A Tuscan style kitchen is characterized by a natural, cozy atmosphere that brings the beauty of the Italian countryside right into your home. This rustic yet elegant design style emphasizes natural materials, warm colors, and old-world charm. Implementing Tuscan style into your kitchen is an excellent way to give it a relaxed vibe with romantic undertones.
In this article, we will explore how to incorporate Tuscan elements into your kitchen design to create a space with a natural, inviting feel and a cozy atmosphere.
Using Natural Materials and Textures
The abundant use of natural materials is a hallmark of Tuscan style. Stone, wood, wrought iron, and terracotta are commonly used throughout Tuscan kitchens and add organic textures.
Stone
Stone is an ideal material that adds plenty of rustic textures. Using stone on countertops, backsplashes, and floors grounds the space. Materials like marble, travertine, and limestone are popular choices with natural variation and veining that showcase the raw, organic qualities.
For a more budget-friendly option, slate or ceramic tile in earthy natural tones can mimic the look of real stone. Just be sure to properly seal porous stone to prevent staining and damage over time.
Wood
Exposed beams, wooden cabinetry, and hardwood floors are Tuscan kitchen staples. Wood adds warmth and creates an inviting, Old World style ambiance.
Wood cabinets stained in an espresso or dark walnut finish look especially striking against the lighter floors and walls of a Tuscan kitchen. For a more eclectic, collected over time look, mix cabinet styles and finishes.
Salvaged wood, such as reclaimed oak or pine wood boards used for an accent wall or island cover, can inject extra rustic character. Unfinished, raw wood brings organic texture and a closer connection to nature.
Wrought Iron
Wrought iron is another quintessential Tuscan material that introduces black accents. Use it for pot racks mounted on the ceiling, wine racks, lighting fixtures, and window screens. The ornate, hand-forged look of wrought iron accessories or furniture legs lends old-world Tuscan charm.
Terracotta
For Tuscan style, terracotta is most commonly seen in the form of pottery, floor and wall tiles, vases, and pendant lighting. The matte finish and earthy burnt orange color of terracotta pottery oozes rustic vibes. Decorative ceramic tiles in patterns like Moroccan Zellige style make a bold style statement.
Warm, Earthy Color Palette
The colors of Tuscany echo the surrounding natural landscape of rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves. Sticking to a warm, earth-inspired color scheme is key to emanating the Tuscan look.
Earthy Neutrals
Warm beiges, creams, and brownish-grays act as natural neutrals in Tuscan palettes. Think sandy tones, reminiscent of clay soil or limestone. These muted earth tones allow bolder accent colors to really stand out.
Try an organic neutral like Sherwin Williams Rockwood Slate on lower cabinets paired with a cream like Classic Linen for uppers. For dramatic contrast, glossy black cabinets pop against neutral backdrops.
Terracotta
No Tuscan color scheme is complete without some variation of terracotta orange. The inherently organic reddish-orange hue ties into terracotta pottery. Consider terracotta walls or tiles, pops of decor, and accented cabinetry in this distinctive shade. Benjamin Moore’s Terracotta Orange is a spot-on match.
Golden Yellow
Sun-drenched golden yellows seen in Tuscan countrysides find their way inside too. Not quite primary yellow, these earthy, organic shades may read as mustard, saffron, or amber. Try Golden Straw by Behr.
Sage Green
Muted natural greens reminiscent of Tuscan hillsides dotted with olive trees make an excellent accent color. Benjamin Moore’s Olive Sprig is a warm gray-based sage that feels organic.
Rustic Textures and Materials
Tuscan kitchens embrace the imperfections and irregularities found in natural, rustic textures. These elements lend relaxed, Old World charm.
Distressed Finishes
Distressing is an antiquing technique that makes materials appear naturally worn and aged. Sanding and intentionally distressing wood, limewash walls, or terracotta creates an authentically rustic vibe, as if the kitchen evolved over generations of use.
