Decorating a Tuscan Master Bedroom
Bringing the warmth and romance of Tuscany into your bedroom is an elegant and simple way to create a living space that will be both relaxing and comfortable.
Using the simple design elements typical of old Tuscan farmhouses combined with modern techniques and materials makes decorating in this style simple and exciting.
Before you begin, review several photo's of Tuscan style rooms for inspiration. The old Tuscan farmhouses that still are still worked are a great place to start.
Their natural setting, olive groves and large kitchen gardens should remind you of the simplicity of the Tuscan décor. In no time at all you will be resting in a beautifully decorated bedroom that will remind anyone of Tuscany.
Whitewashed Walls are a Must
Typical Tuscany bedroom decorating style themes will have whitewashed walls. This is a simple process involving slacked lime and salt water. A properly whitewashed wall will be brilliantly white and without mar or blemish. Whitewashing works best on plaster or adobe walls, so if you are concerned about the process or how well it will take to your walls, an alternative is simply painting your walls true white.
This isn't as easy as it sounds as most 'white' paint is actually tinted. If you opt to paint your walls white, thoroughly prime them as well to prevent any blending through of a previous color. You want walls that are starkly white for your Tuscan bedroom.
Blackened Iron Bed Frame
In keeping with Tuscan bedroom decorating style themes, finding an old iron bedstead that has been blackened is key. This sturdy bed frames are very basic with few embellishments. If you absolutely do not want a black bed frame, a white one will suffice but the true spirit of Tuscany is the old blackened iron frame.
When dressing the bed no comforter or quilt is needed. A simple white cotton blanket is all that is takes. These simple blankets are known as matelasse and are a must for a Tuscan bedroom.
When going with a Tuscan bedroom decorating style, an alternative to the iron frame is to use a wooden one. If you go in this direction, use a sturdy, darker wood. Finding a slatted headboard is ideal. Remember the feeling of the Tuscan farmhouse and do not pick anything that is heavily embellished or fancy.
The Perfect Bedside Table
The perfect bedside table for a Tuscan inspired master bedroom is a simple wooden table with storage underneath and a veined marble top. The wood is simple and dark and the marble light and veined.
This traditional table can be made a bit more modern by choosing a wrought iron base, but the general feel of the marble top should always be kept at the forefront. Another option is to use an old commode as a bed side table. Once used to house the chamber pot, these sturdy pieces are often topped in marble and have the look, feel and flavor you are looking for.
Simple Cotton Window Treatments
When designing window treatments, remember that simple is better with Tuscan bedroom decorating style themes. In fact, the only real choice is simple cotton curtains in white. These are another staple of the Tuscan style of decoration and should not be deviated from. Curtains should be floor to ceiling. You can add detail and depth by using small stripes of tatted lace to connect panels.
A Word about Quality
Another important thing to consider when creating a Tuscan bedroom decorating style theme is when you purchase items keep the concept of quality in mind. It is tradition to purchase one or two quality pieces and pass them down through the generations.
When purchasing a bed frame or an armoire, go ahead and splurge a little on it. Because simplicity is such an interregnal part of Tuscan design purchasing one or two quality pieces is all you need.
Accessorize in the Tuscan Style
The simple nature of the Tuscan bedroom decorating style means little means more. Choosing accessories carefully is important because you will not be cluttering up the room with a lot of them. You want to find a few choice pieces that will add interest and color to the room.
Floral print pillows, gilded mirrors, and sepia toned portraits are great examples of simple accessories that will enhance your Tuscan themed master bedroom. For something a bit more unusual, consider purchasing a wrought iron washbasin stand. These old pieces were once used to hold a basin and ewer of water and were used for washing.
In modern days, it can be placed in the corner and the basin can be filled with dried flowers. Terra cotta pots can be used to hold dried flowers as well. Adding a few simple wrought iron candle sticks to a bed side table is another elegant accessory.
Add Interest to White Linens
White on white linens can appear one dimensional and boring. Add interest and flair with lace trim when decorating your bedroom Tuscan style. Ideally find antique or handmade lace to give that old world flavor to the room.
If antique or handmade lace is not available, machine made, modern lace is an option. Be sure to pick a lace that looks hand tatted. Using a lace in a warmer white, not cream, may make the new lace appear older.
Wooden Flooring and Simple Rugs
As a final, unifying element in with your Tuscan bedroom decorating style theme, a simple, clean wooden floor is ideal. Not so much stained as polished and covered in several simple cotton rag rugs, this floor is an ideal way to tie together your room.
If wooden flooring is not an option, stick to carpeting in neutral shades that will not distract the eye from the simplicity of the Tuscan décor.
The Tuscan decor is one of tradition. White washed walls, simple white linens and long curtains make for a simple and elegant décor. A blackened iron bed frame, marble topped side table and a quality armoire are all that is needed to complete the picture.
Keep the room simple and free of excessive clutter and accessories and you can't go wrong. The Tuscan inspired master bedroom will be a simple haven in a complicated world.
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