Tuscan Style 101

Tuscan interiors feature a rustic, sun-baked look characterized by crumbling stone patios, simple and sturdy furnishings with elegant iron accents, terra-cotta tiles, textured wall finishes, elegant, detailed murals and trompe l'oeil designs. Here's how the Tuscan style breaks down:

Colors: The rustic Tuscan color palette leans heavily on earthy, unpretentious hues evocative of a Tuscan hillside.

Floors: Terracotta tiles, stone with mosaic inlay and worn wood covered with antique rugs are all ways to bring a Tuscan look down to the floor.

Accents: Wrought-iron accessories such as candle sconces and light fixtures can reinforce the rustic theme. Other appropriate accessories include painted ceramic objects and tile to bring color and vitality to the design.

Architecture: Rough plaster walls often soar to a rustic beamed ceiling. Windows are simple and left bare to take advantage of unfiltered natural light.