Tuscan Theme – A Great Home Decorating Idea
There are many home decorating themes out there, but one you might not have given much thought to is the Tuscan theme. The idea of a Tuscan themed room is appealing to many people because of the use of warm, earthy tones combined with pops of color which you would find in nature works to create an inviting space that you’ll love for years to come.
By using pieces of furniture which have some age to them and combining that with rustic base notes, the Tuscan theme is an amazingly popular home decorating style. Before you embark on this type of decorating, though, it’s important to take a few things into consideration.
Don’t go Overboard
Remember that good home decorating uses the style and elements without being too cookie cutter about it. The best way to avoid looking as if your space just came from your local big box store is to take your time when shopping and choosing key pieces in your room. For instance, you might find a really fabulous set of side tables that just speaks to you and your theme, so go ahead and get them, but don’t feel as if you have to get the featured couch. Instead, take a little time to look for something you like more if you’re not sure.
Remember that ivy vines are out, out, out. Even in Tuscan themed rooms, it’s important to remember that some things are just no longer in style and for good reason. Loading every free space available with faux ivy vines is not attractive, so don’t use it. Instead, consider using some urns or vases and incorporate live flowers whenever you can in the colors you want to use as accents. Consider a couple of strategically placed live plants, but don’t over do your home decorating.
Know the Elements
At the base of a good Tuscan themed home decorating project is the knowledge of true Tuscan design. You need to know that this is a very romantic region and they typically are simple and rustic, but elegant. There are lots of exposed beams and natural light. So, if you can’t offer these things, you’re going to have a more difficult time creating a true Tuscan atmosphere.
You should also know that when Tuscan decorating originated, many people didn’t have very much furniture, so don’t load down your room with furnishings. For instance, if you are considering using a Tuscan theme on your home decorating project, consider the space you are going to be using. You want to focus on the beauty of the designs and draw the eye toward them, without being too obvious about it.
Home decorating ideas using Tuscan themed rooms are very popular, but you have to be really careful to create the right look for your space and not be too overbearing with it. Before you get started on this home decorating project, it’s a really good idea to look at lots of pictures and get an idea of how to make your Tuscan theme really pop.
Nautical Themed Home Decorating Made Simple
Are you one working on a nautical theme home decorating project? There are many little tricks that can help you to create that nautical themed space.
How nautical do you want to go?
There are many different types of nautical, so you need to consider if you want a room to look like a first class ship, or if you would rather do a seashore type of look. If you do want to do a nautical theme in your room, remember that you don’t want to over-do it. Most home decorating that works really well these days is almost understated, meaning that you pull elements of the nautical theme but don’t shout what you’re trying to achieve. Don’t worry, everyone will get it, just give it a try.
Furniture
While you do want to have the elements of a ship for nautical themed home decorating, it’s important not to just pull up a few deck chairs and call your look complete. Consider comfortable, casual furnishings in crisp white, navy blue and taupe. Often, you can find couches and chairs that are covered with stripes of these colors that will work beautifully in a nautical themed room.
For your end and coffee tables, consider parts of a boat, such as beams and the actual steering wheels of sailboats to create your own end tables. You can find these pieces for free or next to nothing by visiting a ship yard where they put boats which are no longer seaworthy. Consider using one wheel for the bottom and putting a beam through the middle. Wrap rope around the beam and use hot glue to keep it in place. When the glue is dry, add the top “steering wheel”. Place a piece of round glass to top your table off.
Window coverings
Often, people have a hard time with window coverings in a nautical themed home decorating project, but you should know that you can make your own that will be inexpensive and look like they were made for a day on the water. Consider purchasing canvas fabric. Make sure that it’s in the right length to fit your windows, in a navy blue or taupe, or if your room has color, even white will do. For the top where you will put the curtain rod through, add 2” grommets, which will give your window coverings a clean, nautical look for a very small price. Choose a curtain rod that fits into the theme of your space and hang.
Accents
Rooms aren’t done until you have the right accents for your space. Consider choosing photos of the sea for a nice distraction from your walls and to add some visual interest to your space. If you’ve been to the ocean lately, you can use photos that you’ve taken and blow them up and frame them in clean frames that fit the look of your nautical theme home decorating project. Also consider tools that are typically found on a ship for some added visual interest.
Consider adding the gauges, such as a barometer and compass to your space and consider getting some nautical maps and framing them. These will give your nautical themed home decorating project an authentic feel without feeling too overdone.
If you have any built in bookshelves, consider adding some classics, such as “The Old Man and the Sea” and “Moby Dick” as well as some other books about sea faring life.
Remember that your nautical themed home decorating project is about you and the things that you love, so if you feel that something belongs in your space then it probably does, so don’t hesitate to add it in and see what you think. Most of all have fun decorating your home in a nautical theme.