
What is Tuscan style interior design?
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:
What is the origin of Tuscan architecture?
Tuscan architecture originates from Southern Italy. The style is based on traditional Tuscan villas that date as far back as the early 1600s. Visitors to this region of Italy were so inspired by the Tuscan architecture that they decided to take the concept home with them. However, the style eventually lost its popularity in 1855.
What is Tuscan-style architecture today?
Although Tuscan-style architecture has experienced some slight changes and updates over time, today's Tuscan homes have retained many the classic architectural techniques and decorating styles.
What makes a traditional Tuscan home?
A traditional Tuscan home's exterior is most often built of sandstone or limestone using natural materials found in that part of Italy, which are available in a wide range of hues. Terracotta roof tiles are used throughout Tuscany.

What is the characteristics of Tuscan?
It is characterized by simple, unadorned columns and an unadorned entablature. The columns also tend to be wider, squatter, and more widely set than other Classical styles. The Tuscan order originated with the Etruscans, who built their temples in wood and probably painted, rather than carved, their decorations.
What is Tuscan aesthetic?
Origins of the Tuscan Design Style Tuscan is a regional variation of Italian interior design. It originated in the Tuscany region of central Italy and is characterized by its rustic, earthy aesthetic. Architects like Ettore Sottsass and Mario Bellini popularized the style in the 1960s and 1970s.
Is Tuscan style Italian?
Tuscan architecture is a classic interior design that's reminiscent of Old World Europe. With its origins in Tuscany, Italy, Tuscan architectural design is a rustic style that draws on the traditions of a picturesque Italian villa and the scenery to match.
What is Tuscan color?
Cream, green and red are a traditional Tuscan combination while a more modern space might incorporate rich yellows or olive green with deep purples as an accent.
How do I make my house look like Tuscan?
Wooden surfaces such as cupboards, door and window frames, shutters, or ceiling beams are often left with a natural patina. Homes incorporating a Tuscan-style decor often use flooring of wide wood planks, timber boards, rough stone, unevenly-colored terracotta bricks, or clay tiles. Antique rugs add warmth and color.
What is Tuscan style architecture?
Tuscan architecture calls for high, vaulted, ceilings. These are either richly textured or paneled with wood and feature a stenciled decorative border. Exposed wooden beams are a key element in the look of Tuscan ceilings. Floors are stone, often marble or travertine, terracotta tile, or terrazzo.
How do you decorate Tuscan style?
7:0012:12HOW TO Decorate TUSCAN Style Homes | Our 10 Insider Design TipsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThese are adorned with crisp white or natural linen shades in clean straight lines. The deep setMoreThese are adorned with crisp white or natural linen shades in clean straight lines. The deep set windows and tuscan homes are often framed by sandstone.
What is the difference between Tuscan and Mediterranean?
The Difference Between Tuscan And Mediterranean Styles While Tuscan styles are borrowed specifically from Italy, Mediterranean decor celebrates elements from other cultures including Spanish, Moroccan, and Greek.
What is a Tuscan style kitchen?
Tuscan-style kitchens also tend to feature surfaces that are matte or distressed, rather than sleek, shiny or modern in appearance — this design style definitely suggests a "lived in, well-used and well-loved" vibe, with particular attention to cooking implements, which are often lovingly displayed.
What does the color Tuscan look like?
A Tuscan palette could include, warm red, gold, olive green, ochre, eggplant, deep brown, and sky blue. An easy to live with Tuscany-style palette should include more warm than cool colors, with no more than five colors. For a Tuscan-style color scheme, you should choose two main colors, both warm.
What is Tuscan style furniture?
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.
What is Tuscan farmhouse style?
The Tuscan farmhouse is defined by the simplicity and elegance of numerous characteristic architectural details such as the dovecote, the windowed loggias, the chimneys, the ceilings, the wood beams, the vaults, the stone staircases, the corrugated plaster, the brick arches, the porticoes and Tuscan roofing style.
What does the color Tuscan look like?
A Tuscan palette could include, warm red, gold, olive green, ochre, eggplant, deep brown, and sky blue. An easy to live with Tuscany-style palette should include more warm than cool colors, with no more than five colors. For a Tuscan-style color scheme, you should choose two main colors, both warm.
What is a Tuscan style kitchen?
Tuscan-style kitchens also tend to feature surfaces that are matte or distressed, rather than sleek, shiny or modern in appearance — this design style definitely suggests a "lived in, well-used and well-loved" vibe, with particular attention to cooking implements, which are often lovingly displayed.
