Creating a Tuscan theme with garden pots and planters creates a timeless and elegant design scheme. Bringing this look into reality is accomplished with subtle additions, all blended together to create the desired effect. Garden pots and planters can help create this Tuscan look both indoors and outdoors, in a variety of places. From poolside to living room, using planters to create a Tuscan theme can transform any area into an Italian getaway. The four main things to consider when trying to create a straight-from-Tuscany look is color, shape, material, and style.
Shape
The shape of the planter is always important, regardless of the style you’re going for, but particularly important with a Tuscan theme. Old wine vats, wine bottles, and other related shapes are always a great choice for the Tuscan theme, particularly if these planters are created with the right color choices, as mentioned above. Embellished shapes, or those centered around wrought-iron style swirls and arcs, are quintessential Tuscany. Choose elegant, natural shapes, as everything about Tuscan design reflects nature and the earth. Severe lines and shiny or dramatic flash are not appropriate for this look; instead, find shapes that are smooth, as though they came off a potter’s wheel, or as though water could effortlessly cascade form the top and follow the shape down to the ground.
Color
Earthy, rich, and rustic are the best words to describe the Tuscan color scheme. Baked earth and vibrant flora are the trademarks of this Italian look. Dark jewel tones, like deep amethyst purple, garnet red, and, of course, sunflower, are perfect for the flowers that bloom from within the planters. However, the planters themselves should take on a neutral tone and be a decorative but subtle addition to the background. Clay, yellow-tinged ivory, muted olive, sand, and champagne are wonderful colors for Tuscan-inspired planters. The overall effect should be that of walking through a vineyard in Italy, the planters being the earth and adobe buildings, leaving the bolder colors for the flowers themselves.
Material and Style
Rock is always a great option for creating the Tuscan look, as most Tuscan buildings look as though they were created from stacked rocks. Uniformity is not important if going for a rock material, but ensuring that the individual rocks are larger and that symmetry is found in the planter is essential. Clay and stone also make good materials, as they are prevalent in Tuscan design and scenery. Distressed wood is always a favorite, particularly if it looks as though it has come from a wine cellar. Embellished details that are composed of patterns which start from a central point and expand symmetrically into graceful lines, like leaves do, are characteristic of Tuscan design. Vines, grapes, leaves, wine glass, and all wine-related imagery is acceptable, however, it should blend into the material chosen. For instance, if you use a clay planter and vineyard imagery is carved into the planter, that is acceptable, but bright, hand-painted images are likely too much. Faux finishes always add a splash of Tuscany to any design scheme.
Using earth tones and natural materials are the basics to an effortless Tuscan style. Rock and faux finishes are quintessential Tuscany, and the overall look should be that of rustic elegance with potter’s wheel smoothness and grace. By following the above tips, the foundations should be laid for the choosing of Tuscan-inspired planters.
