The farmhouses and villas in Italy's Tuscany region combine the rich colors found in the countryside with simple yet functional design. This adaptable style is perfect for the small space of a bathroom. Go with the quaint charm of an old world palette or the marble grandeur of an Italian castle.
Walls, Ceilings and Accessories
The colors of Tuscany are primarily earth tones, olives, browns, reds and yellows. Stately villas use this palette even if the materials used in construction are more upscale. For the walls, consider a colorwash in yellow or white. For the ceilings, use whitewash to give the room an airy feel.
Bathroom linens should also reflect the colors of the Tuscan palette. These include towels, shower curtains (consider a thick white fabric with a plastic liner) and bathroom rugs, if necessary. The key is to keep it simple on the accessories and keep clutter to a minimum. As for windows, the traditional Italian home lets as much light in as possible. If this is not feasible, keep the window treatments simple with either frosted glass or a simple Roman shade.
Floors
The floors in traditional Tuscan homes are usually dark orange terracotta tiles in a hexagonal shape. If this is not feasible, there are many other options available to capture the Tuscan look. Dark hardwood is a good choice and looks particularly nice when paired with a whitewashed wall. Consider ceramic tiles that look like cut stone in gray or brown. Or investigate marble, which may be pricey, but the square footage of a bathroom is small, so using marble may be within the realm of possibility.
Sink and Tub
Again, simplicity is the key. The sink, tub and commode should be white. There are many options for the counter around the sink, including marble or stone in browns and slates. For a custom look, consider decorating with mosaic tiles around the sink and even the tub. Use the Tuscan color palette of slate, red and olive. The sink can be inset inside the vanity or a basin-type for a modern look. Keep accessories such as towel racks and waste dispensers simple and unobtrusive.
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