Visible Wood Grain
Let the natural wood grain show through rather than opting for a smooth painted finish. The visible swirling patterns and inconsistencies in reclaimed wood boards make a bold rustic statement.
Rough Plaster
Instead of perfectly smooth drywall, Tuscan kitchens often feature textured plaster walls. The uneven hand-troweled plaster finish mimics authentic Italian architecture.
For a budget-friendly solution, use knockdown plaster texture spray to achieve a similar Old World look on drywall.
Patinaed Metals
Metals like wrought iron fixtures and copper pots get better with age as they develop a worn, greenish patina. The imperfections and variations on these timeworn metals add depth and charm.
Cozy Ambience
Tuscan style prioritizes creating an overall welcoming, intimate ambience. Various architectural elements come together to make the kitchen feel like a cozy, Old World refuge.
Arched Entryways
Arched walkways and entrances tie into traditional Italian architecture. The curved shape makes passageways feel more intimate and romantic. For a built-in look, use brick or stone for arched corners.
Exposed Beams
Exposed wooden ceiling beams are a quintessential element that instantly gives off Tuscan character. Depending on your budget, actual structural beams or faux-wood decking can create the look.
Large Fireplace
A grand stone fireplace acts as a showstopping focal point and gathering place. Opt for an oversized style to anchor the space and become a cozy destination. Include custom cabinetry or a mantel for displaying cherished wares.
Vaulted Ceilings
Trade traditional flat ceilings for sloped, vaulted styles.Soaring upwards creates a feeling of spaciousness and allows more natural light. For a dramatic look, pair with exposed beams.
Pendant Lighting
Wrought iron, wood, or terracotta pendant lights dangling above kitchen islands or dining tables add warmth. Clustering multiple pendants creates an intimate ambiance perfect for social gatherings.
Textured Rugs
Scattered over hardwood or tile, natural fiber rugs like sisal, jute, or braided styles add cozy softness underfoot. Textured rugs complement the rustic surroundings in a Tuscan kitchen.
Old World Architectural Details
Including architectural details that mimic traditions found in Tuscan villages and countryside homes helps achieve an authentic look and feel. Ironwork, brick and stone elements, and hand-crafted woodwork enliven the space with artisanal charm.
Iron Accents
Incorporate decorative wrought iron accents like window boxes overflowing with flowers or intricate railings lining staircases and balconies for an authentic touch. Hand-forged iron sconces or chandeliers also fit the Old World style beautifully.
Brick Archways
Brick archways leading to other rooms or surrounding windows and doorways make a bold impact. The rounded shape and visible brick patterns give off Italian flavor. For a built-in look, opt for stone arches overpass throughs.
Patterned Tile
Intricate patterns on backsplashes, floors, and walls evoke Italian design tradition. Opt for geometric styles like herringbone and chevron or mimic patterns like Moroccan tiles or encaustic cement. Handpainted tiles are another ornate option.
Wood Beams
Cross-beamed ceilings made from distressed wood invoke rustic ambiance. Exposed beams interplay light and shadow and provide beautiful architectural interest. Faux options can give the look for less.
Salvaged Materials
Incorporate antique doors, reclaimed wood boards, rebuilt kitchen islands from salvaged barnwood or wine barrels, and leftover stones or bricks. This imparts a collected over time feel, as if the materials were repurposed from past eras.
Large Windows and Lots of Natural Light
Abundant windows help illuminate Tuscan kitchens in natural light. This connects the indoor space to lush outdoor views and brightens up the interior.
Big Bay Windows
Bay windows, preferably with arched tops, allow sunshine to pour in through dramatic rounded shapes. The deep recessed seating of bay windows creates a cozy breakfast nook. Top with curtains or Roman shades.
Skylights
Strategically placed skylights overhead lend an ethereal quality and splash light around without taking up wall space. Position over countertops, islands, and other high traffic areas.
Opt for sun-filtering skylights to prevent excessive heat and glare. Open styles enhance ventilation.
