The prevalence of this decorating style has soared in recent years, spurred in part by the popularity of books and movies that have brought Tuscan charm into American living rooms and movie theaters.

Even though Tuscany may be a heartbreakingly-inaccessible thousands of miles away, this look can be achieved with a few careful design decisions.

The foundation of the Mediterranean style upon which much Tuscan decor is based is a rich, sunny palette of earth tones, ranging from the terra cotta of the region's clay roofs to the deep blue of its glittering azure sea.

Working from this foundation, the Tuscan look can be achieved by combining primitive, rustic furniture and accent pieces with large-scale art that reflects the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Hand hewn pieces that clearly bespeak skilled craftsmanship reflect the rustic theme that unifies much of Tuscan decor. Many of the homes in Tuscany are hundreds of years old and bear the unmistakable charm of history within their weathered facades and unique forms.

The investment in even relatively minor changes that could significantly increase the architectural interest of your space -- such as a large-scale mural, the installation of terra cotta tiles, or the placement of faux wooden support beams along the ceiling -- could prove to be worth the cost and effort.

Because most of the interest of the Tuscan look is architectural, it is important to keep the look of other types of decorative items spare and uncluttered.

Window treatments, if necessary, should be minimalistic and unobtrusive. Taken together, these design ingredients can provide you with the luxury of a relaxing Mediterranean retreat in your own home.