Tuscany for Today

A young family from the Bay Area moved to Portland into a much larger home. They brought with them some art and furnishings and an appreciation for Tuscany. In the new home we began with one fabric that hit the tone they wanted: you can see it in the dining room window treatments. The furniture that attracted them, after an initial foray into typical Tuscan styles, was on the contemporary side of things; so we created a relaxed blending: Floors were stained darker. Lots of antique bronze, dark woods and rich fabrics live happily with craftsman lighting and tan walls. More modern Transitional seating in oatmeal and off-white actually create islands of rest and repose; they heighten the room’s nature by contrast. Our eclectic range of styles work because they share a tonal character. We found a rug in reds and blues that was more traditional and dramatic, which connected well with our inspiration fabric. So we were on a roll. Other pieces, including the exciting room divider (the ship) fell into place, as the clients took the elevations and plans with them on various shopping excursions (which were fun because they had the road map to provide a happy level of guidance). This space, as with the other rooms we designed for the home, exemplifies sprezzatura — a relaxed style that looks as if it has been created by (great taste) over time. Yes, indeed!