Wide Doorways
Instead of standard doors, opt for wide opening archways leading in from outdoor living areas. This blurs the transition and makes adjacent spaces feel more connected to the outdoors.
French doors also usher in ample light. For added character, choose doors with Aged Bronze hardware.
Floor-to-Ceiling Windows
Maximize light and views outdoors by installing tall windows that nearly span from floor to ceiling. Coordinate window size and placement to frame beautiful vistas. Include a cozy window seat to enjoy the sunshine streaming in.
Rustic Wood Beam Ceilings
Exposed wood beam ceilings are a hallmark of Tuscan design. Weathered timber beams contrast beautifully against white plaster walls. They lend rustic warmth, texture, and a sense of history.
How to Add Exposed Beams
- For new construction, have structural beams installed and left architecturally exposed. Use reclaimed barnwood for an antiqued look.
- In existing kitchens, install faux wood beams made of fiberglass or PVC. Nail up individual planks or full grids.
- Distress beams and rub with brown glaze to appear timeworn. Add embellishments like peeled paint or faux cracks.
Complementary Elements
- Add extra visual height with vaulted ceilings. Sloped styles draw the eyes up to handsome exposed rafters.
- Opt for light and airy finishes like creamy plaster or whitewashed brick walls. This enhances the dark wood tones.
- Anchor the space with an oversized iron chandelier or pendant lamps to highlight the beams overhead.
- Contrast with natural stone elements like a granite grotto-style hood over the stove. Tuscan style blends rustic and elegant.
Design Ideas
- For a kitchen island or dining table, mimic beams across the bottom of the base for authenticity.
- Beam placement impacts the ambiance. Straight across beams feel more formal while haphazard crisscrossing imparts casual charm.
- Make a statement by concentrating beams to cover only part of the ceiling over key areas like the kitchen island.
An Island Made from Wine Barrels or Salvaged Materials
One way to infuse extra Tuscan flavor into a kitchen is by constructing a rustic island from reclaimed materials like wine barrels or salvaged woods. This imparts organic texture and creativity.
Wine Barrel
Reimagined wine barrels make novel islands perfect for Tuscany-inspired kitchens. Arrange multiple barrels tightly together on their sides in a rectangle to form countertop space. Affix a wood plank surface on top for additional stability. Sand and stain to seal.
This is perfect for a small C-shaped island. The slatted sides maintain the rustic wine barrel design. Add handy open shelves below for storing cookware, or an apron overhang for seating.
Salvaged Wood
For larger islands, use salvaged wood boards sourced from old barns, fences, or factories. Mix and match varieties like pine, oak, and mahogany in different widths and finishes. Nail boards side-by-side over a base cabinet to build up a countertop. Use natural wood stains to protect and seal.
Add wheels or feet to raise the island slightly. This shows off the rugged recycled character of the wood. Contrast it with sleek modern stools.
Finish open sides with vertical reclaimed wood planks or metal caging. Leave space for stools or storage baskets.
Eclectic Combinations
Get creative by combining salvaged materials like an old butcher block, leftover granite, metal piping, and distressed wood. This eclectic blend feels curated over time. Ensure components are properly joined and sealed.
Add exclusive features like a built-in wine rack, towel bars, and shelving for decor. This handcrafted island becomes a true showpiece.
Terracotta Floor Tiles and Decor
Terracotta is intrinsically linked to Tuscan design through its earthy burnt orange color and artisanal roots. Using terracotta floor tiles and accents taps into the Old World Mediterranean vibe.
Floor Tile
For proper flooring, turn to terracotta-colored ceramic or clay tiles. The tiles typically have a matte finish and display natural color variations, cracks, and imperfections that lend rustic character. Herringbone patterns or decorative motifs like Moroccan Zellige styles give dimension.
To treat, opt for an impregnating sealer over a topcoat for optimal indoor/outdoor performance. This allows floors to breathe while guarding against staining.
