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Italian Wine Country Charm
by Greg Etheridge
For the last ten years now American Designers and Consumers have really warmed up to the
notion of custom wall finishes that mimic the old world styles of Italy and Spain. Whether it
is the color washed look which has been popular for quite some time now or the old world
style of aged Venetian Plaster, it was only a matter of time until furniture manufactures
would follow suit and come up with styles of furniture to complement the
growing trend.
A few high-end furniture manufactures already have some beautiful collections that have
been modeled after rustic or refined antiques found in the European countryside. The look is
interesting because it mixes different finishes and styles. Some are painted and some have
rich dark brown tones but all have one thing in common: the artisans employ complex
processes including a fair amount of distressing to the wood.
Welts, wormholes and planked tops are a few of the characteristics of a well-done piece. The
designs can be varied with some pieces possessing simple, graceful lines to a more rustic look
with very little carving and design. Because the look encompasses so many styles and
finishes it can be a great choice for those of you desiring a room with more character, where
everything is not matching.
An authentic rendition of a European wine country home would have the appearance that you
bought hand crafted pieces from different artisans through the years with each piece having
its own personality and style. Some of the most spectacular items I have seen are dining
tables made of very thick western alder with graceful touches of hammered wrought iron at
the table base. Another collection had a bed made of scrolled wrought iron in the headboard
and footboard with turned wood posts at each corner.
In a recent development deal, author Francis Mayes, who wrote “Under The Tuscan Sun”,
agreed to license for reproduction, some of the lovely furnishings from her home in the
Italian wine region of Tuscany. Here are a few ways to infuse Tuscan style into your home:
Paint (flat finish) or color wash the walls in deep Golden Yellow/Cantaloupe or
Terra Cotta/Burnt Sienna tones. Moldings and Doors should be dark brown or “faux
finished” wood. If you have appropriate existing pieces or furniture you can’t part with, try
distressing them or use an antiquing kit. Drapes can be simple cotton in a light color, but use
dark wood or wrought iron drapery rods to complete the look. Purchase hand painted china
or accessories from Italy or Spain. Grapevine or Olive designs would be great. Tumbled
marble and stone look tiles have been very popular and would work well in kitchen and bath
areas. Spanish Pavers in Terra Cotta colorations are also widely used as a floor covering in
Tuscan homes. Wood flooring with a distressed and/or planked look could really add to the
character of the room.
