Ciao!
A popular question we get from our readers here at Tuscan-Home-101.com is,
“How can I quickly and inexpensively give my home a look and feel of a Tuscany farmhouse?”
I often advise, starting with a bit of color application on the walls is a great way to make a dramatic effect in a space.
So what does this mean?
Well, we deal with a couple of things… Some Tuscan color and some Old World texture!
We’re going to talk about this in two parts. This week, we’ll focus on color… Next time– texture.
With that said, another great question we get a lot from homeowners is, (and you may be wondering the same thing)
I recommend that you start from Tuscan inspired art or ceramic piece.
The reason why is 9 times out of 10, you’ll find a complete color palette right there. The artist has pretty much done the work for you! So, it’s a matter of exploring the piece and seeing if there’s something special that sticks out at you that you like… A main color that is pleasing to the eye–and you go from there.
Another easy way to choose your Tuscan color palette is by simply looking through Tuscany home decorating and design books and magazines and get some inspiration from there. You may spot a particular photo of a room that your eye tends to move towards with the right wall and accent colors you have envisioned for your home.
So here’s a Tuscan Home 101 tip:
When choosing a wall color, you can’t go wrong when you apply a neutral color on the walls, and the other colors you selected in your color palette accent the space by way of accessories, Tuscan art, window treatments and textiles. So think about coloring your walls with a warm golden-yellow, cream or light brown.
Here’s an example of how you can spot a color palette out of a Tuscan interior design photograph.
Remember, Tuscan colors are inspired by the natural elements of Tuscany. Warm yellow-golds are reminiscent of the Tuscan sun… You’ll find olive green and sage, rustic red and terracotta, ochre, and even blues that mimic the colors you see in the Mediterranean Sea.
“What type of paint should I use for my walls to create a true Tuscany wall effect?”
In Tuscany, plastered walls are commonly painted with pigmented lime washes. You certainly can choose to go with lime paint or lime paint and lime wash to get that authentic Tuscany wall effect, however, be aware that lime paint is typically used for buildings with walls that ‘need to breathe’. With that said, lime paint is rather porous, so you can certainly get some staining. If you really want to go with lime based paint, consider applying a clear finish to protect the paint.
**Be sure to read and follow the manufacture’s instructions for proper application and use.**
There are a number of paint manufacturers that produce Tuscan paint colors that work nicely with texture techniques.
Sherwin-Williams is a top paint brand with a new Tuscany inspired paint color line. Here are the exact color names and labels to help you match up your desired colors for your Tuscan color palette. Enjoy!
Feel free to leave a comment or a question. I check in daily and am here to help!
To your decorating success,
Patrice Walker