Terracotta Pots
The matte, unfinished look of genuine terracotta clay pots suits the raw, organic ambiance of Tuscan kitchens. Fill with fresh herbs, citrus trees, olives, or flowering plants like geraniums or pansies. Hang smaller style pots from iron racks.
Groupings of pots in assorted shapes and sizes help craft a collected look on shelves or windowsills. Opt for authentic Italian designs for true Tuscan flair.
Wall Accents
Terracotta also comes alive through wall accents like hand-painted tiles, vases, china, and vertical garden pots. Create an eclectic display on a brick backsplash or accent wall with iron sconces. The natural reddish-orange color pops against neutral plaster walls.
Brick Archways and Stone Arches
Brick and stone arches beautifully punctuate Tuscan kitchen designs. The rounded architectural details provide visual interest while exuding Old World craftsmanship and stability. Frame doorways, windows, niches, or pass-throughs with inspiring arched forms.
Brick Archways
Exposed brick archways instantly evoke Italian kitchen flair. Contrast the rich red tones against sun-washed plaster walls. For a structural arch, lay bricks in a curved fashion using wooden formwork. Or apply faux brick veneer around an existing opening in a brick arch shape.
Add character by displaying cookbooks, potted herbs, or candles in the recessed niches. Try setting a small bistro table and stools in the space below. Finish with a charming pendant light overhead.
Stone Arches
Natural stone arched forms make a refined yet rustic statement. Limestone, sandstone, and fieldstone all pair well with other Tuscan materials like wood beams. Cut stones precisely to curve over openings, or fake it with stone veneer panels.
Frame an arched window with stone for picturesque views. Top open shelving with a rounded stone archway, accented by a trailing ivy plant.
Use stone archways leading between rooms or covering range hoods. This timeless architectural detail never fails to impress.
Tuscan-Inspired Kitchen Backsplash Ideas
The kitchen backsplash presents a fun opportunity to integrate eye-catching Tuscan design. Natural stone, brick, and tile choices help craft an authentic Italian vibe.
Travertine Tile
With its crevices and earthy hues, travertine tile brings wonderful Old World charm to backsplashes. The natural stone surface pairs perfectly with Tuscan kitchen elements. Opt for a chiseled edge or tumbled finish.
Use large-scale travertine tiles laid in a Subway brick pattern for a seamless look. Infuse more texture with mosaic travertine tiles or mix in other stones like pebbles.
Brick Backsplash
One way to add architectural interest is by using a brick backsplash in place of tile. Exposed brick has a wonderful roughness and reddish color that pops against the wood and plaster of Tuscan kitchens. Use authentic reclaimed brick or faux panels.
Consider a herringbone pattern which adds visual intrigue. You can also build short brick columns for a built-in look to frame the range. Add white grout between bricks for definition.
Patterned Tile
Intricate tile patterns evoke Tuscan old-world charm. Handpainted tiles depicting fruits, florals, and Italian scenery make a fun focal point. Encaustic cement tiles and Moroccan Zellige styles also impress.
Lay out tiles in an eye-catching geometric pattern like herringbone. Use the backsplash as an accent wall that ties into other parts of the kitchen through repeating colors and motifs.
Designing an Authentic Tuscan Kitchen Island
The kitchen island is a prime opportunity to showcase Tuscan design elements. Incorporate materials like wood, stone, and wrought iron paired with details such as an apron overhang or distressed finishes.
Mix Natural Materials
Use a combination of stone, wood, and metal to craft an Italian farmhouse-style island. For example, a natural stone countertop contrasts beautifully with cabinetry made from salvaged wood finished in a dark espresso stain. Add wrought iron accents like pendant lights or wine glass racks for industrial flair.
Overhang for Seating
Include a generous overhang on one side to accommodate barstool seating. This creates a social space for gathering, enjoying coffee, or casual meals. Typically 12-15 inches is ideal. For a built-in look, box in the overhang with vertical wood planks or paneling.
Rustic Features
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