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Tuscan Design Traditions

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Written by Administrator | 11 August 2026

One of the most popular trends in home decorating is Tuscan interior design. Exotic European decor spices up a space that was previously boring. Elements used in Tuscan design included decorative moldings, antique furniture, and many decorative fixtures. An antique or vintage look is common, as well as faux architectural elements such as moldings, pillars, and ceiling cutouts. Faux finishes such as marble are especially popular in creating the Tuscan look.

Tuscan design can add warmth and character to a room by making it look aged and lived in. The Tuscan style often includes rustic elements such as cracked plaster and stucco. A wide variety of wall washing and faux finish techniques are employed, along with a rich palette tending towards the warm end of the spectrum. Brown, gold, rich reds, terra cotta and yellow are common. Olive greens and deep blues can be used for accent tones.

Texture is an important aspect of Tuscan interior design. The appearance of many layers of paint, cracked stucco or marble walls, and worn furniture are used to add an Old World charm to the room. Wood grain and texture are highlighted, as well as any cracks or crevices. Irregularity is used to add interest and warmth.

The feel of Tuscany can be used even in small spaces, but it is important to be careful not to make the area feel cluttered. Light, brilliant yellows and vibrant colors help to enlarge the room when accented with light colors. Storage can be incorporated into furniture to keep the amount of clutter in the room low. Scrap woods, vintage paintings and photographs, and accent pillows in luxurious fabrics can also help to fill a room with Old World flavor. Wrought iron fixtures, tile, and wood surfaces all add to the feel of Tuscan interior design.

Tuscan interior design can be accomplished on a very low budget. For those who know how to shop, items with the appropriate flavor can be acquired for low prices at vintage stores and art sales. While it is important that items have the same general feel, they do not have to match. A certain quirky individuality is desirable. Likewise, scrapes and dings in furniture add to their character in Tuscan interior design. Paired carefully with the right colors and other furnishings, crevices and signs of wear becoming charming. Tuscan interior design makes use of brilliant colors without feeling overwhelming. A sunny atmosphere evoking the warmth of the Mediterranean can revitalize any room.


Lee Dobbins writes for 100 Decorating Styles where you can learn how to decorate in your favorite decorating style as well as find out how to get more Italian country style and Tuscan interior design in your home.

Comtemporary Design -- A Classic Flair

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Written by Administrator | 11 August 2026

You can refresh your living space with modern flair, using contemporary interior design. The sleek lines and smooth textures of this style create an inviting and interesting space. It's a mistake to think of this style as uncomfortable and spare. The new contemporary design is clean and smooth, but livable. Contemporary interiors can impart a modern feeling no matter what kind of living space you have.

Furniture for contemporary design is sleek and linear. Simply finished wood, steel, or other clean finishes are desirable. Old-fashioned or traditional pieces are out of place here. You can mix and match styles of furniture if you stay within the same tone and material range for all pieces, such as brushed steel. Wooden pieces tend to either be dark or very light to provide contrast.

Window treatments are generally clean and without frills. Blinds in wood or bamboo are popular, as are simple shades in lightly textured fabric. Using such materials as wool, slubbed silk, and linen provides a contrast to the many shiny surfaces common in contemporary interior design. Don't go overboard and use too many, or you'll risk spoiling the effect. Complicated patterns are also to be avoided, as they provide a cluttered look.

Splashes of color bring interest to the generally neutral palette in contemporary interior design. Bold tones can be incorporated in accessories and accents like lamps, artwork, and rugs. Paintings and sculpture should be chosen in styles that go with the rest of the themes. Abstracts or expressionistic work often go well. Pay attention to the colors in your artwork, so that they don't clash or interfere with what you plan to use elsewhere in the room. Accessories should generally be clean and without frills or excessive decoration. Naturalistic, organic forms provide excellent contrast to sharp edges and vice versa.

How you light your room can play a big part in how it is perceived. Track lighting, recessed lighting, and standalone lamps are popular. The old time ceiling light is less desirable. When locating fixtures for lighting your room, look for modern stylings and simple, bold finishes. Accent lamps can be bright, colorful affairs, but one or two colors in the piece is usually sufficient. You can also use simple wood or steel lamps with undecorated shades.

Contemporary interior design can be easily added to a room without breaking the bank. You can find items at sales or fix up second hand pieces. To achieve this look, you don't need very many items, too. With contemporary interior design, less is more. With only a little planning and effort, any home can be improved by contemporary design.


Lee Dobbins writes for Decor2Day - Decorating Tips 4 2day where you can get decorating ideas for many design styles and learn more about contemporary interior design.

Find Your Asian Side and Create a Classy Home

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Written by Administrator | 11 August 2026

Asian interior design is a stylish and classy way to decorate your home. There are many ways to use this design influence in your space. Some people, however, are a little lost when it comes to using Asian design in their own home. Here are a few ideas to help you begin.

Using Japanese influence in your Asian decorating theme is a popular choice. There are many different ways to use this style. Japanese Shoji screens are one of the most popular choices. These are wooden frames with a lattice design. The cutouts are filled with rice paper. Some shoji screens are plain and some have beautiful designs. These screens can be used as a room divider or simply as decoration. Another thing to add to your Japanese inspired room is the Kotatsu table. This is a rectangular table in a dark finish with clean lines. Many have heaters in the middle, and are considered in Japan to be the emotional center of a home.

Woven straw mats with colored borders are popular floor coverings in Asian interiors. These mats are called goza mats. In Japan, these mats are used for walking, sitting, and sleeping. They have two separate layers. One is the straw center and the other is the soft reed outer edge covered in cloth. These floor and bench coverings will add an authentic touch to your Asian style room.

Another classic element of Asian interior design is the gong. There are several different types of gongs, and the one you choose may have much to do with the size of your space. Some gongs are very large, so your room needs to be large to accommodate them. A more manageable size would be a hanging gong. These are usually 12 inches or so and come with a mallet to ring the gong. You can find ones with a beautiful scroll design to accent your Asian decor. You can also purchase a classic gong that hangs on your wall as an art piece. These are lovely and help to tie an Asian inspired space together.

Using Japanese and Chinese calligraphy is a classic and elegant way to decorate your walls for an Asian decorating theme. You can purchase these works of art already framed or just the print. If you buy just the print, it is usually most striking to frame them in black. Look for simple frames with clean lines. This will help enhance the Asian style.

As you can see, there are many ways to use Asian interior design in your own home. There are a plethora of websites and retailers that specialize in Asian interior design. You can find the materials and products that you need to create your perfect Asian inspired space with relative ease.


Lee Dobbins writes for You Decorating where you can get more decorating tips and learn about more great decorating styles.