#Tuscan Kitchen Decor - Better Homes and Gardens.

Choose Weathered Wood

Cabinets that appear to withstand time and still look beautiful and natural are a must for any Tuscan-inspired kitchen. For a gorgeous weathered-wood look, choose alder -- a species with the grain of burled wood and lots of earthy mottling. Subtle color shifts in the wood's hue almost anticipate the patina of time.

Imbue Earthy Texture

Floors made of various-size terra-cotta bricks, laid in different patterns, combat wear and tear and add the feel of sun-baked earth to contrast the woodwork. Use terra-cotta on the backsplash, too, for a focal point with always-been-there appeal.

Go for Aged-Look Surfaces

Give Variations a Canvas

Simply Tuscan

This spacious Tuscan kitchen is a hot spot for entertaining, thanks to a 7x4-foot island. Plentiful countertop space provides room to spread out when cooking. Exposed ceiling beams, an antique pendant, and reclaimed French terra-cotta tiles lend the kitchen a graceful blush of age. Butter-color walls were inspired by a collection of mustard pots and oil jars. Accents of burnt umber, ocher, and green radiate a Tuscan vibe.

Tuscan Country

In this kitchen, an eclectic mix of finishes lends an aged look that exudes Tuscan charm. Perimeter cabinets wear a warm brown hue, while a darker shade sets off an island and built-in hutch; corner cabinets (not shown) are finished in a contrasting ivory color. Above the range, an impressive stone hood creates the look of a traditional hearth, and hand-painted tumbled marble tiles further the Tuscan elegance.

A combination of honed and polished granite adds texture to the countertops. A granite apron-front sink boldly imbues the traditional farmhouse design with a rustic character in keeping with the Tuscan look. Underfoot, a harlequin stone floor finishes the space and subtly unites the varied hues.

Tuscan Details

Tuscan kitchen decor encourages an exploration of the past. Here, a glazed finish on the island's cabinets makes it seem like an antique plucked from the countryside. The cabinets feature bold, heavy trim to give them a strength and weight reminiscent of old-world antiques. Details, such as terra-cotta rope tiles on the range hood and a distressed oak-top island, infuse the space with an appropriate Italian patina. Wood beams and a rustic metal chandelier crown the space with old-world charm.