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Tuscan Design Center > Tuscan Decorating Elements
A Tuscan Design Center Featured Article - Focus on Tuscany By Diane Hendrickson Tuscan Decorating Element - Stone
Perhaps one of the greatest reasons for the extensive use of stone throughout Tuscany is the natural abundance of this element in the volcanic geography. Throughout history, structures were built from whatever resources were readily available. For Tuscany, this material was frequently sandstone (which is easily found near the surface of the volcanic soil), limestone, and marble, all available in countless varieties of quality and color. It was likely the Romans who, by around 40 BC had pioneered the quarrying of stone, and are credited for the extensive use of it throughout the region. They were quite aware of the importance of solid building materials and practices for defensive purposes, as well as the aesthetic value of various architectural details such as columns and sculptures.
Other prized varieties of marble soon made their way into Italian homes on the tops of fine furnishings such as tables and chests. This enduring trend is popular today, particularly in the Tuscan style of decorating. Other stone applications commonly used in modern Tuscan "style" homes are marble and ceramic tiled floors, granite countertops, rough stucco / Venetian plaster wall treatments, carved urns, garden statuary and fountains. The permanence, solid durability, and natural beauty of stone have been enjoyed in the Tuscan home for centuries.
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Seen practically everywhere throughout the hillsides of the Tuscan region, stone
is quite literally a foundational element to Tuscan architecture, both indoors
and out. Used in farmhouses, churches, castles, and hillside villages
alike, stone has been used as a primary building material throughout Tuscany and
other parts of Europe for many centuries.
The
Romans were particularly fond of the prized white Carrera marble, as were later
architects and sculptors of the Renaissance period. The love of this
beautiful white marble eventually trickled down to even the simplest of homes,
as evidenced in garden fountains and simple kitchen basins. 
