Choosing Tuscan colors can seem overwhelming when you first think of Tuscany style decorating. Tuscan decorating colors are warm, yellow-based colors that are nature inspired. When decorating Tuscan, think of the five basic natural colors Green, brown, yellow, orange and blue.

When choosing paint colors, you first need to be aware of your lighting. Consider the amount of natural light in the room, the amount of light will help you choose the correct color palette. If you are facing south, for instance, you may want a cooler feeling to the room. This is where blues and greens and soft pastels can be used. If you are facing north, create a warm, inviting feeling by using golden or terracotta or any “earth”-based colors. Another consideration is furniture or flooring that you choose to keep. In this case you can choose colors from the palette that will coordinate with the existing pieces.

Tuscan colors often are combined with textures. Walls in Tuscany often are plastered by hand. However, you can apply faux finishes to attain a layered or textured look. Use this technique to soften walls and add texture to give your home an inviting, lived-in feeling. Keep in mind that Tuscan paint colors are as much about surface treatments and finish as they are about color.

Whatever you choose, a paint treatment, a texturizing treatment, or a wall covering, remember that color is key to achieving a Tuscan style. So be bold – take a chance. Add richness and warmth to your home.  Create a little bit of Tuscany in your home.

Since 1988 River City Cuckoo Clocks has offered the finest collection of Cuckoo Clocks available from the Black Forest of Germany.  River City Cuckoo Clocks come from the world famous Black Forest region in German where craftsmen spent the long, harsh winter months making clocks with beautiful hand-carved decorations of various woods. In 1750 Franz Anton Ketterer of the Black Forest village of Schonwald managed to reproduce the cuckoo bird’s song with the clever use of bellows producing two different notes.

They were so successful that today when the Black Forest is mentioned, people automatically associate Cuckoo Clocks with the region. The production process still involves folks working at home producing the cases, carvings and various other elements that all get sent to a “factory” for final assembly and shipping. The clock cases are made of select linden, pine and spruce woods from the Black Forest. The woods are dried for several years before experienced master carvers handcraft the cases and frames. Each clock is tested for several days before shipment to ensure customers only receive products that are the “Best of the Black Forest.”

Today River City imports over 170 different models of quality timepieces from Europe and Asia under the branding of River City Cuckoo Clocks and River City Clocks. They offer five different types of Cuckoo Clocks:

One Day: Time and cuckoo driven by two weights-clock needs to be wound once per day

One Day Musical:  Time, Cuckoo and music driven by three weights-clock needs to wound once
per day.

Eight Day:  Time and Cuckoo driven by tow weights-clock needs to wound once per week

Eight Day Musical: Time, Cuckoo and Music driven by three weights-clock needs to per wound
once per week.

Quartz: Time and Cuckoo are battery powered, some models also play music.

River City Cuckoo Clocks is the largest importer and distributor of German Cuckoo Clocks in North America. Their goal is to offer the finest collection of Cuckoo Clocks available from the Black Forest of Germany.

River City Cuckoo Clocks are handmade. Therefore every Cuckoo clock is unique and the exact coloration and carving may vary slightly which is considered to be special part of this unique clock. See Our large selection of River City Clocks at theclockshop.com.

A traditional kitchen is one of the more popular styles for kitchen designs throughout the country. The traditional kitchen style is a blend of English and American designs from the eighteenth- and nineteenth-century designs. For those looking for a longer lasting investment that is guaranteed to not be out of style in a decade, traditional kitchens are the clear choice.

Traditional kitchens are elegant and highly structured. Features might include: cherry or mahogany stained finishes, white painted glazed  finishes, fluting, blocks, rosettes, trims, beading, arched raised paneled cabinet doors, formal draperies, classic wallpaper patterns in rich dark stripes and flowered patterns with marble or granite counter tops. This is a classic kitchen style, and it should feel timeless. Traditional kitchens focus on the ornate details and fine craftsmanship of fine wood and stone. In any traditional kitchen design, the focus is on fine details such as a handcrafted wooden wall clock or other accessories.

Traditional style is about symmetry and balance. The door or doorway most frequently used to enter the kitchen should offer a view to a focal point. This can be a grand window over the sink or a large range with a finely detailed wood hood. The focal object should be centered in the cabinets on the focal wall. The objective is to create visual impact while making your kitchen function well.

Like no other room in your house, the kitchen must blend form with function. The kitchen should function well. It should be a place that inspires you to cook socializes.