What is Tuscan style food?
Tuscan cooking is characterized by having simple food, not covered in heavy sauces. Cooking is done with olive oil (not butter, as is used further north.) Olive oil is used as a salad dressing, is poured over bread and is used in soups and stews. Beans are a staple. Sage, rosemary and basil are popular spices.
What is a Tuscany House?
Tuscan homes can be distinguished by several distinct architectural features. Exteriors tend to have terra cotta roofs or low pitched tiles. Construction is often made from stucco or stone. Doorways have lovely arches, and windows can be rather tall and narrow with arches as well.
What is Tuscan style?
A key feature in Tuscan-style homes are their ability to seamlessly blend into their natural surroundings. Long before this style made its way to North America, however, it was commonly found across the area now known as Tuscany, a region of Italy well-known for its agricultural contributions and beautiful, romantic landscapes.
What is the exterior of a Tuscan home?
Exterior Features. Thick, stone exterior walls: Limestone, sandstone, travertine, and marble are commonly used on the exterior of a Tuscan home, so that the home blends in with its natural surroundings. You'll often see caved marble used as an accent over doorways, archways, or windows.
What is terracotta tile?
Terracotta roof and floor tiles: Terracotta is a building material that's extremely prevalent in warmer climates—and it's relatively easy to create by baking natural, terracotta clay.
What is the Tuscan column?
Known as a Tuscan column, or the Tuscan Order, these columns are extremely simple in their design— unlike the highly decorative Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian columns.
What are the outdoor living spaces in Tuscany?
Many traditional Tuscan homes feature outdoor living spaces, like patios, porticos, or loggias .
What were the Tuscan temples made of?
Their temples were constructed of wood, so the tradition was carried over into their homes, too. Many architectural styles arise from the building materials available in a particular area, and Tuscan style is no different.
What was Tuscany known for?
Long before Tuscany became world renowned for its olives, wine, and other agricultural products, it was home of the Etruscan people, a hardworking, agricultural community. Long before the Romans rose to power, the Etruscan people ruled central Italy, built a flourishing civilization, and even developed their own architectural style ...
What Is Tuscan Design?
Named after the idyllic central region of Italy called Tuscany, Tuscan design is a warm and well-loved decorating style that weaves elegant craftsmanship into a rustic, nature-inspired foundation. Recognized as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, Tuscany is revered for its artistic history, elegant yet well-worn architecture, and stunning landscapes. Its elegant beauty and historic origins, including the Roman and Medieval cultural periods that preceded the Renaissance, are recognizable in signature elements of Tuscan architecture and design. Interiors decorated with Tuscan design are welcoming, cozy, and reminiscent of a bygone simplicity despite their grander elements.
What are the materials used in Tuscan style?
Tuscan-style materials include terracotta, plaster, and natural stone of many kinds, including travertine, granite, marble, sandstone, and limestone, which are finished with little to no sheen or glaze. Dark, unfinished wood can be found on shutters, ceiling beams, archways, and windows.
What is the color of Tuscany?
The base color in a Tuscan-style room is a sandy neutral. Dark browns, terracotta reds, and rusty oranges are the second-most featured colors in the Tuscan design color palette. The Tuscan color palette is usually accented by the dusty black of wrought iron or the earthy greens one might associate with Italian vineyards, Cypress trees, or olives. Bright colors are rare in Tuscan-style interiors, but sometimes vivid blues make their way onto mosaics or painted tiles to add a bit of freshness.
Do you have to own an Italian cottage?
You don't need to own an Italian cottage to best embrace Tuscan design in your own home. All you need to do is start with a neutral base (sandy yellow or light brown is best, but off-white or white work well if you want a more modern take on the style).
What is Tuscan style?
Tuscan style is easy for non-specialists to determine by several features. You can do it by photo or in life, having considered all the design of houses or apartments. Color Palette. Warm natural shades, corresponding to the climate of the Mediterranean area, are very popular in the interior.
Where did the Tuscan style originate?
The Origins of the Style. Tuscany belongs to one of the regions of Italy, but despite this, you can see the presence of Spanish and French directions taken from the Italian style in the Tuscan interior.
What to decorate a Tuscan interior with?
Also, in the interior, you can often see countertops decorated with mosaic. Tuscan interior can be full of wrought-iron frames for mirrors, sconces, candlesticks, metal doors. In the living room and bedroom, we recommend decorating the walls with tapestries and fabric wallpaper.
