The charm and old-world character of Italy is something that evokes feelings of tranquility. Rich, bold colors and design inside give way to earthy tones in the welcoming exterior outside. If you are looking to embrace the look and feel of Italy and Tuscany, adding Italian-themed decor to your living area can help transform your space.
Copper and Terra Cotta-
The backbone and style of most Italian home decorating products are elements of copperware and terra cotta, explains Tuscan Decor. To recreate an Italian decor theme and grasp the look, make sure you incorporate some copper and terra cotta into your design pattern. The goal is to recreate an authentic space similar to traditional old-world style. Traditional Tuscan countryside villas, likely had some form of copper or terra cotta within its decor. Copper elements were not only used as decorative pieces in gardens as urns and fountains, copperware pots and pans were a staple in the kitchen. Choose authentic handmade copper items if possible. Hammered copper made with good quality craftsmanship can last a lifetime if well-cared for. Copper pans and Dutch ovens also make charming decor pieces in the kitchen as standalone pieces above a cooking area or standing alone on an unused stove burner. Outdoors — copper elements that carry a greenish patina allow the piece to look antiqued and weathered, which is sought after in Italian decorating. A patina fountain surrounded by a rock garden can be highlighted with your favorite perennials such as roses or lavender plants, to offer a welcoming and relaxing look.
Terra cotta is another popular Italian home decorating product. Terra cotta is often seen as a main garden element with urns and planters. You can choose to leave terra cotta in its natural state or use bold designs in order to enrich a dark corner. Terra cotta floor planters and bowls are designed to blend in with Tuscan and Italian decor or can be painted in rich Tuscan colors of green, red, yellow and burnt orange.
Wrought Iron and Brick-
Wrought iron often serves as a contrasting backdrop to the earthy colors of Italian decor, explains Life in Italy. Wrought iron Italian decoration pieces can also be found in the garden area as a gate or as a distressed stand-alone piece that serves as a climber support for roses and grapevines. Wrought iron wine racks are a product that you can showcase vintage wines as part of your Italian decor display.
Brick is a natural element you can use when decorating your Italian-themed home or outdoor living space. With brick, the more weathered and chipped the better — this gives it a look that it has been there for ages. Brick can be imported from Italy and used for decorative purposes to create a charming mantle or backdrop in an Italian kitchen.
Decorating Accessories-
When creating an Italian or Tuscan-themed space, your decorating accessories pull the entire look together. Italian home decorating products can be expensive, especially if they are imported directly from Italy. You can also find bargains at antique stores and estate sales across the U.S. If affordability is not an option, scour flea markets and antique shops when you are visiting Italy or Tuscany. You can also find many replicas at local auctions or specialty shops in most major cities around the world. Popular Italian decorating accessories include; wall sconces, wooden candle holders, candles, ceramic statues, wall fountains and finials. Items such as baskets can also serve for entertaining by holding breads, fresh fruit or utensils.
Tapestry wall art can be a huge focal point in an Italian living room or dining area. Designs are Italian-inspired and often contain prints of the Italian countryside, cityscape’s and still-life’s — including fruits and vegetable designs. An alternative to tapestry would be a hand-painted mural that incorporates your favorite Italian-inspired theme.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match. Remember to go big and go bold when it comes to making your look stand out.
“Tuscan Decorating Product Information,” Tuscan Decor
“Tuscan and Italian Decor,” Lifeinitaly.com
“Tuscan Decor and Photos,” Accents of Salado
