Honestly, we didn’t know if we’d live to see this day, but it looks like Tuscan kitchens are officially back in style. And the most surprising part? Designers are thrilled about this comeback — and for good reason.
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According to a report published by The Spruce, experts point out that this cozy and nostalgic aesthetic is winning over designers, architects, and homeowners once again as they seek warm, inviting kitchens full of personality.
The style, which was hugely popular in the 2000s, is being reimagined in a more authentic and refined way for 2026, with natural materials, abundant light, and direct references to the real Tuscany — not the Americanized versions that dominated the early millennium.
Why are Tuscan kitchens back?
Designer Colleen Bennett, interviewed by The Spruce, observes a clear return of this aesthetic — and attributes it to its strong emotional appeal.
Many Millennials and Gen Zers grew up in homes with Tuscan kitchens and are now, as they design their own spaces, trying to recreate the sense of coziness, familiarity, and human warmth they associate with childhood.
However, the charm goes beyond nostalgia. According to Bennett, the style aligns with a universal desire for comforting environments:
“People love the coziness and sense of comfort this style brings to a home,” she explains.
“Incorporating natural materials and natural light makes the space feel more lived-in and alive.”
Today’s Tuscan kitchens are more authentic
The Spruce highlights that the popularity of travel and real images of Tuscany — thanks to the internet — has made the style more genuine and less caricatured.
Interior designer Lori Wilke, who visits Italy frequently, says authentic Tuscan kitchens focus much more on functionality and lifestyle than on forced decorative aesthetics.
While the Americanized versions of the 2000s relied heavily on glossy finishes, extremely warm tones, and faux travertine, the Italian versions prioritize:
- natural materials,
- true textures,
- elegant simplicity,
- and abundant natural light.
How to design a timeless Tuscan kitchen
The designers consulted by The Spruce agree: to ensure the kitchen doesn’t look dated in the coming years, you must focus on authenticity and functionality. Here are the main guidelines:
1. Invest in quality appliances
Italians value the kitchen as a gathering place, so they prioritize equipment such as:
- a powerful gas stove
- a high-performance refrigerator
- a quality espresso machine
Wilke emphasizes that appliances are the heart of the contemporary Tuscan kitchen.
2. Choose natural finishes
Wilke recommends non-industrial materials that age beautifully:
- marble
- soapstone
- unvarnished metals
For tiles, Bennett suggests handmade, hand-painted pieces, avoiding finishes that look too standardized.
3. Let natural light in
According to Bennett, traditional Tuscan lighting relied heavily on sunlight, which is why Tuscan kitchens do not work well with excessive artificial lighting.
She recommends light, translucent curtains to allow as much natural light as possible.
4. Create a warm and authentic environment
Wilke summarizes the essence of the style:
“What matters most is the company and the food.”
Instead of a highly polished aesthetic, the Tuscan kitchen should be warm, inviting, simple, and full of real life — a space where everyone naturally wants to be.
The return of Tuscany: comfort that never goes out of style
The Spruce points out that the return of Tuscan kitchens in 2026 is not just a trend, but a reflection of a collective desire: more human, warm, and imperfect environments. By focusing on natural materials, abundant light, and authenticity, this aesthetic is renewed and solidified as one of the major bets of contemporary design.
Source: The Spruce. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
