So you are considering redecorating and renovating your home with a Tuscan influence. A taste of Tuscany has been an ongoing trend and can be highly appreciated for the natural beauty within the Italian culture.

Tuscan style evolved through layers of history, taking cues from the earliest Etruscan metal craft and pottery, and of course, from the sumptuous world of the Italian Renaissance. In Tuscany one finds frescoes, cracked and worn by time, still vibrant with original pigment, depicting ancient deities and the decadence of the late Roman Empire. Mosaic tiles, wrought iron gates and portals, distinctive bridges and architecture all reinforce the unique Tuscan identity, a particular expression of the Italian soul. Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Brunelleschi, Botticelli, and Cimabue all contributed to Tuscan splendor. Itfs no wonder Tuscany plays a substantial role in Italian culture and identity.

Tuscan rooms typically are beautifully proportioned on classical lines. Ceiling height, the size and scale of such features as the fireplace, windows and doors--as well as the furniture--all play an important role in creating balance and harmony within the room.
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Create the Tuscan wall appearance simply and easily ~

There are many ways to apply lime paint; providing great examples of how-to-apply lime paint to create effects such as cera fresco, lime washing, travertine tile, and many others. Known for its amazing strength, adhesion, and resistance to many of atmospheric agents, lime paint is becoming a familiar medium for painters, faux finishers, and plaster and stucco finishers.


Your Tuscan walls~
The wall treatments of the Italian home act as support for the rest of the interior. One sees wall painting, from Frescoes to murals, beginning in the earliest days of Italian culture. Plaster walls, stucco-lustro and marmorino walls all evoke the classic Italian feeling. Hand painted wall treatments and decorative patterns enhanced ordinary spaces. Use of Tapestries, gold leaf and ornate detailing such as plaster moldings all helped to define the interior, often bringing historical context and stylistic vigor to the home.

Wall texturing suggestions~

What I have done in my own home to create the Tuscan look on a wall is to let loose and add dimension to create the visual appearance that is required. A simple technique that you can do to start your Tuscan project is to apply premixed mud on your wall using a swirled effect leaving marks and obviously raised areas to propose the desired texture. Do this in random areas of your wall. You want arbitrary markings and patterns to make it look natural.

Let the mud dry overnight to ensure that it is dry and ready for your next step. If it cracks in some areas, that is fine. It will add character and make it look more authentic.

Use an old rag to dab and swirl desired paint onto your wall. I suggest light natural and earth tone colors to create the warmth. Choose 2 colors that work well together. Layer the colors in a random pattern to desired look. I recommend a cotton blend rag to prevent lint issues. Let dry overnight and then decide if you want to add more color. Remember, you want to keep the colors light and earth tone to create the most effective Tuscan look.









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