan, or Mediterranean, style is a lovely theme to use when decorating your home. Selecting earth tones and touchable textures will give you a foundation. Adding rustic, natural and sturdy looking furnishings and accessories will supply the finishing touch.
The term 'Tuscan' comes from the large central region of Italy, Tuscany, whose capital is Florence. Its 8,900 sq. mi. is known for beautiful landscapes, artistry, and culture. It is regarded as the true birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. This coastal region of Italy has become the premium place to look for style in its wonderful colors and textures. If you want to bring a touch of this countryside into your home, you do not have to travel all the way to Italy. Just try following these simple guidelines.
Color is the first consideration when looking at Tuscan style. The basic color palette comes from landscape and agriculture. The main colors used in decorating are earth tones like terracotta, olive green, deep browns as well as blues and gold. These colors call to mind bright sunny days under clear skies looking across bountiful fields and sparkling lakes. The colors are often made to look weathered or are muted, reflecting timeless beauty like an ancient villa. Some other shades in this palette are apricot, lavender, turquoise, burgundy, ocher, bronze, cinnamon, ivory and ocean blue.
Texture is the next characteristic to consider. Most often, colors are combined with textures that beg to be touched. Walls are hand plastered and have a look and feel that is unique to Tuscany. Many professional artisans are reviving these classic plaster techniques, but for those on a tighter budget, this effect can be achieved through various faux finishing techniques such as knock-down and stucco. In the interior of Tuscan villas you will find amazing masonry in the form of marble floors and countertops in kitchens and baths. Spectacular stone work also defines fireplaces and foyers bringing the earthy feeling indoors.
Furnishings are typically simple and functional. Kitchen counters may be lined with an array of cooking herbs. Furniture is often of a classic wood and leather design, and tables may also have tile or stone tops further adding to the strong connection to the land.Fabrics have long been a favorite design solution for introducing color in to a room. A decorative throw pillow, a luxurious sofa throw or a favorite wall tapestry can be an inspiration piece for Tuscan wall colors. Wall tapestries with fringe, tassels and beads are also typical of Mediterranean decor. Wrought iron, ceramic and other hard surface materials can be softened with colorful table runners, drapery and woven wall art.
Pot racks are a superb way to bring old world Tuscan style into your kitchen. The most popular style of pot rack used in Tuscan decorating is probably the wrought iron pot rack. While there are many different designs available, the best pot rack is constructed of hand forged wrought iron. Wrought iron can be formed into traditional rectangular and round shapes, as well as decorative curves and flourishes. They can be left a traditional black or painted a Mediterranean earthy color. These details lend an authentic, old world, artisan craftsmanship quality to Tuscan decor.
The patio is an important part of the Tuscan home. Wrought iron patio benches, bar stools and chairs can be found alongside tile topped tables. The furnishings are surrounded by unpolished metal urns and terracotta pots brimming with greenery. Plants such as roses, geraniums and hydrangea are native to the Mediterranean climate and will give the outdoor living space an authentic feel. Other plants to consider are climbing vines such as clematis and jasmine, potted herbs like sweet basil, lavender, and rosemary, and potted lemon trees. These plants give a fragrant scent to the patio atmosphere. Other fruit and olive trees can often be found in the yard, too.
Tuscany is a region that is deeply connected to the land. This can be seen in its earthy colors and textures and its strong simple decor.The beauty of the land travels all the way from the rolling countryside into the patios and homes of the Tuscan people. Experimenting with earthy colors, textures, and furnishings can help transform your home into a veritable Mediterranean paradise.

Yvonne Crooker is the author and can provide more information about wrought iron kitchen accessories, including wine racks and pot racks, at Pot Rack Place. Yvonne is a retired school administrator who has time now to devote to her creative talents, including decorating, quilting, and photography.

Yvonne and her husband, Gary, a professional musician and finish carpenter, share their lakeside cottage with their two dogs and three cats.

Discover the Tuscan charm and rustic good looks of wrought iron racks at [http://www.potrackplace.com]http://www.potrackplace.com.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Create-Tuscan-Style-in-Your-Home&id=6430953] How to Create Tuscan Style in Your Home

Tuscan Home Decorating - The Materials and Textures

2011-10-24T19:56:00.001-07:00

The warm, rustic look and feel that is reminiscent of the Tuscan region of Italy can be achieved by utilizing an eclectic and diverse of mix materials and textures. Since Tuscan decor is inspired by the natural surroundings of the region, keep this in mind as you select furniture, fabrics, accessories and even wall textures.

Following are some ideas and suggestions for utilizing a variety of organic materials to create a Tuscan-inspired home decor scheme of your own:

Iron is used liberally in Tuscan decor. Wrought iron, copper and other metals are used in unique wall decor, candle holders, pot racks, canisters, baskets, urns, vases and furniture. Metal nail heads on furniture, both upholstered and wood, add Old World detail and richness.

Wood, being one of nature's most abundant resources, is a natural choice for Tuscan decorating. Tuscan wood furniture can be rough hewn and heavily distressed or more traditional and polished and can be used together throughout your home.

