A celebration of Tuscan farmhouse style, this guide offers practical advice for recreating the charm of the weathered Italian farmhouse. For those dreaming of life under the Tuscan sun, this book serves as a step-by-step resource to capture the romance of Italian rustic design. It covers essential elements that define these unique homes, from hand-laid stone walls to artisanal stucco finishes. Author Elizabeth Minchilli, an American design writer residing in Rome and Tuscany, crafted this user-friendly guide in response to numerous inquiries from readers of her previous book. They sought insights beyond typical decor, asking about terra-cotta tile installation and fireplace construction. Collaborating with her Italian architect husband, Minchilli offers clear explanations, supported by photographs and drawings, on how to create Italian-style features like tile floors and Tuscan pergolas. With over 300 stunning images from Tuscany and Umbria, the book profiles local artisans and discusses the evolution of farmhouse style. It provides targeted advice for Americans seeking Italian building materials and craftsmen. This essential resource is perfect for anyone building an addition, a new home, or simply wishing to infuse a touch of Italian elegance into their space.
Elizabeth Helman Minchilli Book order (chronological)
Elizabeth Minchilli crafts narratives celebrating the joys of Italian life. Her works delve into the rich tapestry of Italian cuisine, travel, and culture, often emphasizing the pursuit of 'la dolce vita'. Drawing from her background in architectural history, Minchilli offers readers an authentic immersion into Italy's enduring traditions and pleasures. Her writing serves as an invitation to explore the Italian spirit through its food and way of life.


Deruta. A Tradition of Italian Ceramics
- 168 pages
- 6 hours of reading
The world can never get enough of wonderful Italy and all things Italian. The famed ceramics of Deruta are certainly no exception. The first comprehensive book to celebrate the design and evolution of this extraordinary art form, Deruta is exquisitely illustrated with over 150 colorful photographs of coveted "majolica." The author and photographers, working with Melanie Doherty, who was a designer in Italy for several years, dramatically portray the splendors of this living tradition. We see the finest examples of Deruta tableware and tilework as well as garden decorations, fa?ades, altars, and architectural details. While some pieces are highly collectible, others are inexpensive and perfect for everyday use. Deruta also includes profiles of the artisans' studios and a gallery of their work, as well as evocative black-and-white photos of the hill town they call home. With a history of the craftan artistic heritage more than six centuries oldthis singular volume is a musthave for collectors and for anyone inspired by Deruta ceramics, decorative art pieces that evoke the spirit of the Italian countryside.