Classic Italian Decorating

Walls

• Texture, texture and more texture. The walls in an Italian decorated room are rich in texture. And if that is the look you want, there are several ways to achieve it. Simple painting techniques using short strokes with brushes loaded with paint will give the appearance of a textured wall. For an even more Italian look, you can apply additional plaster on the surface of the wall. Wall color sets the mood and provides inspiration for the rest of the room design. Because Italian-style décor is inspired by the earth and nature, choose earth-tone colors for your walls. A wall painted in a rich terra cotta surrounded by walls in a sandy beige will give the space the feel of an Italian villa.

Window Coverings

• When dressing the windows in your Italian-inspired room, think about two things: color and texture. Like wall colors used in a room decorated in Italian style, hang drapes or curtains that mirror the overall color scheme. For example, if the room has a rich terra cotta wall surrounded by three sandy beige walls as mentioned previously, hang drapes that coordinate with these two colors. Drapes should also have some sort of texture, such as wrinkled sheers, to provide an added touch of old-world charm. Remembering to coordinate each element of the room design with appropriate colors and textures will create a dynamic and unified space.

Furniture

• When choosing furniture for an Italian-inspired space, think intricate detailing, scrollwork and embellishments. Pieces constructed of wood, wrought iron or metal tend to be common, as well as pieces made from a combination of materials. For example, a wrought iron coffee table with a stone or wood top is perfect for an Italian living room because of its natural beauty. Furniture pieces constructed of wood range in color from light to dark. Some pieces may have a distressed appearance, such as the cabinets in classic Italian kitchens. There is nothing like a distressed piece of furniture to invite old-world Italian charm into a room.

Accessories

• Accessorizing a room is like coordinating the perfect outfit. Pieces need to enhance the room's design while at the same time serving an important function. Like Italian-style furniture, the room decor and accessories in an Italian space should be rich in color and have similar detailing or embellishments. Framed wall art created with tiles in warm, earthy colors will bring a tranquil charm to the space. In addition, the tiles will provide the room with pops of color and life. Wrought iron candleholders or scrolling wall sconces create an inviting Italian oasis. Hang paintings of vineyards or a canvas depicting a quiet Italian streetscape to give the space interest and appeal.