Mixing Italian Charm with American Comfort: Renovating a House in Tuscany

PART 136: It might be interesting to share how we pulled off living in Italy for part of the year. I will post some steps and what we are learning along the way.

We love every minute of it, and what was once a dream is our life!

We live in Tuscany in the Fall, then back again in the Spring, and in California for the rest of the time (in a previous blog, I explained why we live in Italy only part of the year).

Step 1: As we explore areas in Italy, we discover some gems worth sharing. Some are well-known tourist magnets, and others are lesser-known but always amazing.

This week, let's stay close to home as we continue to renovate our house in Tuscany according to American preferences.

Step 2: Kitchen priorities

When we purchased our house in Tuscany, we didn't want to recreate our house from California. Instead, we aimed to preserve the Tuscan character, embrace the Italian lifestyle, and adapt to the new culture. However, we also wanted to make renovation choices that reflected some aspects of our Californian background.

We began our renovations in the kitchen.

Rather than just calling it a kitchen, we viewed it as the house's main room. Previously, it functioned mainly as a dining room, featuring a large table at its center, a kitchen against the back wall, and a small refrigerator next to the window. A large pellet stove was positioned near the window, with a few scattered chairs and a small TV was mounted on the wall near the fireplace.

While we needed a space for dining, we envisioned our main room as a place to relax, entertain, and enjoy our life in Tuscany.

Our first step was to remove everything. We requested the removal of the pellet stove, which took up a lot of space, as well as the previous owner's furniture.

Next, we reimagined the room to create a space where Californians like us would feel comfortable.

We decided on a midcentury modern design theme that would incorporate Tuscan elements.

The original kitchen had a cool, historical look but occupied too much space, offered little practical storage, lacked a dishwasher, and relied on a propane tank under the sink. It didn't take us long to decide to replace it.

We found an integrated kitchen with an electric stove and dishwasher, which took up less space and had a sleeker look. We then purchased a 1950s-style refrigerator and microwave, organizing the kitchen along the room's far wall.

Rather than a dining table that would dominate the space, we chose a wood foldable dining table that could comfortably seat up to six people. When folded and not in use, it resembles a sideboard. We placed it next to the fridge and mounted a large Tuscan-style clock above it.

Since the main room features a large fireplace, we wanted it to be the focal point. We decided against having a TV in our main room and instead focused on creating a living area around the fireplace.

We bought a vintage-style rug to delineate the living space and found a midcentury-style sofa and chair to provide seating. Modern wire-supported ceiling lights were installed on the wooden beams, and we positioned a lamp with Edison-style lighting in the corner where the pellet stove used to be. Lastly, since we didn't want to haul wood but desired the ambiance of a fireplace, we found a realistic-looking electric log set (from Germany) and installed it in the fireplace, which can also provide heat if needed.

Now, when entering the main room, the cozy midcentury living area draws the eye, as well as the Tuscan style stone walls and wood beam ceiling. Behind the sofa is the simple and sleek kitchen, and on the opposite wall is the concealed dining table, which we extend each evening for our meals together.

Transforming the dining room into a living space allowed us to create a main room that fits our Californian taste while preserving Tuscany's charm.

Step 3: A second bathroom

We made an offer on our house in Tuscany, contingent upon whether a second bathroom could be created. Although there are only two of us, we're accustomed to having our own bathrooms, and when guests stay over, we want them to have their own space as well.

The only location where a new bathroom could fit was against the wall of the second bedroom. However, several questions arose: Would there be enough space for a shower, sink, and toilet? Could this be done under local building codes? Would the design have a modern and sleek feel?

Fortunately, our realtor employs a skilled designer who was able to help us. We provided her with the measurements, and she spent just one day researching the codes, crafting a design, and presenting us with a 3-D mockup.

A week after we took possession of the house, work began on the new bathroom. Our contractor, an expert in renovations, skillfully created the new plumbing and electricity. The final look is sleek and modern. The bathroom was completed a few days before we left for California. When we returned in the Fall, we were amazed that he transformed an empty wall space into an impressive second bathroom.

Step 4: Main bathroom priorities

What is a bathroom according to American taste?

Have you seen those short bathtubs in Italy where you are meant to sit? They often have two levels (your butt on one level, your feet on the other), and we had one of those in the main bathroom. Taking a shower without getting water everywhere and avoiding slips was quite a balancing act.

Our main bathroom also featured a bidet, a huge vanity with a jutted-out sink, a washing machine, and a tiny water heater.

In our renovated main bathroom, we wanted to include a full shower, a large water heater, a hidden area for the washer and dryer, ample storage, a space-saving vanity, and a toilet positioned against the wall rather than in the corner. Additionally, we wanted a towel rack to dry towels and keep the room warm in winter.

Our incredible contractor explained how he could realize our vision while staying within our budget.

