Create a Tuscan Style French County Style Kitchen. French Country kitchen is as beautiful as it is  functional and the old world design kitchen reflects the countryside vistas and European custom of gathering friends and family which are all associated with Tuscany Italy. French kitchens can be large or small. Preferably as large as possible, as it often doubles as kitchen and a living room to accommodate most of the daily family activities.

2010 finds the colors of France, according to Accents of Salado; a decorating house located in Texas, takes their cues from past ages expressing a style of attention paid to shapes, textures, and a relaxed style. Decorating in the French tradition has no boundaries and can feel just as comfortable in a farmhouse as a

Typically, the walls are covered with natural materials such as wood, brick or stucco. Cabinets can be painted a glossy white, or cream or they can be left as natural wood. Wall colors are most often thought of as blue and yellow or even a little red or green. Typical French are colors are bright yellows, soft gold’s and even bold red colors.  Also seen are the darker rust colors, a hunter green, and dark blues.

In true French fashion, the use of fabrics or textures can really complete your French country décor.  Consider using traditional French quilt patterns for your country French curtains, seat cushions or even some wall coverings.

Just remember the Tuscan French Country, like other décor styles it is about evoking a familiar feeling of the traditional, simpler life and all the amenities that it offers.

Photo by:   http://www.flickr.com/photos/kitchendesigner/2699264764/

The Old World style  of decor is taken from the medieval and Renaissance periods it is often referred to as Tuscany decorating because it reflects the colors and feelings of Tuscany, Italy. Old world décor is characterized with larger pieces of furniture, wrought iron accents and warm colors. Old World design is a comfortable, broken-in look that shows the wear and tear of use, textured walls, hand-trawled windows and walls, and tumbled marble accent the style. Distressed, matte and honed finishes are preferable to highly polished, reflective surfaces

The color palette for an Old World décor is deep, rich and regal but muted for a timeworn effect. Colors typically seen in an Old World room include burgundy, navy, forest green, ocher and cream. A combination of finishes can range from dark-stained surfaces to painted, glazed and sanded finishes to give an old used look. Or you can use colors such as dark earth tones, browns, greens or dark blue.
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Want to re-decorate your home office? Why not consider the design influences of  a Tuscany decor. Capture the essence of Tuscany by adding a few simple touches or tackling a complete office redesign. Create a cozy and comfortable office space using warm, earth-toned colors, soft fabrics, natural materials and rustic elements. There are many materials and furnishings available to help you achieve the look and still staying within budget.

Tuscan style is a style that focuses on colors that are deep, rich red, golden yellow and cool Mediterranean blues that are friendly and warm colors. These colors give a feeling of warmth and friendliness to the décor. Use accessories that are unpolished or beaten coppers, iron, tin and pewter. Tile or wooden floors with area rugs in a rich color add a special touch that brings the elements of your room together.

Choose the wood for your furniture first, focusing on the species and color. If you prefer natural wood, select a dark finish such as walnut or mahogany. For lighter colors use painted wood in a white or cream. Then select the size and style of desk that will maximize the area and create a productive working environment.

The color of the furniture and or wood floor dictates the wall color. The Tuscan color palette is warm, rich colors, including burnt orange, mustard yellow, deep green and earth tones. If you prefer light walls, consider cream, eggshell or a pale brown. You can also use textured treatments, such as Venetian plaster and embossed painting techniques, to give the room depth and interest. A leather-look painted wall is very much at home in a Tuscan office. Also consider using wall accessories such as iron wall grates, landscape prints or an iron old looking wall clock. Wrought iron chandeliers, sconces and task lighting in rubbed bronze or rust finishes are the best choices to enhance natural light and add warmth to your office.

Having a home office in the Tuscan decor doesn’t have to be hard if you have a workable plan before you start. Shop specifically  for the items in your plan and you’ll have a feel of the Italian countryside in no time!

Image by: Tuscan Home office room Design at the Gated Community of Bella Vista

Tuscan Style Bathroom

Homeowners of today have a greater expectation of their master bathroom suite. Since the typical day begins and ends in the master bedroom and bath, creating an intimate space to invigorate, rejuvenate and unwind the master bath is evolving from a mere necessity to a significant indulgence.

The master bedroom, complimented by a luxury bath, is becoming a centerpiece in the home with design trends ranging from simple and serene, to elegant.  From wall decor, to ornate mirrors, to vanities that look like furniture, interior design and decorating elements are carefully selected for a luxury bath.

If you want to give your bathroom the appeal of Tuscan style, you’ll want to use natural materials such as a marble, granite or slate countertops and a glass basin. Rough and rustic wall texturing, wrought iron towel racks and light fixtures, wide wood planks or terra cotta floor tiles are also characteristics of the Tulsan décor.

The colors of Tuscany are primarily earth tones, olives, browns, reds and yellows… For the walls, consider a color wash in yellow or white. For the ceilings, use whitewash to give the room an airy feel. Bathroom linens should also reflect the colors of the Tuscan palette. These include towels, shower curtains and bathroom rugs possibly made of a thick white fabric. The key is to keep it simple on the accessories and keep clutter to a minimum. Keep the window treatments simple with either frosted glass or a simple Roman shade. Don’t forget to integrate darker colors like deep azure blue, burgundy or olive green as accents to ground the room.

Chose a vanity that looks like an antique or a piece of furniture or add feet, molding and wood carvings to your existing vanity.  Tuscan homes are full of beautiful old furniture.  Look for curved lines instead of a more modern design (avoid straight lines). A granite or marble countertop will make the room feel more elegant and have a greater appeal for the Tuscan décor.

Once the main things are set in you will need to add your own personal touch to make the bathroom complete such as, metal urns, terracotta pots, glass apothecary jars, real or artificial plants, wrought iron candle holders or an Italian style art glass vase which will all enhance your Tuscan theme.

Having a Tuscan Theme in your bathroom is great because there is so much to choose from and with such a variety you can easily choose the Tuscan style that fits your lifestyle.  Escape to Tuscany today.

Having a Tuscan theme in your bathroom is great because there is so much to choose from and with such variety you can easily choose which Tuscan style fits your lifestyle. Escape to Tuscany today

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.