Part of the appeal of Tuscan colors is that they derive from nature and, therefore, are ideal for today’s casual lifestyles. Tuscan shades are inspired by the Mediterranean’s earth, sky, trees and sun. The Tuscan palette includes shades of brown, red, orange, yellow, olive green and deep blue.
When choosing a Tuscan paint scheme for your home, think in terms of paint families, such as browns or umbers, oranges (including reds), greens, yellows and blues. Once you have decided the color families that are right for the room that you are decorating, you can choose and coordinate specific colors. Sherwin-Williams has an extensive selection of paint colors, including many Tuscan hues.
If you plan to use Sherwin-Williams paints for your interior paint projects (excluding ceilings, baths, and floors) you will probably want to choose an interior acrylic latex paint. Sherwin-Williams has a number of choices that are easy to apply, cover well and come in various sheens (such as, depending on the paint, matte, flat, satin, semi-gloss, etc).
Within the color families identified above, various Tuscan shades are discussed below; within each category, one or two favorite Tuscan paint colors (which are in parentheses) are discussed in more detail.
Browns and umbers (Moroccan brown and antiquarian brown). In the family of brown shades, Sherwin-Williams’ Moroccan brown and antiquarian brown are stand outs for a Tuscan decorating scheme. Moroccan brown is a rich shade with a touch of mauve that would look great in a living room, while antiquarian brown is a versatile medium brown that can be used throughout the home, including the family room or kitchen.
Oranges and reds (marquis orange). Sherwin-Williams’ selection of Tuscan-style oranges and reds is extensive. It includes marquis orange, robust orange, hearty orange, blood orange, sumptuous peach, baked clay, marigold, cayenne, gladiola, rustic abode, and flower pot, but the range of Tuscan colors is so extensive that these choices don’t do its variety credit. Sherwin-Williams’ color choices in the orange/red grouping are a gold mine for anyone choosing a Tuscan palette and should be reviewed carefully for specific ideas. Of the colors identified above, marquis orange is worth singling out. It is a lovely terra cotta orange that is reminiscent of warm days on the Mediterranean.
Greens (relentless olive). The greens of the olive grove are classic Tuscan shades. In Sherwin-Williams’ palette, olive grove, ripe olive, Basque green and relentless olive are good choices in the green family. Of these colors, relentless green is rich and yet soft and would be a perfect addition to a Tuscan color scheme.
Yellows. Sherwin-Williams’ cupola yellow, nasturtium, curry, saffron thread and sunflower would complement and enhance a Tuscan palette. Of these hues, sunflower is a golden yellow edging toward brown that would be lovely in a kitchen.
Blues (Adriatic Sea). Deep blues are an important part of the Tuscan palette and Sherwin-Williams’ blue mosque, Blue Nile, Santorini blue, blue grotto and Adriatic Sea are good color choices within this family. Adriatic Sea is a deep, but bright blue that could feature in almost any room of the house.
To see these paint colors and to explore Sherwin-Williams choice further go to www.sherwin-williams.com and then search by color family (orange, brown, blue, etc.).
