Mary Freeland | June 2, 2011
Believed to have originated in Sicily during ancient Roman occupation, granita is semi-frozen dessert made from a base of water and sugar into which other flavors have been infused. Simple to make and requiring no more complicated kitchen implements than a pan, freezer and fork, it’s the perfect treat for a hot day or night!
Mary Freeland | September 11, 2010
In most cases, your bed is the central focal point of a bedroom, so be sure to play up Tuscan style when you’re selecting a headboard for your space. Setting the stage for a gorgeous, Mediterranean-inspired bedroom, the right Tuscan bed will bring your décor to life.
Mary Freeland | August 6, 2010
The first step in creating the right mood for your Tuscan dining room is simply being aware that Americans tend to consider the dining room a formal space. Break free from rigid formality and use the laid-back feel of the Mediterranean countryside to create a welcoming, informal space in your Tuscan dining room. From an eclectic variety of furniture to bright dinnerware and simple table linens, it doesn’t take much to make your dining room look and feel cozily Tuscan!
Mary Freeland | July 16, 2010
In our last post about Tuscan living rooms, we talked about focal points and flow, but not about the specifics of furnishings for your space. So now that you know what NOT to do with your furniture in your Tuscan living room, let’s look a little more specifically at what types of furnishings you should use as you create that desired flow and focal point.
Mary Freeland | June 19, 2010
From hanging some of your vibrant pottery serving platters and plates on the wall to grouping decorative bottles of olive oil on the counter, these Tuscan kitchen accessories create a sense of lived in, cozy style.
Mary Freeland | June 12, 2010
When it comes to dishes in your Tuscan kitchen or dining room, forget about fragile china in fussy, pretentious patterns. Across Tuscany, kitchen tables and dining rooms are set with pottery dishes decorated in gorgeous, colorful patterns.
Mary Freeland | June 2, 2010
Nestled along the Mediterranean, Tuscany and the Spanish coastal region called Andalusia, share more than just coastline. Influences from the ocean and the common climates infuse both their food and their culture. Much like Tuscany, Andalusia is known for amazing cuisine that takes center stage at seasonal festivals. Among the many celebrations in the Spanish [...]
Mary Freeland | May 4, 2010
My beloved Versilia, Tuscany…it is best known for its golden beach, small villages and natural parks in the hinterland, its mild climate and its amazing nightlife and entertainments, but what makes it unique is that you have all close at hand and in a short time you can walk on the sand on barefoot and then have lunch uphill viewing the Massaciuccoli Lake which inspired Giacomo Puccini.
Mary Freeland | April 16, 2010
While carpeting is a favorite flooring option on this side of the Atlantic, traditional Italian homes tend to feature hard floors. With wood, tile, and stone all commonly found in Tuscan décor, you have tons of options for installing an old-world look over here in the New World!
Mary Freeland | April 9, 2010
From the very earliest Tuscans, stone has played an important role in both architecture and interior décor. While the ancient Etruscans and Romans used stone for the actual construction of their buildings, today’s Tuscan homes feature stone as a practical, decorative element in just about every room.