What materials are used in Tuscan style?
We can highlight ordinary plaster both with modern decorative one, popular liquid wallpaper. On the photo of the interiors in the Tuscan style, it is noticeable that ceramic tiles are of large sizes. The natural stone is of different shades and patterns – granite, marble, travertine. These are great materials to finish the floors, walls in any room, countertops. To isolate the contour of walls in the interior, plaster moldings decorated with gold leaf will fit.
What kind of frames are used in Tuscan interiors?
Tuscan interior can be full of wrought-iron frames for mirrors, sconces, candlesticks, metal doors.
What herbs are used in Tuscany?
In addition, the kitchen of Tuscany inhabitants necessarily has the spicy herbs in pots – oregano, basil, rosemary, and others used in the preparation of dishes of plants. Decorate a cozy family room with ceramic bottles with useful olive oil, baskets with fresh vegetables and fruits, a bundle of fragrant garlic.
What is Tuscany's interior?
In the interior, you can note one distinctive feature – a combination of light smooth ceilings with beams of dark wood. In the hallway and dining room, the interior of Tuscany allows you to paint ceilings with flying clouds or angels. Furniture and Decor Elements.
What is Tuscan interior design?
One of the best things about Tuscan interior design is its innate quality of making you feel like you’re on a permanent vacation. The relaxed and rich vibe you get from its Earth-inspired colour palette is actually based on the Old World style of decorating. If you still can’t picture it, think of a picturesque Italian villa—vineyards, fragrant lavender fields, terracotta-tiled roofs, and crumbling stonewalls with lush vines.
What is Tuscan style furniture?
A Tuscan-style home usually has furniture that has straight, simple lines, usually made from rough-sawn local wood. Tiles, wrought iron, and marble are usually used for accents. Wooden furniture is also given a worn-out look to give the entire home a rustic feel.
What do Tuscan rooms look like?
According to a post on The Spruce, the old Tuscan-style rooms used to have low ceilings, which made them look small and dark. Today, the rooms have high plastered ceilings, wooden beams and sometimes, dark open timbre, giving it that nice airy, bright, and spacious feel. The floor-to-ceiling windows also allow plenty of natural light in, making it even cosier. Meanwhile, the walls are often painted soft white or grey with wooden tones for accents. The materials used for the walls often imitate old mural and plaster, which makes it very easy to copy for homes.
What is Tuscan architecture?
As a traditional architecture of Tuscany in Italy, Tuscan architecture is all about stone, wood, tile and wrought iron, which are commonly used in this building style. With simple, clean lines that are inspired from the Roman era, Tuscan architecture is a sophisticated and rustic style closely linked to Mediterranean settings ...
Where did Tuscan Style Home Design Originate?
Tuscan architecture originates from Southern Italy. The style is based on traditional Tuscan villas that date as far back as the early 1600s. Visitors to this region of Italy were so inspired by the Tuscan architecture that they decided to take the concept home with them. However, the style eventually lost its popularity in 1855. But interestingly enough, the US saw the beauty of these homes and started designing houses in the same style in sunny regions like California, Los Angeles, Cincinnati and Florida. These US cities were the birthplaces of Tuscan style homes where the new meets the old.
What is stucco made of?
Stucco is made from sand, lime and water. It’s ideal for warmer climates as it retains cool air while releasing warmth at night. Textured ceilings: paneled or vaulted ceilings with exposed wooden beams are the typical features of Tuscan style homes. These ceilings add warmth alongside the natural wooden beams.
What color is Tuscan style?
Inside and outside colors: earthy tones of brick red and splashes of blue are often seen on Tuscan style homes. Browns, yellows and green color schemes are used for both the exteriors and interiors of these homes.
What is the exterior wall of a Tuscan house?
Thick, stone or stucco exterior walls: sandstone, stucco, limestone or marble are commonly used on the exterior of a Tuscan style home. The purpose is to blend the home with its natural surroundings. Thick, stone exterior walls are often accompanied with caved marble over archways or windows.
Why are Tuscan homes not good for cold climates?
This is because they have larger windows and high ceilings, which make them harder to warm during winter months. Furthermore, the stucco exterior of these homes doesn’t provide any insulation.
How to bring brightness to a Tuscan home?
To bring brightness to a rustic Tuscan style home, add colorful artworks or furnishings. When decorated appropriately, Tuscan style architecture can be both modern and classic. Combine cool and warm elements to create a relaxed and luxurious interior space.
What is Tuscan interior?
