Make Your Home Feel Like a Tuscan Villa (with this Color Palette)
Whenever I visit Tuscany, I take far too many pictures, trying to capture it all so I can relive it again and again. Once I’ve returned home, I’m often inspired to recreate that same feel within the living spaces I design. So, today, I’m sharing my take on a Tuscany-inspired color palette that can bring the essence of the Italian countryside home into your kitchen, living room, or any other space you desire!
Natural Neutrals
Italy's architecture beautifully showcases local materials such as marble and limestone. We can create the same effect in our homes by selecting soft beiges and browns, muddy greiges, earthy taupes, and warm whites. Allow these neutral tones to flow throughout your space to establish a calm, inviting backdrop for your furnishings, textiles, and decor.
I’m particularly fond of color drenching (painting your walls, woodwork, and ceiling in the same subtle shade). This approach captures the Mediterranean aesthetic while creating an illusion of spaciousness, and it allows your eyes to gaze across the room without the distraction of stark contrasts.
Benjamin Moore's Interlude has a soothing quality that’s just right for providing a comforting backdrop and harmonizing beautifully with accent colors. I would also recommend Behr’s Italian Villa, not only for the name alone (which feels like a no-brainer!) but also for its luxurious, creamy tone.
Warm Earthy Reds
When I think of a classic “Tuscan Red,” terracotta comes to mind. Its deep, muted red hues derived from natural pigments bring a rich, saturated warmth and establish a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Lighter or darker versions of this rustic red can make a statement, for example, in your living or dining room. And they can transform a dimly lit bathroom into a snug retreat.
Behr’s Sunbaked Earth does an amazing job of capturing the unique characteristics of terracotta. It provides a satisfying warmth and a rich depth to any room.
Sage Greens
There’s something undeniably enchanting about the muted beauty of sage green. It inspires images of the Tuscan countryside and creates a natural atmosphere that makes any space feel inviting and serene.
A soothing botanical green can turn your bedroom into a sanctuary just as easily as it can add freshness to kitchen cabinetry. Pair it with plaster-colored walls and brushed brass hardware—chef’s kiss!
I recommend Sherwin-Williams' Garden Sage, which provides a soft, muted green and is a lovely complement to richer russets. Alternatively, for a deeper green with soothing gray undertones, Benjamin Moore's Quarry Rock creates a natural backdrop that helps the warmer colors in your Tuscan-inspired palette pop.
Golden Ochre
This rich, earthy yellow perfectly captures the sun-kissed landscapes and ancient walls of Tuscany. Golden ochre radiates a cozy vibe that feels both historical and authentic.
Apply golden ochre as a base color for your walls for a soft, inviting backdrop. Or, consider pairing it with sage green or burnt sienna. To really tie the look together, incorporate golden ochre into decor pieces such as pottery and textiles.
Sherwin-Williams Honeycomb wonderfully embodies this golden tone. Use it as an accent piece or on your dining room walls to create a warm and welcoming environment that’s hard to resist.
Rust Orange
When I think of Tuscany, I envision warm, rich earth tones that evoke the sun-soaked hills and glorious brick architecture. Rust orange harmoniously blends with brick red, sage green, soft ivory, and golden ochre to create a rustic yet elegant feel. To make the palette even more dynamic, try complementing these earthy tones with deeper shades of teal or navy blue for a sophisticated contrast.
Benjamin Moore's Firenze and Dunn-Edwards' Harrison Rust both offer a deep, organic warmth that can beautifully enhance a kitchen or dining area. If you want to make an impression, consider using Firenze for your front door. It’s like welcoming guests with a slice of Tuscany!
Blues, Azures, and Teal
Blue and teal are hues you might not immediately associate with the rustic warmth of a Tuscan villa. But they do evoke images of the serene, turquoise waters of the Tuscan coastline. Teal, in particular, strikes the perfect balance between the tranquility of blue and the rejuvenating spirit of green.
Turquoise and teal occasionally grace charming front doors across Italy, and they can be just as captivating in your bedroom, living room, or home.
Tucson Teal from Benjamin Moore is a beautiful option to consider. It provides a deep shape and a tranquil essence. Or, for a lighter option, Weathered Blue from Dunn-Edwards has a dulled blue patina that feels cozy and casual, creating a perfect backdrop for family gatherings or quiet moments.
Recreating Tuscany in Your Home
A Tuscany-inspired color palette balances warmth and simplicity. It’s less about achieving perfection and more about capturing the Tuscan charm and embracing life’s simple pleasures.
Muted colors such as terracotta, warm neutrals, and sage green go far to create rooms that echo the serene landscapes of Tuscany without feeling overwhelming. Layering these hues with natural textures and rustic accents adds authenticity and a relaxed elegance. Charming hand-painted ceramics or intricate throw pillows can tie everything together and bring a touch of Italian artistry to your everyday living.
I hope these color palette recommendations will help you feel inspired to create the feeling of everything you love about Tuscany in your home.