Spanish Style Homes

Spanish homes have a classical beauty which you can rarely find elsewhere. Usually asymmetrical in layout and sporting arched doorways, small balconies, curved roof tiles, stucco exterior walls, courtyard entrances and lush green natural gardens, they exhibit an alluring Mediterranean charm that is hard to miss…

In this post we feature some spanish style home photos taken by some amazing photographers…

Tuscan Style Kitchens

Tuscany is a region in Italy and the kitchens there are famous for the rustic mood they bring. Tuscan style kitchens sport characteristic warm earth tones along with natural materials to produce a worn out look. Although the appearance it produces is that of a century old kitchen, one can achieve it without buying expensive antique pieces.


So what gives the Tuscan look?

Color

The colours chosen include those that prominent in the Tuscan landscape itself. Think earthly shades of orange, yellow, red and green. Golden yellow, Burnt Orange, Burgundy should work out.

Texture

Use natural materials as far as possible. Stone, slate, granite, marble, limestone or terra cotta would help for flooring. Mosaics and coloured tiles work as well for flooring or table tops. Walls should be roughly plastered. You could try out textured suede effect paint or add a bit of builder’s sand to normal paint just to create a rough look.

Lighting

Again, think old style when you choose the lighting. Chandeliers and pendant lighting and even recessed lighting are okay but nothing too shiny or modern.

Furniture


Furniture you choose should be rustic and old fashioned. Chunky wood furniture, with a distressed finish is desirable.

Here is a quick tip on how to create that distressed wood finish: Apply a little wax on places that would appear to wear naturally like corners and edges. Now when you paint, it won’t adhere at those places where you rubbed wax. Keep the piece for drying and then sandpaper those areas where you would want to create the distressed effect.
If you plan to buy rustic furniture be sure to check out the local flea markets first. They may have some good deals.
In general, pine or oak with neat, simple, uncomplicated lines would help accentuate the Tuscan look.

Decoration

Murals, Metal urns, terracotta planters, decorative bottles and jars, filled with speciality oils all help give an authentic look. It is also common for herbs and spices to be displayed in ceramic or stone jars on top of racks and shelves. Wrought Iron scroll wall grilles are also often used to add to the decor. Grape vines positioned over doorways or around cupboards are iconic of Tuscan kitchens.

Inspiration

by Rob Sanders


by Nancy Hugo

by Crystal Visions Art


by Linda Paul

Classic Interior Design

Classic Italian Interiors

If you are planning to give your home a classic Italian look, we suggest you consider the Florence based Savio Firmino‘s collection. Though they are a bit expensive on the price side, their designs really capture the old Italian essence.

More Themed Hotel Rooms

Sometimes, hotels can provide excellent inspiration for home. If you remember, we had previously featured an interesting hotel having some bizarre themes. Here is something more for you. These shots are from Fox Hotel, Copenhagen. 21 international artists from the fields of graphic design, urban art and illustration turned Hotel Fox to a piece of art with unique individual themes for its 61 rooms.