Photo by: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kitchendesigner/

You love the French Country look in home decor and design. Originating in the sunny vineyards and fields of southeastern France, French Country decor has become popular worldwide. With many elements contributing to the French Country style of decorating, the resulting look is casual and inviting, the charm lies in the rustic feel of the furniture, the accessories and the easy, cheerful combination of colors. French countryside decorating has few design boundaries and includes the design of a French country farm house as well as a grand French country chateau.

Color is important in any interior design plan you have, and this is especially true of Country French style. The colors associated with Country French come from the full spectrum of the color wheel. They are soft, foamy greens, bright sunny yellows and soft gold’s,  burnt rust, red, and splashes of cobalt blues, pinks, and lavender purple. These colors create a bright and cheery environment allowing the natural rustic wood associated with Country French furniture to shine through. It is common within this style to see mixing and matching of colors and prints.Wrought iron and distressed metal are also an important part to the Country French. Look for wrought iron distressed lamps, tables, and clocks.

The French Country style of decorating, with its warm and casual feel will fit beautifully into your home as well.  Decorating a French Country design home is about decorating for the relaxed way you like to live.

Photo by: The Romantic Vineyard

The Clocksshop is now an authorized dealer for Infinity Instruments.
Infinity Instruments has been creating great wall clocks since 1995. With the combined experience of Micron Technology, and wall clock guru Allan McCormick, Infinity Instruments has become a national leader in home décor as they lead the way in an ever expanding product line that is both affordable and functional. Infinity offers wall, alarm, tabletop and indoor/outdoor pieces in wood, resin, wicker, metal and aluminum in traditional, transitional and contemporary designs. If you’re looking for a wall clock that is beautiful, and crafted from the best materials on earth, you can’t go wrong with a quality crafted Infinity Instruments wall clock, their goal is to have something for everyone.  An Infinity clock is more than just an accessory; it’s a piece of art that you use every day.

The Clocksshop.com is your best source for German wall Clocks, Anniversary, Mantel, Cuckoo and Grandfather Clocks.

Tuscan Furniture is one of the most popular furniture and interior decoration. It is a great way to bring Old World Charm into your Tuscany decorating. One of the reasons for its popularity is it’s a design style that uses the influences of Italian and Roman history starting around the 14^th century. It was a time when architecture was reformed and buildings contained what is now know as the Tuscan element. Because of these buildings the Tuscan style arrived in different architectural and design works forming the basis of Italian or Tuscan Furniture.

When choosing Tuscan style furniture, it can be pretty simple. Tuscan furniture does not need to match and typically it has an old, distressed look. It gives a warm look that brings a nice look to your home. So if you are looking for some ideas about furniture, the Italian furniture is a good choice for you. The bringing about of Italian furniture makes decoration easy, simple and beautiful.

The basic element of Tuscan furniture is wood, of the rustic or natural kind, such as cypress, fir, chestnut and poplar. The designs are unique having a distinctive old or antique look include other materials such as leather, iron and metal which are combined and result in a new impressive design. . Tuscan furniture is a classical form of furniture that it is based on straight lines in accordance with classic Italian or Roman principles of architecture. It comes in various colors such as deep red and Mediterranean blue which help to build the classic look that is the basic of Tuscan design.

Italian furniture gives a lot of benefits to the decoration of a room. Keep it simple and very linear. Try to picture a Tuscan landscape this will bring the old world charm into your home and give you the result you want to obtain with your Tuscan furniture.

Video by: Country Antiques & Furnishings
15770 N Greenway Hayden Loop, Scottsdale, AZ

One of the most popular and enduring styles in bathroom décor is the traditional style. Calming and comfortable a traditional decorated bathroom offers a sophisticated but understated look taking on the elegance of Old World Europe. Traditional décor tends to be more formal and luxurious than other bathroom styles, fixtures and furnishings have a classic but enduring appearance. Master baths, guest baths and powder rooms take on traditional style with a flourish.

When people think of a traditional styled bathroom, they often think about a bathroom decorated in classic Victorian style. This is not incorrect; there is a design element that is much more distinct in a traditional bathroom style- the bathtub. The tub is supposed to be the focal point in a traditional bathroom. An old-fashioned bathtub, such as a claw foot cast iron tub can greatly enhance a traditional style bathroom. These types of bathtubs should be your first choice in staying true to a traditional bathroom style and can be put in any area of a bathroom to create a great fixture.

