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The northern Italian
region of Tuscany offers visitors an overwhelming experience for the
senses, with the sounds of its music, the smells of its cooking and
the visual richness of its distinctive style.
"One need never
to go into a museum in Florence," wrote Brian Storts, "for
that fair city is a feast to the eyes. It is like walking into
history itself." Florence and its surrounding towns-Sienna,
Montepucciano, Pisa, Arrezo-are situated in the heart of Tuscany’s
rolling hills. The Tuscan landscape is flecked with Terra-cotta
rooftops and cypress trees, and by the soft, sun-drenched hues of
local marble and clay.
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style evolved through layers of history, taking cues from the earliest Etruscan
metal craft and pottery, and of course, from the sumptuous world of
the Italian Renaissance. In Tuscany one finds frescoes, cracked and
worn by time, still vibrant with original pigment, depicting ancient
deities and the decadence of the late Roman empire. Mosaic tiles,
wrought iron gates and portals, distinctive bridges and architecture
all reinforce the unique Tuscan identity, a particular expression of
the Italian soul. Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Brunelleschi, Botticelli,
and Cimabue all contributed to Tuscan splendor. It’s no wonder
Tuscany plays a substantial role in Italian culture and identity. |
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Elements of Style
Tuscan rooms
typically are beautifully proportioned on classical lines. Ceiling
height, the size and scale of such features as the fireplace,
windows and doors--as well as the furniture--all play an important
role in creating balance and harmony within the room.
Walls: The wall treatments of the Italian home act as support for
the rest of the interior. One sees wall painting, from Frescoes to
murals, beginning in the earliest days of Italian culture. Plaster
walls, stucco-lustro and marmorino walls all evoke the classic
Italian feeling. Use of Tapestries, gold leaf and ornate detailing
such as plaster moldings all helped to define the interior, often
bringing historical context and stylistic vigor to the home.
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Objects:
Painted tiles, colorful plates and Marino glass from
Venice, fall naturally within the Tuscan aesthetic.
Wrought iron objects such as sconces and candle holders
support the mix of earthen materials found within the
home. Metal, stone, fabric, and plaster walls all combine
to create this natural Italian style. |
Ceilings: Classic clouds with cherubs or putti playfully suspended
above our heads quickly come to mind as Italian style. Old wood
beams would evoke a rustic look, while stenciled borders and vaulted
or paneled ceilings create an architectural framework uniquely
expressive of this style.
| Floors: Terre-cotta tiles, glazed ceramic and marble inlay in
intricate patterns are a few examples of the Italian sensitivity to
design that carry through from ceiling and walls to the floors.
Different types of marble create a color palette that defines the
exquisite floors of The Duomo in Florence. Raw Sienne, umbers, rose
pink, yellows and the pure white marbles from Carrara, above Pisa,
all become the tools of the skilled craftsmen and artists. Pale
travertine is often still used in homes and stores. Terrazzo floors,
made from marble chips ground with crushed stone and stucco,
polished to a smooth surface create new and diverse patterns to
experiment with. Mosaic
work, often of glass, stone or tile adds flare and energy. |
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| And of
course, the wooden floor can be left plain or adorned with Persian
rugs—which were originally imported by Venetian and Genoese
merchants in medieval times. |
Fabrics: Silks, velvets and hand woven brocades fill the home on
furnishings, curtains and bedding. Lacework and linens add a bit
more texture to the environment and rich damask patterns, tone on
tone, are used effectively in all rooms.
Cherry
Wardrobe Cabinet
Large 4
door armoire
done in
a beautiful Sienna Chestnut finish, from the "Hilo"
Collection.
Buy this
Armoire
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Furniture: Furniture varies greatly. From rustic, folk pieces to the classic
veneered and hand painted items. Inlay and gilt details all support
the rich visual texture of the interior environment. |
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artSparx Book special
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Italian Style
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Explore the evolution of Italian style from
many decorative influences spanning
centuries of art and design: the balance and
symmetry of Roman architecture; the
flamboyance and opulence of grand
Renaissance decoration; and the use of
earthy colors such as Naples Yellow and
Tuscan Red.
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| Special
Features |
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Gilding Feature!
Silver
leafing made easy.
Transform everyday objects into
heirlooms. The process known as gilding simply means the
application of gold or silver leaf to a surface that has been
properly prepared with an adhesive known as 'gold size'.
Learn it!...
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Tuscan Hillside II
23.63x31.5 Fine-Art Print
by Maurizio Moretti
Buy this Fine-Art Print
more
prints
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