Think of a rustic farmhouse table for the kitchen or dining room. Or chairs and sofas with exposed wood arms and legs. Armoires, sideboards, hutches, bookcases and media centers made of warm and rich dark woods are both functional and beautiful. Iron is a perfect complement and accent to wood furniture.

Stone - in all of nature's colors - is a beautiful and durable material to use in tiles for counter tops, flooring and accessories. Tumbled, matte or polished travertine, marble and granite are popular choices.

A good, local faux painter can even create areas that appear to be made of stone. This technique works well in entryways, leading up a staircase, in wine cellars and kitchens.

Ceramic accessories add functionality, color and interest in any room or garden. Vases, pitchers, urns, tubs, planters, bowls, platters and dinnerware are common uses of ceramics in Tuscan decorating.

Finishes are both smooth and polished or rough and rustic. The glazes and paints used to finish Tuscan ceramics embrace the entire spectrum of the Tuscan color palette and are often irregular - which only adds to the uniqueness and beauty of an individual piece.

Fabric Rich upholstery will soften the liberal use of hard surfaces and materials found in Tuscan decorating. Furniture upholstery, throw pillows and blankets, draperies, table cloths and runners, even tapestries in the rich or muted colors found in the Tuscan color palette create warmth and comfort.

Leather is also a versatile textile to use in Tuscan furniture and wall decor and works extremely well with wood, metal and other fabrics.

Foliage - Don't forget to incorporate foliage in your Tuscan decor. Foliage can be live or silk plants, trees and flowers. Create groupings of foliage, ceramic and metal accessories for a natural, warm and inviting look.

There are no hard and fast rules or boundaries in Tuscan decorating. It can be inspired by a country farmhouse or a grand villa; both within the same space. Most important in Tuscan home decorating - don't be intimidated by it. Tuscan decorating is about the colors, textures and accessories in your home being harmonious and not "matchy-matchy."

Whether you're decorating an entire home in Tuscan style or are just looking for a few ideas or decor accessories to enhance what you already have, you can't go wrong with the Tuscan style. Tuscan home decor is casually elegant and perfect for everyday life in any home.

Kathy Deneen is an avid and experienced decorator specializing in Tuscan, Mediterranean and Old World styles. Her on-line store, TuscanSunInteriors.com, offers an expansive selection of quality decor accessories, low every day pricing, no sales tax, low flat rate shipping and outstanding, personalized customer service. Please visit Tuscan Sun Interiors at http://tuscansuninteriors.com today.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Tuscan-Home-Decorating---The-Materials-and-Textures&id=3856120] Tuscan Home Decorating - The Materials and Textures

Italian Living - A True Tuscan Villa Living

2011-10-19T12:14:00.000-07:00

The First Tuscan Style Home

2011-06-14T07:18:00.000-07:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/robsandersdesigner/3714394228/in/photostream

Tuscan homes can be very pretty and comfortable to live in. But where did these types of homes come from? It can be difficult to trace the line of history back to the very first Tuscan house, but what is possible is to see how the style evolved into what it is today. Even better, thanks to Tuscan homes, we now have even more elements that we can incorporate into our own homes for a unique look.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/robsandersdesigner/3714394228/in/photostream/

Tuscan homes originate from Italy. Their style is based upon Tuscan villas of the time. Their influence began in other countries as far back as the early 1600s when visitors from foreign countries examined Tuscan architecture and decided to bring these concepts home with them. The first Tuscan style home to make it into England did so around 1840. Homes could be very large indeed, featuring all sorts of elements from Italy to give them style and appeal. However, the style eventually began to fall out of favor in 1855.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/robsandersdesigner/3714394228/in/photostream/

Interestingly enough, the United States had seen the beauty of the Tuscan villa as well and began to craft houses in that style. Some chose this home style over others such as Gothic or Greek Revival. Instead of dying out as it did in England, Tuscan style homes actually grew in popularity. They could be seen in cities such as Cincinnati, Ohio and all the way into California. Even today, there are still extremely old homes that continue on as an example of the style from that era.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/robsandersdesigner/3714394228/in/photostream/

Tuscan homes can be distinguished by several distinct architectural features. Exteriors tend to have terra cotta roofs or low pitched tiles. Construction is often made from stucco or stone. Doorways have lovely arches, and windows can be rather tall and narrow with arches as well. A walk through a Tuscan style home may reveal an enclosed courtyard outside, while on the inside recurring uses of wood beams and hardwood flooring can be seen. Floor plans tend to be spacious.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/robsandersdesigner/3714394228/in/photostream/

There are a lot of great things about Tuscan style homes. First you have to like the style in order to be able to live in a Tuscan home. Today, we continue to use this particular style, but have scaled it down to provide the design to a wider range of people. If you're interested in adding a bit of Tuscan style to your home, start looking into various accents of stone or wrought iron or moulding types inspired by Tuscan architecture.

Enid Glasgow is a writer with a passion for home-improvements, design, and architecture. Learn more about [http://www.sunmountaindoor.com/moulding/browse/arch/tuscan/]Tuscan Architecture online.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-First-Tuscan-Style-Home&id=6561432] The First Tuscan Style Home