We’ve had considerable interest from website visitors on the topic of Tuscan style decorating. It seems we’ve struck a chord when we’ve helped individuals find answers to their Tuscan decorating questions. “I’m happy to find this site. It gives me some ideas on how I think I would like to approach Tuscan decorating...” says one satisfied visitor.

In our response to website inquiries, our aim is to help people, like you, create warm living environments of serenity, simplicity, and functionality by decorating in the Tuscan style. You might find your question somewhere in this section which continues to address visitor challenges. You may have your own Tuscan decorating questions that you want to ask... If you do, please send us an email at info@intheTuscanstyle.com and we’ll do our best to answer your inquiries, either personally or in this FAQ section.

For a comprehensive approach to Tuscan decor, check out our 162 page eBook, Decorating in the Tuscan Style, for loads of ideas, planning forms, how to’s and photos – lots and lots of pictures. The eBook covers all kinds of tips and techniques you’ll need to get started and keep going.

To purchase your copy of Decorating in the Tuscan Style,

How can I get started? That seems to be the hardest thing to do.

There is an order of things to be done. Sometimes there are priorities in your own home – whether a new construction or a renovation. With a new construction, specify your materials. That means, know what you want in order to create a Tuscan theme. You need inspiration and direction. Use a guide (our eBook, Decorating in the Tuscan Style, is just such a help).

With an existing home, your renovation can be more “orderly” and planned. When you’re living in the home, though, a renovation can sometimes be more complicated. How do you work around a major kitchen project, for example? And perhaps the hardest thing is imagining doing it all yourself.

First, make a plan - list the things to be done – floors, upholstery, draperies, walls, furnishings…. Ideally, if you’re not using the room, it’s much easier to plug away at finishing it. If it is a functional room, like a kitchen or bathroom, you likely want and need the work done in a timely fashion. You can get all kinds of help with basic renovations. We highly recommend you get professional advice on design plans, materials, time frame…

Should I begin with furniture design, paint, etc.? If it's paint, then what colors? Is it just painted on in the normal fashion, or is there some technique? How do I do that technique?

You can start with paint – it is the most flexible decorating element you can add to a room because you can always match paint to your furnishings. The Tuscan paint palette is amazing. Colors are important, so important that we’ve put together a palette as a guide. If you have a Tuscan inspiration piece (discussed in the eBook, Decorating in the Tuscan Style) you can always keep working with it throughout the renovation to find complementary colors to add to your decor. If you’re only decorating with paint, then, of course, you start, and finish, with paint.

Techniques will always give more of a Tuscan look. Techniques such as faux plaster and Venetian finishes can give a wall an old-world, aged appearance (see our eBook for a thorough discussion of wall treatments) however, you can use paint alone to get that inspirational Tuscan feeling.

How do I make my modern kitchen look Tuscan? If a woman from Tuscany lived in my house, what would she change and what would she add?

Most modern kitchens have a strong, “hard” appearance. We want to soften some lines – in a Tuscan kitchen, everything has an old-world look. Add a special piece (e.g. buffet and hutch) that has an aged look. Keep adding more items, e.g. picture frames, a stone (marble, granite, quartz) countertop, “antique-looking” faucets and hardware... Add face molding to your existing cabinets and some texture to the walls. Paint will do wonders.

I’m looking for Tuscan Style on a budget! I’d like some inexpensive decorating ideas.

Don’t we all! The most bang for your buck is always paint. And if you can paint it yourself, it’s a real bargain. As well, adding some fabric to the room adds a Tuscan feel. Also, think wrought iron – tables, wall features. Consider some decorative hardware (door hinges and pulls, drapery hardware, even door handles can Tuscanize a room). Add some large potted plants in terracotta pots…

I want some good ideas for decorating the patio/deck.

Think wrought iron for furniture. Potted plants in terracotta pots (or that gorgeous majolica - Italian pottery) can be moved around (even from inside to out!). Consider concrete or stone yard sculptures. Add a fountain and plant-draped trellis, the latter in wrought iron. Some tile, either on the deck or walls will add Tuscan interest.

If I purchased the eBook, Decorating in the Tuscan Style, how do I get a refund if I want one?

If you are not completely satisfied, for any reason, with Decorating in the Tuscan Style, the cost of the eBook will be refunded anytime within the first year of purchase. And you can still keep your Bonus Reports. Just contact us at info@intheTuscanstyle.com.