Q. My husband and I just returned from a trip to Italy. I want to decorate my home in the Tuscan style. Where should I start? Mary Kelly, Helena

A. The popularity of the movie "Under the Tuscan Sun" has created a decorating craze for anything Italian. Everything about the Tuscan style is warm and inviting; food, outdoor dining, art, rustic earth tones, and the hot sun. Since the center of the Tuscan home is the kitchen, it is the ideal place to start when recreating this style. Here is a list of elements to guide you in bringing a little bit of Italy into

your home.

Color

The most important color in the Tuscan household is terra cotta. Bright yellows, rich golds, with earth tones of russet and chocolate brown, all accented with olive greens and brick reds or deep blues. Various faux painting techniques are appropriate for the Tuscan kitchen, creating the look of old worn stone walls with color washing and plaster.

Flooring

The floor in a typical Tuscan kitchen is tile, brick or stone. Anything that is natural and rustic like hardwood or stone will help bring this look into your kitchen. Exposed beams and any tile in the terra cotta color will also help.

Furniture

The furniture should have a distressed, worn look. Open shelving made out of dark wood or painted pine is common. Tables are usually made out of stone or tile mosaics. The cupboard doors will often have chicken wire fronts. The focal point in a Tuscan kitchen is the large range hood.

Accessories

The Italians are passionate about their food and their wine, so adorn your kitchen with related items. Hang a bunch of dried herbs on the wall, or place a large glass jar of olives on the counter. Copper pots, another Tuscan kitchen staple, look great hanging from a pot rack. Display a collection of majolica (glazed Italian earthenware) on open shelving. Grape leaves can be used to line the top of your kitchen cabinets, or wrap around a hanging light fixture. Display bottles of wine in a wine rack with a nearby collection of wine glasses. A large bowl or basket of fresh fruit makes a perfect centerpiece for the table.

To complete the Tuscan look you will want to bring the outdoors in as much as possible. The generous use of plants and flowers will give your home the feel of an authentic Tuscan villa.

If you have any questions you would like to see answered in this column e-mail Catherine at thedesigngrp@hotmail.com.