How to Decorate With a French & Italian Theme Together

Rustic Looks

• Open any decorating magazine and you're likely to find at least one interior inspired by Tuscany or the south of France. If you prefer a casual atmosphere with well-worn antiques and cheerful, homespun details, look to the countrysides of France and Italy. For small touches, scout second-hand shops and flea markets for housewares made from linen or burlap. Wine crates make great containers, and hanging baskets are good for displaying fresh produce. If you have stone or brick walls, leave them bare and strip off any paint. Balance cast iron, stone and brick with soft elements, such as crisp white or yellow drapes.

Wall Art

• Putting the right art on the wall can give your space a focal point and clearly define the overall look. It's easy to find reproductions of vintage posters, especially French and Italian ones. Select something that evokes your personality, such as a classic advertisement for a favorite liqueur or a retro travel poster advertising somewhere you've visited. In a dining room or kitchen, use multiple vintage posters to create the look of a French bistro or Italian cafe. In a living room, mount a painting or photograph of the French or Italian countryside; a stand of cypress trees or an aerial view of a vineyard brings to mind either country.

Furnishings

• As furniture is the largest investment in your home decor, select only boldly French or Italian-influenced pieces if you're confident you'll keep the look for many years. Otherwise, you can opt for more neutral pieces with clean, simple lines and use accessories, cushions, slipcovers, linens and artwork to give a space its particularly European identity. If you're looking to commit to the look, peruse antique shops for period pieces. Pay attention to details such as chair legs or cabinet hardware, which can add just enough of a particular style to tie together a room.

Urbanity and Opulence

• The French countryside look enjoys popularity from Manhattan to Manitoba, and Tuscany-influenced design is evident in any given housewares shop. However, both Italy and France have rich heritages of opulent interiors. Design your interior to resemble a palace or a stately villa in one of the countries, using bold gilded mirrors or sofas with carved feet. For a more contemporary look, model your interior on the chic apartments of Paris or Rome. Use plenty of white with pops of eye-catching color, and don't hesitate to contrast stark lines with ornate or whimsical collectibles.