How to Decorate a Tuscan-theme Kitchen

Pottery adds an authentic touch of Tuscany to a room.

It is the rich colors and textures of the Mediterranean that one should attempt to incorporate when decorating a Tuscan-style kitchen. The kitchen is the hub of an Italian home, with focus on good food and family. Italian or not, there are a number of decorative ways to create an inviting Tuscan kitchen.

Things You'll Need

• Paint
• Texturing agent
• Sandpaper

Instructions

1. Paint the walls colors of the Mediterranean. Burnt orange, terracotta and golden yellow all make strong wall colors for a Tuscan kitchen. Other hues that work well include sea blue, olive green and a burgundy wash. Vivid color should be everywhere, from colorful tile on the counter tops and back splashes, to the bright ceramics and cookware on display.

2. Texturize your walls. This can be accomplished by adding builder's sand to your paint. Another option is to use a faux paint finish that looks like cracked antique plaster. Everything about Tuscan design is rustic looking, so the more aged your walls can look, the better.

3. Choose natural materials for permanent surfaces. Hardwood or natural stone work best for flooring, while granite, marble, limestone or slate on counter tops are durable and authentic looking. Wood, including window sills and cabinetry, should be left natural whenever possible.

4. Incorporate furniture made of heavy wood with wrought-iron or glass accents, as they blend perfectly in a Tuscan kitchen. You can create a distressed wood effect by lightly sanding parts of the furniture that naturally receive wear. Or paint wooden chairs, a table or cabinets one color, wait for it to dry completely, and then paint over it with the primary color you would like to show. After that coat of paint is dry, lightly sandpaper the topcoat in a few areas so that the contrasting color shows through.

5. Hang metal or wood pot racks from the ceiling. Display wrought-iron wall sconces and colorful art on the walls. Arrange glass jars filled with pasta, ceramic decanters, serving plates, terracotta planters, cooking utensils, cooking oils and spices on counter tops and shelves.

References

• Interior Design It Yourself: Decorating Tuscany Style Kitchens
• Tuscan Decor: Designing Your Own Tuscan Kitchen with Style
• DIY Home Improvement Tips: Tuscan Kitchens -- Decorating Ideas for a Tuscan Kitchen

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish