When we first decided to build a new home, we looked at several diffent styles of home. We were completely in awe of old Italian villas and decided that we'd like to have our own version of bella Itlaia in Small Town USA. Complete with a "princess" tower for our daughter and brick and stucco front, along with cobblestone walkways and an imported fountain in the front yard, we felt we had the perfect idea.
Of course, any villa must have fireplaces and we decided that one wasn't enough. We had three fireplaces built in our home, and in each living space we chose a different Italian theme for the decor. We looked at several brick fireplace designs and decided that a traditional Tuscan look was best for the main family and kitchen area. With a raised hearth and maple shelving over the convertible wood burning fireplace, it added great ambiance to the room and took a great deal of wall space which helped make it easy to decorate since the focal point was the fireplace. There was no need for extras on the wall beyond the gorgeous lighting and candles that accented the room.
For the formal living area, we felt that a more formal look was required, so rather than a brick fireplace design, we chose Italian marble and a gas fireplace insert rather than a wood burning fireplace. The hearth was flat and level with the rest of the flooring and the shelves, again done with maple, were specially carved to give off a Florentine feel.
No villa can be complete without a master suite and this room was also given a fireplace. Although a brick fireplace design was also considered, it was determined that the same Italian marble should encase yet another gas fireplace insert. This was due to the Roman theme chosen for the entire suite.
The outdoor courtyard in the back which was constructed of cobblestone pavers like the front, had room for a hot tube, natural stone and rod iron patio furniture and an outdoor fireplace that helped complete our little space of Italy. While the expense of such a home was surprisingly small because nothing was actually imported but copied, the actual look of the entire property truly was a bit of Italy in Small Town USA.
