The Tuscan look is already on it’s way out. In a few years it will be very dated. If you have the look now, enjoy it while you can. If you want to update it, or if you want a more classic Tuscan look, here is what I would do:
1. Instead of a yellow color wash, just paint the walls a sunny yellow or terra cotta color, don’t mess with a faux finish.
2. Accessories. Take at least 3 things out of your room. Don’t keep anything that you don’t love. Don’t hold onto anything because it matches something that you really love. Cut the beads & fringe off of most of the stuff, only leave it on one or two items to make things sparkly. Leave the rusty scroll things on the wall if you love them. Just remember to take them off when you don’t love them anymore.
3. These rooms usually have leather sofas (great) or ultrasuede, these are fine as is.
4. I love, love LOVE Spanish tile. Fake terra cotta tile, not so much. If you have one of these floors that you don’t love, love LOVE, bring in a neutral rug. The more neutral colors you can bring into this space, the better.
5. Take out the Tuscan prints if you are tired of looking at them. Instead, think of what you love about the Tuscan look, is it the colors? The architecture? Then find a print with those things. This will be a much less literal translation.
This will transition your room into the next millennium while still leaving the warmth.
I recently saw a segment on Oprah that one of the easiest ways that you can personalize a room is by adding in souvenirs from travels. I was a little discouraged when I heard this because the only place that I’ve ever been is to Canada, & all I brought back is a deck of playing cards. I always thought that I would have time to travel when I got older, but I didn’t know about all the “grown up” stuff, like car insurance, & a job that would get in my way. I wish that I would’ve gone on the trips that were sponsored by my school.
I think anyone who has kids, or is a teacher, should seriously consider encouraging their kids to travel while they are young & have the time. I was just reading about a company called Hemisphere Educational Travel which specializes in affordable student travel. They’ve been in business since 1970. It’s a rare person that can make education fun, but I think a tour to the White House or a New York City musical would definitely fit the bill. They even offer international tours. Their tour package includes everything from taxes, to a keepsake video, to hotel security guards & much more so all you have to do is remember to bring back the souvenirs.
One of the big shockers of tonight’s "Top Design" was when Michael refused to answer the question of which room he wouldn’t want to eat in. I was really disappointed that it was such a big deal. Oh no someone actually showed class instead of constantly undercutting everyone else, they must be punished. Granted, Michael isn’t my favorite decorator by far, but I also didn’t realize he is only 23, he has a lot of time to grow & develop. I have no idea why Carisa always insists on building these impossible designs & then chucks the carpentry out at the last minute, although this time it was a good thing she did. It jsut seemed like she was happy that the beam broke.. I really think that the last two standing should be Matt & Andrea, but only time will tell. Don’t forget this weeks online challenge where you can win a cool mirror just for turning trash into treasure. What did you think of this weeks episode?
Tags: top-design, decorating, tv
It seems like natural stone is all the rage, we see it in high end kitchen’s & baths, on countertops, on floors, & around fireplaces. It’s the new must have. It really makes a room feel warm & homey. I love the look of Travertine Tile but have never been able to afford it until today when I went to floorzbuzz.com. Accents Glass Tiles has been in business since 1982. They have a great selection of tiles, even very hip glass tiles that are being used as accents in a lot of modern homes. These glass tiles are comparable to the cost of ceramic tiles which is absolutely astounding if you have ever priced glass tiles. It’s the look that we keep seeing in magazines, but it is finally affordable.
