by Cherie Hayes

Created on: January 31, 2009

Nature is the key source of inspiration in the Tuscan color scheme. It has become particularly popular for kitchens in recent years. Since nature is the inspiration, think of fall leaves, olives and trees, the sun, and the Mediterranean Sea. Other items of inspiration can be ceramic tile, pottery, or a painting. To bring the feeling of nature indoors choose colors like browns, reds, greens, golds, and deep blues.

A tip for choosing color is to realize that there many different hues and shades of all colors. Stay with shades that are earthy, warm, muted, or weathered tones. Keep in mind that light will influence your color choices. The amount of natural light you get during the day can make a paint color look different than in the paint store. If you run in to trouble choosing the right color, try painting large pieces of scrap wood, that have been primed, and comparing them at different times of the day to see how the color will really look.

To achieve a more authentic Tuscan effect, be sure and apply paint to textured walls. Some paint is pre-textured, or you can add builder's sand to your paint. Stucco is another idea for adding texture.

In addition to the paint colors, there are many painting techniques that can enhance the colors and add an organic touch. To create a fresco look easily, paint the walls yellow using a texturing technique, such as sponging, for example. Another technique is to combine colors. Paint the walls a darker shade of your chosen color, then paint a lighter shade of that color over the darker shade using a sponge or rag rolling technique. This will add depth and interest to the colors.

Another use for paint is on the cabinets. One option is to paint the cabinets a deeper shade of the wall color. Or, try painting the cabinets antique white to add to the old world feeling of the Tuscan style.

If your kitchen is small you may not want to paint all of the walls a dark color, since that will make the space feel even smaller. In a small space just paint one wall to be the focal point and showcase of the Tuscan style.

Once you have chosen paint colors, think about accessories to accent those colors. For example, burgundy window panels compliments a yellow color scheme and a wrought iron curtain rod ties the Tuscan theme together.

Whatever colors and techniques you choose to create Tuscan style in the kitchen, your family and friends will feel invited to linger and enjoy a plate of pasta and glass of red wine in a new relaxing getaway.

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