10 Tuscan Interior Design Ideas (With Pictures)
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Kristin Hitchcock
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Tuscan interior design draws inspiration from the Tuscany region of Italy, hence the name. Often, this design choice is known for being warm, rustic, and timeless. Its beauty and charm are simple and subtle. However, it can make a home feel very inviting and warm.
Implementing this style isn’t difficult, luckily. All you have to do is abide by some very simple ideas when choosing your color scheme and furniture.
The 10 Tuscan Interior Design Ideas
1. Warm Tones
One huge characteristic of the Tuscan style is earth tones. You want to use lots of browns, greens, and gold. The exact color scheme is up to you, but you should stick with warmer colors. Avoid whites, greys, and blues, as these are basically the opposite of what the style calls for. While you can mix and match a bit, don’t avoid using browns and more warm colors whenever possible.
You’ll find lots of warm yellows, rich browns, deep reds, and olive greens in Tuscan décor. These mirror the natural hues found in the Tuscan landscape, which is what this style is based on.
2. Natural Materials
Use natural materials whenever possible. Often, these fit within the warm color scheme. However, they are also a hallmark of Tuscan design by themselves. Wood is the most common natural material available, so it’s utilized heavily.
However, you should also consider stone, wrought iron, and terracotta. Stone floors, wooden ceiling beams, and terracotta tiles are common elements that reflect the rustic charm of the region. These materials not only add texture and authenticity to the space but also contribute to its timeless appeal.
Use these materials extensively—more than you think you need to.
3. Rustic Furniture
The furniture in Tuscan interiors often has a weathered and worn appearance. It may be crafted from reclaimed wood or have a distressed finish. Pieces such as farmhouse-style dining tables, chunky wooden coffee tables, and upholstered sofas with earthy-toned fabrics are popular choices.
This furniture style contributes to the comfortable and relaxed atmosphere of the space. You want the space to feel lived-in and inviting, which the rustic furniture helps contribute to.
Many styles use rustic furniture in their homes, so this isn’t a unique part of Tuscan design.
4. Architectural Details
Tuscan design goes beyond just the color scheme and furniture choices. In many cases, the design features architectural details like exposed beams and fireplaces. These match nicely with the rustic, warm feel of the design. Arched doorways and windows are extremely prevalent in Italian villas and churches, but they are becoming less common today.
Consider adding one of these details to your space to take that extra step.
5. Textured Walls
Textured plaster or stucco walls are a hallmark of Tuscan interiors. The texture adds depth and character to the walls, resembling the ancient walls found in Tuscan villages. These walls provide a visual backdrop that’s both inviting and visually interesting.
Of course, you don’t want to overdo this, either. Too many textured walls can be a bad thing and make the space seem busy. You should also be careful not to add too many textured walls and architectural details at a time.
6. Natural Light
Tuscan design relies a lot on natural light. Most rooms should have large windows, preferably. If your home doesn’t have much natural light, don’t worry. You can increase the appearance of natural light in your home by adding things like mirrors and keeping your windows as open as possible.
The interplay of light and shadow enhances the warm and inviting ambiance, making the interior feel spacious and connected to the outdoors.
7. Decorative Accents
Consider using decorative elements like ceramic tiles and mosaic designs that were traditionally used in Tuscany. You don’t have to go overboard on these pieces, as they should be accents—not the primary part of the design. Use these in areas that are a bit boring and need to be spruced up a bit.
Ceramic tiles might adorn kitchen backsplashes or bathroom walls, while wrought iron railings, light fixtures, and furniture accents offer intricate detailing that captures the essence of the region’s craftsmanship. When possible, choosing items that are actually from Tuscany is ideal.
8. Rustic Accessories
On top of choosing older-looking furniture, consider rustic accessories, too. Handcrafted pottery is an easy way to go, as it is widely available and comes in many different designs. Try to use these accessories, too. Handcrafted pottery might hold fresh herbs or act as decorative pieces, while woven baskets can serve as storage solutions. You don’t have to fill up on accessories all at once. This category can be accomplished over time as you find pieces that you really like.
When choosing rugs, consider getting richly patterned textiles, tapestries, and similar upholstery. These add depth to the space and can make things a bit more interesting.
9. Lush Greenery
The Tuscan landscape is filled with lush greenery, and incorporating indoor plants and potted herbs brings a touch of this natural beauty indoors. Plants like olive trees, lavender, rosemary, and citrus trees not only enhance the visual appeal but also infuse the space with pleasant aromas.
Of course, consider plants you’ll actually use, too. Citrus trees cannot grow everywhere, of course, and not everyone uses rosemary while they cook. Feel free to personalize the exact plants you want to use. The main point is that there should be plants.
10. Warm Lighting
Lighting fixtures in Tuscan interiors exude warmth and elegance. Chandeliers with ornate designs, pendant lights with glass shades, and wall sconces with intricate metalwork create a soft and inviting glow.
You should choose light fixtures that are inviting and warm. Feel free to go a bit modern, too, if you’d like. Not everything has to look like an old Tuscan villa, after all.
Final Thoughts
Tuscan interior design is a captivating and timeless style that draws inspiration from the picturesque Tuscany region of Italy. Rooted in a deep connection to nature, history, and craftsmanship, this design aesthetic embraces a harmonious blend of warm earth tones, natural materials, rustic furniture, and architectural details.
You don’t have to try all of these design characteristics at once. Look at what you already have and adjust as necessary. Keep these characteristics in mind, but don’t feel like you have to spend thousands on new furniture right now.
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Featured Image Credit: Sean Nel, Shutterstock
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