A furniture-style double vanity bureau that is free standing with simple door details adds elegance and extra storage space to a traditional bathroom. A free-standing cabinet creates a custom feel not found with traditional built-ins. To add drama to the room use a dark colored wood such as mahogany for the crown modeling and wainscot panels or large mirrors on more than one wall to make the room seem larger. Countertops in a Natural stone such as Carrara marble are popular. The top should be in a light or medium neutral color with a polished, honed, or antiqued finish.

It’s important that the room is well lit.Natural light would be the best option, but is not always feasible. So, just make sure that the area is well lit with a chandelier or some other interesting but traditional light source. Wall-lamps or sconces, especially over wallpaper or wood paneling, look great and provide up lighting which helps get rid of shadows that are cast from overhead. Multiple and varied lighting choices are the best choices in a traditional bathroom just keep in mind for delicate lighting options choose warmer bulbs and avoid fluorescent or halogen lighting.

Decorating a bathroom includes choosing colors for not only the walls, but the tiles, accessories, faucets, towels, plants and pictures.  Traditional bathroom colors are neutral that can be easily worked with by choosing different tones for accent colors, bathroom rugs, and shower curtains. Some color won’t hurt and can even enhance an otherwise bland or monochrome bathroom design. Feel free to hang old or antique looking pictures on the wall, too. Decorations that are antique can help give it the traditional, homey feel.

Traditional styles have withstood the test of time. They add a touch of dignity and grace to your bathroom it’s a place where you can relax and unwind after a long day, so enjoy.

Bathtub by: Vintage Tub & Bath

Vanity by: Bath Vanity Experts

Country Dining Rooms – dining rooms are once again popular. A country dining room can be part of a breakfast nook.  It can also help take the formal out of formal dining room. It’s the hub of the country house. A country dining room design creates a space where your family can gather for home cooked meals.  It’s durable enough that you’ll be able to enjoy the conversation instead of worrying about protecting expensive china or the finish of the chairs.

Country dining room furniture is sturdy and comfortable. You can mix and match pieces like bringing in a painted, low dresser to use as a sideboard or buffet to display some of you collectibles. You can paint an old china cabinet a sage green to update it, save money and make it the focal point of the room. A country dining room table should be oversized.  The table should be a farmhouse style rectangular in shape made from natural wood such as oak, pine, walnut or mahogany with wooden chairs or old benches that are similar in style and material. You can paint the legs and chairs a different color if you want to update your dining rooms. For a more modern approach just decorate the table with a country runner so your table is still decorating even when it isn’t dinner time.

When choosing colors for a country dining room a modern country design focuses on cool colors like green, blue and cream, but these colors can be unappetizing. Or you may choose more of a French Country feel and bring in rich mustards and terra cottas. If you do use the cooler colors then go with sunflower accents to bring in the richer tones. Then use a gray or chocolate brown on the walls and bring in bright yellow and orange accessories.

Anyone who really feels that home is where the heart is may want to think about a country dining room theme. It gives you a casual feeling so you’ll be more likely to use the room; it won’t just be for holiday’s.  A country dining room is a space that you enjoy with friends or family.

Country Dining Room photo by: cosmic_spanner

Country Furniture photo by: Cottage Home Furniture

Tuscan Bedroom

Bring the warmth and romance of Tuscany into the master bedroom is an elegant and simple way to create an old world look that is relaxing and comfortable. The elegant styles of Tuscany themes in decorating have been a popular trend for many years. Known for rich colors, scrolled iron work, architecture, use of marble and natural elements, creating a Tuscany style theme in your master bedroom is not as difficult as you may think. Using design ideas typical of old Tuscan farmhouses decorating in this style is a simple and uncluttered way to bring that old world style into your home.

The Tuscan decor is one of tradition. Bedroom walls are often simply whitewashed. This is a simple process involving slacked lime and salt water. A properly whitewashed wall will be brilliantly white and without mar or blemish. Whitewashing works best on plaster or adobe walls. Otherwise, prime the wall to help any color from bleeding through, and paint the walls white. You want walls that are starkly white for your Tuscan bedroom. But the boundaries can definitely be stretched if you don’t like all that white try  using a soft, muted, natural color on the walls instead of whitewash, you can hold on to the lovely feel of Tuscany without having everything in the room white.

