| Tuscany, a province in the northwest region of Italy is | | | | in tapestries, pillows, fabrics and upholsteries. |
| world-renowned for its Sangiovese grapes that | | | | Rustic wood furniture that proudly displays nicks and |
| produce Chianti Classico wine, one of the most popular | | | | dings, exposed beams, unfinished stucco walls, aged |
| vintages in the world. The region is also renowned for | | | | shutters, aged copper pots and simple ceramic pottery |
| its natural beauty - rolling hillsides dotted with pencil thin | | | | and pitchers holding bunches of sunflowers are simple |
| cypress, deep green olive trees, grapes, tomatoes, | | | | ways to add Tuscan style. Leave window unadorned |
| eggplant, peppers and all the wonderful ingredients of | | | | or choose simple canvas or lace panels that add |
| traditional Tuscan cooking. The natural beauty of the | | | | softness without intruding on the unpretentious |
| region is only enhanced by its sunny stucco villas | | | | ambiance. Color washing techniques can impart the |
| crowned with rich red-tile roofs. From Florence to | | | | look of stucco on the walls. Flooring is simple as well, |
| Sienna, Pisa to Assisi, Tuscany equals quintessential | | | | with weathered planking or ceramic tile adding |
| Italian style. Capturing this romantic look has become a | | | | carefree style. Patterned area rugs with Tuscan or |
| favorite decorative pastime of homeowners | | | | classic motifs add a layer of comfort in bedrooms and |
| everywhere and there are certain decorative | | | | living areas. |
| elements that should always be included to lend an air | | | | In the kitchen, choose colored concrete, marble or |
| of authenticity if you wish to adopt Old-World style. | | | | granite for countertops. Open or free-standing |
| Embrace antiqued patinas | | | | armoires lend an antiquated look and lots of extra |
| Terra-cotta roof tiles and sun-bleached stucco are the | | | | storage. A long wooden-table surround by rush-seat |
| very definition of Tuscan style. Weathered woods and | | | | chairs offers a place for impromptu and everyday |
| old wrought iron are other favored materials. While you | | | | casual dining and accent with earthenware dishes and |
| may not be able to clad your home's exterior in stucco | | | | serving pieces in red, yellow, green and blue. Provide |
| or terra-cotta roofing tiles, copy the look to your | | | | detailing with copper pots hung from racks, wine racks |
| interiors with aged porcelain and ceramic tiles on floors | | | | loaded with Italian reds and whites, glass jars full of |
| and backsplashes. Tiled murals in the kitchen or bath | | | | pickled olives, dried pasta and olive oil, pitchers of fresh |
| are excellent ways to add a touch of Tuscany, as are | | | | flowers and tiered platters and bowls of fresh fruits |
| distinctive pieces of wrought iron wall art or canvas art | | | | and vegetables. |
| depicting the Tuscan countryside. | | | | Don't let your Tuscan style stop at the door. Graceful |
| Aim for a relaxed, unpretentious ambience | | | | gardens, bubbling fountains, stone walkways and |
| Warm inviting tones should be used for walls, fabrics | | | | driveways, wrought iron gates, overflowing flower |
| and furniture. Classic Tuscan choices include burgundy | | | | boxes and a vegetable patch full or ripe tomatoes and |
| red, eggplant purple, deep brown, ochre and sunflower | | | | cheerful sunflowers will make your home authentically |
| yellow and shades of green that range from olive to | | | | Tuscan both inside and out. |
| deep evergreen. Repeat these colors in rustic patterns | | | | |