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:
What are some ways to bring a Tuscan look down to the floor?
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.
What is Mediterranean style home?
Known for tiled roofs and stucco finishes, Mediterranean-style homes are frequently found in states with warm climates and Spanish histories. Easy-breezy and laidback, coastal style can give even a landlocked home the beach house feeling of vacay, every day.
What is Tuscan style?
Tuscan design is meant to imitate and recreate elements of homes located in Tuscany and surrounding regions of Italy. The design focuses on the use of natural, muted colors and materials. Highlights of this design are lumber, stone and often stucco on the exterior. Exterior colors generally range from a medium-dark to light brown, some burnt orange tints and occasionally a muted yellow.
What are some of the best details to add to a Tuscan home?
A final detail that will help to cement your home as an authentic Tuscan representation is the use of metal and iron hardware. Iron details inside the home, such as door pulls and lighting and outside, like the Juliet balcony pictured above, take the home to the next level. Many patinas and finishes can be used to accomplish a Tuscan feel, but stay away from anything too shiny or busy.
What are the two visions of Italy?
The legendary events and ceremonies that occurred in such a grand venue and other like ruins scattered across the city of Rome and other parts of Italy still baffle the mind. The second vision is the quiet, beautiful rolling hills of the countryside scattered with stunning farmhouses, orchards and vineyards. Many of the homes are large houses built for entertaining and joining large families together. This is the setting of the origin of Tuscan design and inspiration for the decor of your local Olive Garden. What the two visions have in common is intricate and beautiful craftsmanship that utilizes the natural materials abundant in the area and the admirable craftsmanship of the time.
What is Italy famous for?
Italy is famed for the high quality clay available for ceramic artists. As previously mentioned, builders were often looking for materials that could be found and manufactured quickly to build their homes so another common element is brick, one of the oldest building materials manufactured by man.

Origins of The Tuscan Design Style
- Tuscan is a regional variation of Italian interior design. It originated in the Tuscany region of central Italy and is characterized by its rustic, earthy aesthetic. Architects like Ettore Sottsass and Mario Bellini popularized the style in the 1960s and 1970s. Today, it is one of the most popular styles in the realm of interior design.
Tuscan Style Influences
- Other styles have greatly influenced this style throughout history. It borrows heavily from French Country, Spanish Colonial Revival, and Mediterranean interiors for its aesthetic qualities. Those qualities include stone floors made to look like marble, wood-beamed ceilings with stucco walls and terracotta tiles, and many others. The style also incorporates elements of Italian Renaissanc…
Similarities and Differences to Other Styles
- Tuscan is similar to the French Country because both styles have a rustic look that’s inspired by nature. However, the French Country style is more formal with elegant details, while the Tuscan style is more casual and relaxed. The Tuscan and theMediterranean interior designare also similar, but the Mediterranean one has a more coastal feel with blues and greens used as accen…
Elements of The Modern Tuscan Design
- Now that we’ve covered some of the basics, let’s take a closer look at some of the key elements of this design style. One of the most distinguishing features of this style is its use of natural materials. Tuscan interiors are often decorated with terracotta tiles, stone floors, wood beams, and wrought-iron fixtures. The Tuscan color paletteis also earthy and muted, with shades of yell…
Modern Tuscan Style Inhome Interiors
- Now that we’ve covered some of the basics, let’s inspect decorating specific rooms using key elements of this gorgeous design style.
Traditional vs Modern Tuscan Design
- While the overall look of Tuscan design is often quite traditional, there’s no denying that it can also be adapted to more modern tastes. In fact, many homeowners choose to mix traditional Tuscan elements with other styles like contemporary or minimalist to create a unique look in their home!
Conclusion
- Tuscan interior designhas been around for centuries and continues to be a popular choice among homeowners today. It’s easy to see why this style appeals so much as it combines rustic charm with modern comfort in such an elegant way that anyone would want it in their home!
FAQ
- What are the main features of Tuscan interior design?
The most distinguishing characteristic of Tuscan design, when it comes to furniture, are wooden pieces with ornate details. You will also commonly find rustic touches like carved and rough textures on Tuscan furniture. These pieces of furniture have a very heavy feel to them which ma… - What are the most popular colors used in the Tuscan design style?
Nature often inspires this style, so you’ll see a lot of earthy tones like green, brown, and beige throughout these spaces. However, that’s not to say that you can’t use other colors too. In fact, many homeowners choose to add pops of color with accessories or decorative pieces.