Venetian Patina

Venetian Patina

How To Recognize Old World Style

Rome was home to one million folks during the first century A.D. In search of calmer and more peaceful surroundings, many Romans fled Rome for the gentle, rolling hills of Tuscany - and an escape from a city that embraced warfare and vehemence. Even though nearly twenty centuries have gone by, the style of the dwellings that these Roman refugees started is the inspiration for what is known in popular decor circles as old world style. Homes in Pisa, Arrezo, Livorno, Sienna, Florence, and the rest of the region illustrate the old world style. So just what is this style handed down from the Tuscans, and how do we spot it?

Terra-cotta roof and sun-bleached bricks. These are the hallmarks of old world style, and numerous people can spot Tuscan elements from a distance because of them. A classical feature of old world style is the typical reddish brown of terra-cotta covering structures constructed in Tuscan fashion. The beauty and appeal of old world styling lies in its simplicity. Stone walls that have seen better days? So what, beauty's found in timeless existence. Bricks faded by years in the sun? Some of the most glorious things in the world are very old. Hardwood furniture producing a patina from generations of polishing and brushing? All the better.

Laid-back, quiet atmosphere. Occupants of a home decorated in old world style feel free to let their hair down and relax. Why, walls are sometimes left unpainted, as are wooden surfaces such as beams, doors, window frames, shutters, and cupboards. Who would care to alter something that looks to be already perfect?

Rich yellows, reds, and browns dominate the color scheme. Within, the visitor is met by a warm and easygoing atmosphere. Dwellings benefit from basic lines during building. An aesthetically charming home is the result of this combination. Tapestries, Gold Leaf, and ornate detail of moldings complete the ambience, especially when accented with wall sconces for candles. Outside spaces are key and receive equal attention as interior spaces when decorating in the old world style. The courtyard is almost an extension of the dwelling, and it is there that one will sometimes find a water fountain displayed as decor. Marble statues are also common in the courtyard in a Tuscan styled dwelling. Old world style is shown in stone or brick walkways and driveways; modern-day concrete and pavement are nowhere to be seen.

Walls of the house are often painted gray or white, and sometimes stuccoed. Walls are then finished using faux painting, color washing, or Venetian plaster.

Clay tiles, rough stone, and terra-cotta bricks often shape the foundation for flooring; timber boards and wooden planks are also popular. Another definitive style element of old world styling is marble accents, typically seen on counter tops, table tops and elsewhere. Marble is a standard material for use in floors and pillars throughout the interior that is finished in old world style. Metal wall grille might also be seen.

Wrought Iron and marble furniture are popular, as are pine and other wooden furniture. There is one basic principle that must be followed: nothing in an old world style themed house should seem to be new. Wrought iron is also used in gates, houses in the old world style being normally enclosed by a wall.

Windows stay uncovered.

The used look is continued into the kitchen. Just as open armoires can be found throughout the dwelling, open cupboards are normal in the kitchen area. A long wooden table is an expected requirement in the old world kitchen. Wall mounted wine racks and pot racks made of wrought iron are used to exhibit well-worn copper pots. A kitchen fundamental is a kitchen sink constructed of stone or porcelain. The typical old world aura is finished with lots of fresh flowers and twists of garlic or onion.Rome was home to one million folks during the first century A.D. In search of calmer and more peaceful surroundings, many Romans fled Rome for the gentle, rolling hills of Tuscany - and an escape from a city that embraced warfare and vehemence. Even though nearly twenty centuries have gone by, the style of the dwellings that these Roman refugees started is the inspiration for what is known in popular decor circles as old world style. Homes in Pisa, Arrezo, Livorno, Sienna, Florence, and the rest of the region illustrate the old world style. So just what is this style handed down from the Tuscans, and how do we spot it?

About the Author

Founder of WallDecorandHomeAccents.Com, Carol Mcguire from WallDecorandHomeAccents.com generously shares everything she knows about <a href="http://www.walldecorandhomeaccents.com/">cheap wall artwork</a> and <a href="http://www.walldecorandhomeaccents.com/wallsconces.html">wall sconces for candles</a>.