Mary Freeland | June 28, 2011
What’s that you say? The season’s rush is already upon you? Children, freed from the confines of the classroom, create a joyful cacophony throughout your home? Your garden is beautiful, but requires near constant attention with weeding, watering and harvesting? The temperature has risen so sharply with the arrival of the Summer Solstice that you’re [...]
Mary Freeland | July 30, 2010
When the walls are painted, the fireplace installed, and the furniture in place, it’s time to add the accessories and accents that will round out your Tuscan décor. But what items will create that sense of authentic Italian style? Here are a few ideas!
Mary Freeland | May 28, 2010
In past posts, we’ve talked a lot about natural materials like stone and wood and how important they are in Tuscan décor. But it’s important to keep in mind that upholstered furnishings have their place as well. How inviting and comfortable would your living room be if you only had wood benches and marble-topped tables? You also need some upholstered sofas and chairs that invite family members and guests to relax and stay awhile!
Mary Freeland | April 2, 2010
Adding plaster, or at least the look of traditional plaster, to your home can really turn up the Tuscan feel of your décor.
Mary Freeland | February 26, 2010
When you think of the Tuscan countryside, what colors do you imagine? Is it the deep green of tall cypress trees? Or do you think of the yellowy green of juicy olives? What about the creamy whites, golds, and ambers of limestone, marble, and travertine?
Mary Freeland | February 5, 2010
Tucked between the Mediterranean Sea and the Apennines Mountains of central Italy, Tuscany is a region balanced between craggy mountains and tranquil sea. With this stunning contrast between land and water, it’s no wonder that Tuscans turned to the great outdoors for inspiration when it came to decorating the indoors!
Mary Freeland | January 22, 2010
If Tuscan design has its foundations in Etruscan architecture, then you can think of the Renaissance period as the time when the details were added and the rough edges were smoothed out. Following the so-called Dark Ages, the Renaissance was a period of cultural rebirth.
Mary Freeland | December 6, 2009
Looking for the ideal gift for your mother, sister, or best friend? Why not consider beautiful, elegant Tuscan decorating accessories. A perfect addition to any décor, Mediterranean-inspired accents and accessories are a great idea for the fashion-minded friends and relatives on your list!
Mary Freeland | December 4, 2009
With its somewhat chaotic history of warring factions, absorption by neighboring cultures, and transfer from one powerful empire to the next, many of Tuscany’s oldest structures one served as fortifications. Interestingly, it’s this military history that gave birth to one of the distinctive décor features of Tuscan design: decorative ironwork, grilles, and screens. Once serving [...]
Mary Freeland | November 14, 2009
A common complaint from husbands is that their wives’ decorating taste is too “girly” or “frilly.” Flowers, ruffles, and elaborate Victorian furniture can be off-putting to the men in your family. Of course, if most guys had their way, our living rooms would be full of hunting trophies and sports paraphernalia…
