How do I Make a Tuscan Living Room?

Creating a Tuscan living room can be done on even the smallest budget. The main idea is to make a rustic, comfortable space that has the ambiance of the Italian countryside. Warm rich colors, natural textures and accent pieces with the flavor of old world Italy can bring the rustic, relaxing charm of Tuscan style into your living space.

If possible, use metal or even wood couches and chairs. You can make them comfortable by adding thick cushions with upholstery in a warm shade such as caramel, brick red or gold. If you have a fireplace in your living room, it can make a good focal point to help create a Tuscan-inspired space.

Terracotta plant pots and copper pitchers can make earthy fireplace accents. If you have room near doorways, placing a large, terracotta or ceramic vase on the floor there can look very Tuscan. A painting or picture inspired by Italian vineyards could be placed over the fireplace or elsewhere in your Tuscan living room.

Other accessory ideas for a Tuscan-themed living space are Italian plates displayed in a wrought iron plate holder and warm-toned metal bowls or vases in the room. The element of metal is an important addition to a Tuscan living room. Gold, copper, bronze and black metal furniture and accessories can work well in capturing the rustic elegance of a Tuscan space. Wrought iron lamp bases or light fixtures work much better than modern lighting in this type of Italian living room.

Any type of neutral or rich, yet subdued, warm colors suit the Tuscan style. Your accent colors may include burgundy, olive green, peach or teal. A great way to find colors you love for your Tuscan living room is to take them from favorite Italian artwork or tapestries. Italian wall hangings and art glass pieces can make ideal accents for a Tuscan-inspired room. Adding a wood or metal wine rack with Italian wines can be a great touch.

Faux-painting your walls to look like swirls of stucco or terracotta can really make your Tuscan living room look realistic. Stone walls, or faux-stone, are also ideal for Tuscan-themed living rooms. If you'd rather just paint your walls flat, without texture, be sure to choose a warm color. Anything too cool may detract from the rustic earthiness you're trying to create. If possible a stone, or stone-look, floor would be preferable to carpet in a Tuscan living space; you can add warmth with thick area rugs or mats.