When furnishing a Tuscany style bedroom one considers the type of furniture which has been and continues to be used in the area. There are some unique features of this type of bedroom furniture such as being made from iron or fine hardwoods. The wood used in this design style should be polished and sophisticated yet very rustic and simple. The perfect bedside table for a Tuscan master bedroom is a simple, dark wooden table with storage underneath and a veined marble top. Finding an old iron bedstead that has been blackened is key. This sturdy bed frames are very basic with few embellishments.

You won’t find quilts on the beds. They are covered in white matelasse blankets. Matelasse is a cotton jacquard fabric and the term refers to the type of weave used in this triple-woven fabric. These blankets add calm and warmth to the bedroom and the weave creates a subtle design on the cover itself. All other linens and window treatments are natural and airy made of white cotton. White on white linens can appear one dimensional so add some interest and flair with lace trim. Try to find antique or handmade lace to give that old world flavor to the room.

The simple nature of the Tuscan bedroom decorating style means little is better than more. Choosing accessories carefully is important because you do not want to clutter up the room.  You want to find a few choice pieces that will add interest and color to the room.

Throw pillows with floral print, gilded mirrors, wrought iron wall sconces or old world paintings in ornate frames are great examples of simple accessories that will enhance your Tuscan themed master bedroom. Terra cotta pots can be used to hold dried flowers as well. Adding a few simple wrought iron candle sticks to a bed side table is another elegant accessory.

It is extremely simple to create this kind of a Tuscany inspired master bedroom. It helps to create an old world charm, a haven to retire to at the end day. It will be your very own private getaway and the moment you step into the room you will be in a relaxed and comforting zone. Keep the room simple and free of excessive clutter and accessories and you can’t go wrong. The Tuscan inspired master bedroom will be a simple haven in a complicated world.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/karen-crystal/4537166920/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/karen-crystal/

Photo By: nickiandkaren http://www.flickr.com/photos/karen-crystal/

If you want to lend a warm, pleasant and inviting feeling to your kitchen, then decorating it in the Country Style will be the perfect theme for your new kitchen. A country style kitchen is a perfect blend of old world charm and modern comfort based on the concept of simplicity. More an more people are resorting to country style kitchen design, mainly because it keeps comfort and casual living in mind.

Color is the first thing that should be considered the walls as well as the ceiling. Since, country kitchen decoration is all about warmth, warm colors throughout the area are a must. Pastel shades like butterscotch yellow, beige, cream, light peach complement the bold furniture and other decorations. Earthy shades like terracotta, light brown also go well with the country kitchen décor. Or you may also consider patterned wallpaper, with a country print, and solid colors, with a country themed wallpaper border to create that personal touch.

The floor should be easy to care for.  For this reason  if you are installing a new floor think carefully about your cooking habits and the type of traffic that will be in the kitchen. The best option would be natural wood, flagstone, or terracotta tiles in hexagonal shape. A good way to get wood flooring is to check with the architectural salvage yards and e-bay, there may be some old flooring available from old buildings that are going to be torn down.  It will give you the scuffs, scratches and nicks that are characteristic of old floors. But if you have some other type of flooring and cannot afford to change it, then adding country style area rugs or old fashioned braided rugs is a good option. If possible, get themed country rugs, adorned by sunflowers or roosters.

There are certain types of furniture that are associated with a country style kitchen.  You can get antiques and vintage items to give your kitchen an authentic look or you can use furniture created in an antique style.  A country kitchen is incomplete without a large wooden table and chairs. The chairs need not match the table, which is often in darker shades of brown; wood and wrought iron are the favorite materials. A metal baker’s rack and a cabinet with metal mesh doors are pieces of furniture you may find in a country kitchen. Matching the furniture items is not an issue when using a country style decor as the furniture is often passed from one generation to other, with newer items being added to the existing collection.

With a country Decor accessories go a long way in adding to the charm of a room.  In your country style kitchen, use lots of accessories, each of which reflects your personal taste and identity. Large earthen or ceramic vases in varying sizes can be either left empty or filled with fresh flower arrangements. A wrought iron candle holder and plate holder are items every country kitchen has.  A throw rug also adds to the beauty of country kitchen. Wooden spoons, spatulas complete the look of the table. Porcelain teapots and cookware are often displayed in open cabinets. Or for a personal touch hang family pictures in wooden frames.

Creating the kitchen of your dreams does not have to be expensive or difficult.  With a one or two new items, a coat of paint and a few changes you can create the County Kitchen you have always wanted.

Photo By:  http://kitchen-cabinets-designs.blogspot.com/2009/08/country-kitchen-decorations-remodel.html