Tips for a Rustic Italian Decor
For anyone in love with an Italian influence in room decor, few can resist rustic yet romantic items throughout the space. The embodiment of sun, earth and texture, rustic Italian decor can recapture the memories of a past Italian vacation, or it can transport you with the essence of the region as decorated in your home.
Textured Walls
Although they may look difficult to achieve, textured walls are actually quite easy to create. Just layer uneven patches of spackle compound on your walls, leaving exposed under elements of the wall if desired.
The additional beauty of this design element is that it can hide a multitude of sins if your walls have cosmetic issues you cannot resolve or repair completely. For a warm finish, paint with a base coat and finish with a wash of a second paint color or glaze.
Murals
Large or small wall murals can add a richness to any rustic Italian decor. The mural could be in the form of a large wallpaper applied to a full wall, or smaller murals can be painted on tiles in the kitchen or entryway of the home. Interesting murals would be those that reflect the scenery in Italy, like a gondola ride in Venice or a Tuscan village countryside scene.
Metal Work
The addition of metal work to a rustic-influenced Italian decor brings another texture and dimension to any decorating project. From gates on the exterior of the home to intricate wall hangings, railings or accents pieces, wrought iron or other metals can add a new, large design element to the space without closing in the room since the open spaces allow the eye to see through the metal pieces.
Tuscan Design Elements
The sunny Tuscan look is a favorite with eclectic contemporary room designs. Simple plaster walls with fancy doors and other wood elements are often adorned with luscious bushes and plants for a country feel.
However, these elements are easily mixed with other styles, such as contemporary wood furniture and sculpture, in complete contrast to the old-world Tuscan style. Mix Tuscan elements with contemporary, Asian, Latin or other European styles for an ideal blend with interest that commands attention.