Tuscan kitchens have a unique aesthetic that differs from the designs of the surrounding region. With their rustic charm and aged charm, it's no wonder these spaces are trending right now.
Kitchen ideas and styles have been moving from rustic and contemporary to eclectic and timeless, and Tuscan kitchen styles fit perfectly into this design ethos. Inspired by rural Italian living and no-frills style, this European kitchen design has lessons to learn no matter where you live in the world.
From spaces that embrace the old you love to plans to blend the old with the new, we asked interior designers to share their Tuscan kitchen designs to find out exactly what design elements are at the core of their spaces.
7 Tuscan kitchens that will transport you to the Italian countryside
From charming rustic kitchen designs to thoughtfully styled contemporary spaces, these Tuscan kitchens are full of inspirational ideas. Most of these kitchens were actually designed in Tuscan homes, but there are plenty of tips you can incorporate into any plan.
1. Tuscan villa kitchen focused on cooking
(Image credit: Catherine Pooley)
Tuscan kitchens come in many shapes and sizes, but all basic design elements are present on the exterior. “Tuscan kitchen style has a unique and evocative aesthetic that reflects the rustic charm found in farmhouses and villas in this region of Italy,” says interior designer Catherine Her Pooley.
“We designed a beautiful villa on a Tuscan hillside, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, for a client who loves to cook and wanted the kitchen to be the focal point of the entire design. We found that it evokes Tuscan style.'' When installed in your kitchen, it instantly transports you to this magical corner of the world,'' she added.
One of the main characteristics of a Tuscan kitchen is the fact that it looks lived in. The main ingredients are placed on the kitchen counter for easy access and nothing is too perfect. “The Tuscan kitchen is all about the art of cooking and is wonderfully charming and inclusive in that respect.”
“They are places to spend time and enjoy all the joys of food. Ample marble and granite counter space for making bread and pasta, a collection of beautiful glass jars filled with delicious oils and vinegars, and a large stove for all I think it’s essential,” Catherine explains.
2. Tuscan-style kitchen using authentic Italian ingredients
(Image credit: Phillip Nimmo Design/Nick Johnson)
To bring Tuscan style into your kitchen, use materials you would expect to find in the region, which will instantly create an authentic feel. Consider the countertop material you will use and the decorations you will display. As shown in this kitchen plan, these simple details make a big difference.
“Our client, who had spent a lot of time in Tuscany, wanted to recreate the flavors of Tuscany in Malibu. This kitchen features ceiling materials rescued from Tuscan farmhouses, Italian Calacatta marble walls, and meticulous attention to detail. “It imitates the original old Tuscan house through the polished woodwork,” explains Philip Nimmo of Philip Nimmo Design.
“Combining the old world with modern conveniences has created a magical kitchen overlooking the Pacific Ocean,” he added. The most notable features here include the use of marble for the walls, open shelves in place of upper kitchen cabinets, and a rustic wood finish that contrasts with the more luxurious feel of the marble. This blend of old and new looks is at the heart of Tuscan kitchen style, creating a lived-in space.
3. A Tuscan kitchen that combines simplicity and modernity
(Image credit: Marc-Michaels Interior Design)
The rustic elements of a Tuscan kitchen bring charm to these spaces, but there's also room for more modern elements to bring it into the 21st century. “Tuscan kitchens want to combine both rustic and fresh elements,” says Kathryn Dunagan, vice president of interior design at Mark Michaels.
“Sophisticated elements such as furniture should blend well into the space and be visually balanced, while still having an organic quality that feels authentic and natural.” The ceiling beams also echo the Tuscan aesthetic. It’s often telling,” she added.
This Tuscan kitchen is a great example of how more rustic elements can be combined seamlessly with more modern additions. “We anchored the kitchen with an organic rubble stone hood that is durable and weathers over time. The ceiling is decorated with antique brick and wood beams and finished in an authentic barrel pattern. ” Kathryn explains.
“We combined rustic and sophisticated cabinet finishes to give the feeling that this kitchen has evolved over generations. We integrated track lighting to enhance the aesthetic without sacrificing charm. We modernized it,” she added.
