Villa Homes

By Kathy Flaxman

With its views, permanent, golden glow, winding vineyards, and olive groves, Tuscany is truly glorious. For some, the art and architecture of this region is incomparable, born as it was in the same environment that produced masterpieces by the likes of Leonardo da Vinci and Brunelleschi. Food is an art form as well and the wine flows and tastes like ambrosia. Perhaps best of all and most obvious is the appreciation of history that can be seen in almost everything around you.

The Tuscan style is earthy, sensuous, and warm. The accommodation of choice may be a villa, but that will mean a residence where entire families, from grandmothers to toddlers, mix in and enjoy the feast that is life. Tuscany is a mood, an ambience that you can emulate and yes, create in

your own corner of the world.

The foundation of the look is colour. Natural colours, of the orange, pink, and honeyed yellow family abound. And rather than walls being neatly drywalled and arrow straight, they are mottled and textured, the result of original plaster surviving centuries of use. Indulge your creativity: a faux finish or colour wash will replicate the effect and serve as a perfect backdrop for Tuscan décor. Aim for a subtle shade, one that implies it's been on the walls forever.

Strong exposed beams in oak provide support throughout Tuscan villas. This type of feature, if available, will be a decorating coup, alongside dark walnut-stained woodwork, including window and door frames and floors.

Tables that are substantial, heavy, and even rustic are more than useful, they are the ideal pieces. However, lighter pieces, antiques or wicker blend well too: remember, this is a home which has evolved over time, with pieces added throughout the years as need and opportunity presented themselves. Tuscan furniture is meant to be used and looks that way.

Tuscan decorating is an antique or garage sale hunter's dream. Old pieces such as wrought iron, urns, vases, anything made of tile or mosaic, and earthenware bowls are ideal treasures. Copper pots? Wall hangings, tapestries, and paintings that may bear the signs of age are ideal. In villas constructed long ago, there was wall space that had to be filled, and these became backdrops for art and enormous wall hangings heavy with religious themes and symbolism.

And while there may have been soaring wall space, modern furnaces were not to be seen. Instead, fireplaces graced many rooms, serving practical and dual functions in the kitchen, bath, and bedroom. Not to mention the earthenware or brick firepots in the garden, where entertaining and life were regularly carried on. In your private Tuscany a fireplace increases authenticity and adding one in a special room will evoke the feeling of Italy.

If you are feeling a chill, indulge in silk or soft wool throws, comforters, and wraps. Or to heat things up, plan some entertaining, featuring bread, olives, and oils and liberal lashings of wine. Make a dish that?s finger friendly, invite a crowd, and enthusiastically dig in. This is la dolce vita!

Tuscan Tidbits

Sensual and earthy are bywords

Colour is paramount: honeyed shades of yellow, orange, and pink with green or blue as highlights, with shutters, for example

Walls that are uneven, even lumpy are fine. Use of faux finishing techniques will give the effect

Old is beautiful, lines, fading, and other signs of aging included

Open shelving lends itself to displays of ceramics, sculpture, and wrought iron. Wrought iron will make wonderful shelf supports

Liberal use of plants and flowers adds to the ambience

Want a Tuscan treat? Try fettunta, a thick slice of Italian white bread, toasted, rubbed with garlic, and soaked in the extra virgin olive oil from the region. Serve with a bowl of olives, cheeses, and red wine