Do you want your kitchen to have a Tuscany theme to it, but have no idea where to begin?  Thinking of a Tuscany style kitchen normally creates images of dark colors and cozy furniture in your mind.  Whether or not you are decorating on a budget, you can easily have this style of kitchen, and it won’t take very long to achieve.

Redecorating can be managed at minimal cost, as many of the things you will use for this style of decorating can be found at flea markets and discount stores.  You can create a kitchen that looks like you spent a fortune on a shoe string budget – and your guests will love the cozy, welcoming atmosphere they experience when they walk into your kitchen.

Dark colors add atmosphere and ambiance

In order to create a Tuscany style kitchen you will want to use darkly toned colors in furniture, walls and accents.  Terra cotta, deep red and rich browns offer a look that is warm, relaxing and totally welcoming.  If you prefer, orange, yellow and green work as well as long as you stick to darker hues.  A great way to enhance these colors is to add natural textures.

Don’t be afraid to use textures such as stone, aged wood, iron and copper; use them on the walls as well, but be careful not to over-do it. These types of textures are great for the floors.  Hardwood floors are the perfect touch in a Tuscan style kitchen, or you may decide that vinyl flooring with a faux stone look is best for your needs.

Furniture and accessories

To achieve the look and atmosphere you are striving for, select a few pieces of appropriate furniture and accessories.  You can often find old or distressed furniture at flea markets and garage sales, so you won’t necessarily have to spend much money.  Some pieces of furniture to look for are old style cabinets, sideboards, and even a big farmhouse type dining room table.

Tuscan decor is based around food and nature, so think of these things while decorating.  Terra cotta pots filled with fresh herbs or baskets with brightly colored fruit are great for this style of decorating.  Large or tall glass bottles filled with vegetables, peppers and olives make perfect accents as well.  You may already have a few empty bottles or terra cotta pots setting around the house which you can use for this purpose.

Wine and grapes are huge in Italian decor.  Whether it is grape leaves, grape vine wreaths, or even wine bottles and glasses, these are essential accessories in the Tuscan kitchen theme.  Using a small iron wine rack and filling it with bottles, even empty ones, can change the whole look of a kitchen in a heartbeat.  Since sunflowers are very popular in Tuscany, use them here and there to help brighten the room a bit.  Whatever you decide to use for your Tuscan style kitchen, keep in mind dark colors and a variety of textures are the key to achieving authentic Tuscan style decor.