4. Modern Tuscan kitchen
(Image credit: Stephanie Thatenhorst/Kerstin Weidemeyer)
When you think of Tuscan kitchens, two words come to mind: traditional and rustic. While this may be true, not all locals prefer this interior design style. A more modern Tuscan kitchen proves that you can introduce modern flair to an older home while still maintaining a cozy atmosphere.
“For me, Tuscan kitchens evoke a sense of warmth and hospitality. They are all about bringing people together, not just for cooking, but to create meaningful connections. Dining and living areas An open layout with easy connections emphasizes shared experiences and togetherness. Natural materials such as wood and stone play an important role in creating a cozy atmosphere, fostering gatherings and hospitality. ” says interior designer Stephanie Turtenhorst.
“In designing this kitchen, we aimed to respect the Tuscan tradition of the villa while integrating contemporary functionality.Smooth stainless steel within natural stone walls and original wooden beams This fusion of traditional and contemporary elements creates an authentic yet innovative space that reflects the essence of Tuscan life. ” she explains.
5. Tuscan kitchen decorated with reclaimed materials
(Image credit: Studio Joris Van Apers/Jo Pauwels)
Tuscan kitchens have always featured recycled materials, from the terracotta tiles to the kitchen sink, and are key to the rustic style. Authentic natural materials go a long way in a Tuscan kitchen and are the key to adding charm and character.
“Tuscan-style kitchens usually have terracotta floors or large natural stone slabs. The use of natural materials (wood for cupboards), the integration of antique or old furniture, the use of natural paint and lots of patina. “The bright colors, the use of ceiling beams, the integrated fireplace, and the high ceilings,” says Caroline de Wolfe. Joris Van Appels Studio.
“In this kitchen, we used reclaimed terracotta tiles on the floor and reclaimed tiles on the worktop next to the sink. Antique furniture and tableware, as well as textured and patinaed walls and furniture, were also used.” she added.
6. An elegant arrangement of Tuscan kitchen design
(Image credit: James McNeal Architecture & Design (JMAD))
A white kitchen is essential in a Tuscan home. In fact, when combined with natural wood, earth tones, and iron accents, you can create an authentic scheme that balances traditional Tuscan design with elegant finishes.
“Tuscan style is rustic yet elegant. We use heavy textures, rod iron accents, wood frames, ceramic objects, and stone walls to create this kitchen style. A skylight is a homeowner's favorite. “It provides plenty of natural light for indoor plants, creates an atrium-like feel, and brings natural beauty to interiors,” explains James McNeal of James McNeal Architecture & Design (JMAD).
“The kitchen in our Tuscan villa has a new look with white cabinetry and new appliances. However, the updated look features heavy shapes, earthy tones, and textured furniture to give it a Tuscan feel. It does not undermine the ,” he added.
7. Eclectic Tuscan kitchen with open storage
(Image credit: Camilla Guinness Interiors)
Traditional Tuscan kitchens don't often have large built-in cabinets, and you'll often find lower cabinets covered with cafe curtains, open shelves filled with cute tableware, and pots hanging from pot rails. This more eclectic and collected look adds even more charm and personality to your style.
“Tuscan kitchens are generally very functional, but without built-ins: a marble-top pasta table, a long stone sink to hold a bucket of vegetable peels, and a place to drain pasta or large pots. There should always be a fireplace for cooking and warming pots. In many cases, they were even large enough to sit in during the winter,” says interior designer Camilla Guinness.
“When we built our kitchen, we wanted it to feel like a Tuscan kitchen. We built a waist-high fireplace, and not only do we cook in it, but we always have a fire going. Countertops. There is a curtain underneath instead of a door, a terracotta brick floor, a pasta table and a long marble table with a hole for a rolling pin next to the drawer,” she explains.
“We used antique Myorish tiles for the walls and round wood chips for the open shelves. In the dining area, we used an old window to create a built-in cupboard and a side table, topped with a thin terracotta I painted the tiles. It's my favorite room in the house,” she added.
Although Tuscan kitchens have evolved over time, the core of this design style has remained the same. Whether the plan becomes more traditional or incorporates more contemporary features, rustic charm is at its heart. Authentic Italian materials are key, as are reclaimed items and lively charm. Basically, these spaces are warm, welcoming, no-frills, and incorporate all of this year's kitchen trends.
