Dolce Granita

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!

Set the Stage for Your Tuscan Bedroom: Antique-Style Beds Bring Old-World Charm Into Any Space!

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.

Put Formal in its Place: Create an Informal, Welcoming Dining Room with Tuscan Décor!

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!

Furnishing Your Tuscan Living Room: Make the Ambience of Italy Come Alive with the Right Pieces!

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.

Food Accessories Put the Finishing Touch on Your Tuscan Kitchen

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.

Add Color to Your Tuscan Kitchen with the Traditional Beauty of Earthenware Pottery

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.

Something Spanish

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 [...]

Some Unusual Tips To Visit Versilia

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.

Foundations of Tuscan Design: Starting with the Right Flooring Can Help Ensure Your Tuscan Home Feels Authentic

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!

Marble, Limestone, and Granite: No Tuscan Home Is Complete Without Stone Details

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.