Sunlight, Colors and Warmth in Tuscan Kitchens

Tuscan kitchens are found traditionally in villas or cottages nestled in the Tuscan landscape, amidst pencil-thin pines, olive groves, fields of lavender and lavish vineyards. The scene is idyllic, yet you can recreate it anywhere.

You can achieve this effect with very little extra cost, but your planning should include the following considerations... materials, furniture, colors and accessories.

Atmosphere

The atmosphere is one of comfort and warmth. The distinctive elements of the region are evident in the materials used. Conversation and color are both rich and appealing.

The kitchen is a functional one. It may even include a wood-fired pizza oven ! Italian cooking is a ritual that deserves space and time to be executed properly.

Furniture

A large wooden table that everyone can sit around is the main feature. Open cupboards, shelving and dressers should be solid and strong. Baskets, hand-painted plates, jugs and platters are stored on these and serve as decorative items when not in use.

Seating is simple but comfortable...a real Italian meal takes a long time to eat!

Materials

Walls are often painted in a rich red, siena or strong yellow or terracotta color. Often a mural is added...you can do one yourself of the Tuscan countryside, if you are a little artistic. Simply paint over the wallpaint using acrylic paints and some gold leaf, perhaps.

Flooring is made of tiles - terracotta or clay. Usually the flagstones are large. Another favourite is ceramic tiles . Italian ceramics are arguably the best in the world.

Often hand-painted and featuring friezes and motifs in gorgeous designs and depicting the landscape, tiles are a really stunning feature. Use them in your countertop, backsplash or around a wall mirror if you can't have them on the floor. Wooden floors can be left plain for effect.

Your sink could be white ceramic, but you could also have a single bowl copper sink for the country look.

Have as much natural light as possible.

Wrought iron is a traditional art in Italy and it often features in decorative hooks and racks that serve as storage and hanging space in the kitchen. To carry this element through the design, add wrought iron handles and pulls for your drawers and for your light fittings.

Accessories

Persian rugs can add warmth to the floor and color to complement those used elsewhere.

Copper pans and espresso coffee utensils add glow and sparkle to this style of kitchen.

Baskets, strings of garlic and fresh herbs in pots are other elements of Tuscan kitchens.

Colors

Sepia, siena and terra are all colors of this region. Use a neutral palette or use vivid colors reflective of the countryside and ocean. You need to see which colors blend or contrast well with the natural materials used on your floor, countertop and furniture.