Landscapes that look like paintings, magnificent cities of art and romantic villages are the settings for an unmistakable style reflecting the soul of an extraordinary territory where nature, art and history are inextricably intertwined.

Tuscany has always been synonymous with “style”, whether we mean an enchanting quality of life or, equally, that particular taste that makes its homes’ peculiar style truly irresistible. From classic farmhouses, the quintessence of country chic elegance, to charming houses, where artisanal pieces and contemporary design coexist magnificently, up to noble palaces that recount the glories of bygone eras with a nod to a socialite modernity.

Whoever says Tuscan style, first of all means exposed stone walls. This construction tradition dates back to the sixteenth century when the countryside was colonized and the first farms were born. In the twentieth century, they became depopulated due to urbanization and, after being rediscovered in the second half of the century, they went through a huge architectural recovery of the original features of the buildings.

Thus, the traditional “poor” stone walls were transformed into one of the main stylistic traits of the Tuscan style, almost always accompanied by beamed ceilings, often in oak, elm and chestnut, and romantic wrought iron details.

The Tuscan style undoubtedly also includes a wide use of marble, a precious material of which Tuscany boasts important quarries, especially in the Pietrasanta area. In addition to giving life to extraordinary sculptural works, it is expressed in domestic artefacts, such as country kitchens, or in elaborate and elegant creations such as inlaid floors and walls which often recall the Renaissance masterpieces of Florence.

Always a land of exquisite craftsmanship, Tuscany boasts truly exceptional productions starting from woodworking, with a tradition that has its roots in history. Starting from 1290, in fact, in the State Archives of Florence we find the first information on the guild of Legnaiuoli, master craftsmen dedicated to the construction, turning and inlaying of this versatile and extraordinary material.

Just think, for example, of the beautiful solid walnut tables that dominate the large dining rooms as well as the outdoor areas of the traditional country homes, or the frames and mirrors that embellish the ancient walls still made today in many artisan workshops.

Another feature that defines the Tuscan style is undoubtedly the stone or terracotta floors. Some of the most famous ones come from Impruneta, a small village near Florence, and are distinguished by a particular shade of intense red capable of warming up any environment.

Finally, how can we forget the wonderful terracottas, jars and amphorae that embellish the flower-filled courtyards, giving a unique charm to every corner? Originally used to preserve oil, “The green gold of Tuscany”, wine and wheat, from 1600 they began to be used for decorative purposes in the noble homes of Siena and Florence.

In Petroio, a picturesque village between the Val di Chiana and the Val d’Orcia nicknamed “the capital of terracotta”, it is possible to visit the Terracotta Museum to discover a history that has its roots in the antique Etruscan era.

In addition to the manufacturing of terracotta, Tuscany is famous for an excellent production of ceramics, majolica and porcelain, including those of Montelupo and Sesto Fiorentino where the famous Ginori factory was also born in 1735, known throughout the world as Richard Ginori, founded by the Marquis Carlo Ginori.

An extraordinary company that, thanks to a visionary creative spirit and illustrious artistic directions, starting with that of Gio Ponti in 1923, is still today a symbol of Tuscan artisan excellence.

The Secret

Impruneta is one of the production areas where the most varied terracotta objects have been made for hundreds of years, from vases to sculptures, such as those by Andrea della Robbia present in various Medici villas, and even the tiles of the dome of the Florence Cathedral.