We had to live without a shower for a while but removed the old bathtub, sink vanity, bidet, and toilet. We then built a shower with the dimensions as the previous tub, constructed a wall to house the plumbing, installed a larger water heater, relocated the toilet, and found a modern vanity with plenty of storage. We also replaced the lighting with something more industrial in style. Later on, we had a clothes dryer installed on top of the washer, which we located in a less visible space.

This work also was completed just a few days before we had to leave for California.

Now, we have a bathroom that aligns more closely with American preferences: a "bigger" shower, a modern vanity with storage, a designated area for the washing machine and dryer, and more floor space for storage cabinets. All this, while preserving the Tuscan style with the wood beam ceilings.

Step 5: Privacy choices

Every couple has common interests, and some don't align. Sometimes, I want to work on my computer while he prefers to phone his friends back in the U.S. Other times, he wants to watch TV, but I would rather have some quiet. Occasionally, he likes to reflect on a future work project while I want to play some music.

In California, we are accustomed to spending quality time together and having private spaces. So, how can we create those private spaces in our smaller house in Tuscany?

We decided to convert the second bedroom into a cozy "snug" TV room with an office nook in the corner. Instead of filling the space with a large bed, we chose a chaise sofa that can also serve as a guest bed. We added soft lighting and placed a TV on the opposite wall. Now, we have a warm and inviting space that works for both of us, whether relaxing or doing desk work.

Initially, we considered creating an office in the attic and almost purchased a desk for that purpose. However, after living in the house for a while, we realized it wasn't necessary. As a result, we now use the attic solely for storage.

The foldable dining table in the kitchen can also serve as a desk, and I frequently work there when writing a blog like this one.

The third private space is still a work in progress. The main bedroom can accommodate a lounge chair or a desk, providing a spot to work, relax in front of the TV, or listen to music. We haven't finalized the design for this space yet, but we are actively working on it.

Americans generally prefer having private spaces in their homes, and that is what we aimed to achieve in our renovation.

Step 6: Increasing storage

As a Californian, one of our mottos is, "You can never have enough storage." Therefore, one of our first tasks in our house renovation was to increase our storage options.

Fortunately, a kitchen pantry was built under our staircase, complete with some already installed shelving. The existing kitchen was spacious but lacked the storage we needed. After researching various kitchen designs that would meet our needs and blend with the style of the house, we ultimately installed a fantastic new kitchen. It features a dishwasher, induction stove, oven, ample storage, and a large sink. We also added more shelving units and containers to the existing pantry.

We also aimed to create more storage in the two bedrooms. We found a dark wooden six-drawer dresser for the main bedroom, but we needed additional storage. To maintain our industrial and mid-century modern design aesthetic, we eventually opted for a tall metal industrial-style locker/storage unit that fits perfectly under the attic stairs. Now, we have plenty of storage in the main bedroom; it also looks great and fits with the overall design.

We incorporated storage within the sofa bed in the second bedroom and added another six-drawer dresser. If we need more storage, we are on the lookout for an additional industrial-style metal cabinet, but everything seems to have its place.

For the bathrooms, we selected vanities with ample storage areas, a free-standing metal cabinet in the main bathroom, and a shelving unit. Our storage dilemma has been resolved!

The attic also serves as a great storage space, where we have infrequently used items in plastic bins.

Step 7: Tuscan character

Our house has a lot of Tuscan character, featuring wood-beamed ceilings and exposed stone walls. When we show our home to our American friends, the phrase we often hear is, "Wow, this is so cool!"

We explored a variety of homes for sale in Puglia and Tuscany and were consistently drawn to those with historical features. As we began renovating our home in Tuscany, we aimed to preserve and highlight its historical aspects.

Visitors notice the wood-beamed ceiling first, and it was what initially attracted us to this home. One of my first tasks was to apply wax to the wooden beams to refresh and nourish the wood. This was more challenging than I had anticipated; the rough-cut beams would snag the cloth, leaving little pieces embedded in the wood. I had to change my approach and tools, so what was meant to be a quick job took a long time.

Eventually, I managed to wax the beams, and ended up applying bees wax to all the wood features in the house.

Another prominent Tuscan feature is the exposed stone on the walls. We recently had the home's interior painted, and our incredible painter took great care to preserve the embedded stonework. The stone walls stand out even more against the freshly painted plaster.

The third important aspect is the flooring. The original travertine flooring is still intact in the upstairs bedrooms, while the travertine in the two bathrooms and the main kitchen/dining/living area was covered with tile at some point. Instead of removing it, we decided to thoroughly clean the existing flooring. This choice proved wise, enabling us to complete the renovation in just a few months and the existing tile goes with our Tuscan theme.

Step 8: Being flexible

We didn't come to Tuscany to replicate our life in California; instead, we aim to be flexible and adapt to local customs while also incorporating elements of our background into our renovation. This is an ongoing learning process.

Our hope is that the house will showcase the history of our area while providing the comfort that two Californians are used to. And it will be a place we can eventually pass on to someone else who desires an authentic Tuscan experience blended with American and British tastes.

More next time.

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