Warm Up With Tuscan Style

Italian style has been hot since the '90s, when glazed porcelain Italian tiles became popular in the U.S., says Appolloni, and that wonderful, warm flavor is what people love in their homes. "In fact, I find that both men and women like it," he says. While Tuscan color palettes have shifted in the last few years, Appolloni says they're still warm, rich and comforting, but now "the colors are getting even richer in a very European way. It's not Southwestern color but deeper."

Beyond color, there are several elements to keep in mind when craving Tuscan style in your home. Designer Ann Wisniewski of AJW Designs in Atlanta, Ga., cites five:

• Stone
  Whether it's a stacked stone fireplace, a brilliantly tiled backsplash, a clay floor or a marble countertop, stone is everywhere in Tuscan design.
• Wood
  Simple wood furnishings and woodwork have a beauty of their own, with most woods often burnished to a glow. Activities often center around a functional wood table in the kitchen.
• Texture
  Rough-hewn beams, plastered walls and well-worn wood plank floors make a Tuscan room feel like it's been lived in and enjoyed. "One of our tricks is a creamy leather look on the walls, which goes great with the other Tuscan elements, from stone to wood to colorful accents," says Appolloni.
• Color
  Earth tones rule in Tuscan style, including all shades of brick, terra cotta and ochre; sky blues; and greens and golds from the fields. Paler versions of the colors are often washed onto the plaster walls. Italian pottery, including Majolica, is a great way to add splash of color to a room.
• Metal
  Wrought iron is a popular accent material, while copper and other metals are often incorporated in pots, range hoods and chandeliers.

So, what's the best way to decorate Tuscan-style with these elements in mind?