Tuscan Home Decorating Ideas

Author: Joey Pebble

Tuscan decorating is inspired by the Tuscany region of Italy. In the time of the ancient Roman Empire, people would escape from big city life in Rome, by going out to live in the hills of central Italy, where things were calmer and more peaceful.

There people would live simpler lives, more in touch with the natural world around them. It is these elements of peace, simplicity, and natural weathered beauty, which are the cornerstone marks of Tuscan decorating.

Natural stone is probably the most common element associated with this decorating style. Slate is especially Tuscan, with its natural clefting face, which resembles the rocky hills and mountains found in the Tuscan region. A weathered, worn, comfortable look is also often associated with this style, and most natural stones actually get more beautiful the longer they are weathered and worn.

Marble is another type of natural stone which is often associated with the Tuscan style. Rich marble floors were a hallmark of wealthy roman homes, and the beauty of the polished glistening material is still prized in homes today. Tumbled marble drink coasters are another popular stone item for this particular trend.

Other Tuscan stone decorating elements include cobblestone pathways, sandstone lined windows, and marble arches. Terracotta is also a popular material, and is most often found in roofing.

Part of the draw of Tuscan decorating is the philosophy of durability over glitz. Those who moved away from the city of Rome were tired of all of the pomp and fanfare of city life, and were instead interested in well made, weathered, and worn objects, that could stand up against the ages.

Copper and distressed hardwoods are also signs of Tuscan Decorating. Copper pots, kettles, and bowls can be mixed and matched with hardwood furnishings to create a look which blends naturally with the earth.

The colors used in a Tuscan decorating all get their cues from nature, and the earth. Deep browns, rich greens, and burnt oranges collide, with sunset reds, to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that just feels like you are at home.

The Tuscan decorative style was born of people’s desire to escape from the flash and glitz of the big city, into a quieter, simpler, more peaceful world. This was true for those who lived in the ancient roman capital, and it is true of us today. Even as the world gets faster and brighter, people still just want a little piece of serenity in their homes.

About the Author:

This article brought to you by Joey Pebble, a designer of rustic slate wall clocks, chess boards, and natural stone decorative accessories. His line of home décor products is noted for the beautiful natural stone features which are the centerpiece of every work.

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