Decorating
Give Your Home an Italian Flair
By
Sep 15, 2005, 01:11

(ARA) – For decades, Italy has inspired us: the rolling hillsides of Tuscany, the history of Rome, the artistic masterpieces of Florence. Incorporating the colors, textures and beauty of Italy into your own home can bring a touch of “la dolce vita” into daily life.
The warm stone and intricate mosaics of Italy’s ancient cities work surprising well for today’s families. The durable materials and rich colors of tile make it a perfect choice for kitchens, entryways and baths. Tiles in sea-inspired hues bring to mind the Roman baths, especially when paired with marble accents and white accessories. While you might use porcelain tiles for the majority of the space, consider a border made with tiles made from iridescent sea glass for a taste of the Amalfi Coast.

If you’ve ever visited the canals and cafes of Venice or the rural beauty of Umbria, you already know the captivating quality of this country. Bring that feeling back everyday with a wall mural. Murals Your Way stocks dozens of Italian images, each one sure to remind you of that special moment when you lingered over espresso, gazed out across vineyards or saw the work of an Old Master first-hand. “With our murals, customers can transport themselves to the courtyard of an Italian villa or the quaint streets of Portofino,” says Todd Imholte, president of Murals Your Way, in Hopkins, Minn.

Murals can bring a feeling of space and depth to small, dark rooms, or add architectural interest to expanses of blank wall, often at a fraction of the cost of large-scale artwork or custom painting. “Our murals are very easy to install,” says Imholte. “They go up just like wallpaper. It’s an instant transformation for any room. Our customers love using the Tuscan Villa design in their dining rooms. It gives the feeling of enjoying a meal ‘al fresco’ year round.”

For Sicillian style in the kitchen, use accessories to bring in touches of the old country. Earthenware jars with green, blue or yellow glazes can hold utensils near the stove, or biscotti on the counter. Serve wine in slender tumblers instead of stemware and let guests help themselves family-style from large platters at the table. Use a sunny windowsill to hold small pots for growing fresh herbs. Oregano, basil, flat-leaf parsley, rosemary and sage each add an authentic taste to recipes with a quick snip.

For more information on wall murals, visit www.MuralsYourWay.com. Courtesy of ARA Content

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