Italy is one of the great interior design capitals of the world. Home to the Milan Furniture Fair, as well as many of the world’s top designers, Italian design is known for its creativity, craftsmanship and style.
Brands like Armani Casa, Poltrona Frau, Cassina, Flexform, B&B Italia, Missoni and Kartell all call Italy home. So what can we learn from Italians?
1. Mix modern and classic elements
Italian design company Bonaldo have recently furnished the Laurichhof Design Hotel in Saxony which features a mix of modern and classic elements, including this white suite that creates a fresh, bright effect. The room features a mix of classic and modern pieces including Bonaldo’s Origami table in Ceramica Calacatta.
2. Go bold
Italian designers aren’t short on creativity or style and if you are looking for that ‘wow’ factor for your home you can’t go past Italian design. B&B Italia are one brand known for their high quality modern and contemporary furniture such as this fabulous Up 50 armchair that was designed by Gaetano Pesce.
3. Don’t be afraid to experiment with colour
Italians love to experiment with colour, and the Milan Design Week often set the colour trends for the year ahead. Italian design firm Kartell are known for their bold use of colour, with pieces that make a statement in any room.
4. Embrace Marble
Italian marble is the finest marble in the world, and since the time of the renaissance, Italian designers know how to work this stone into any interior. The Bolero Ravel table from Poltrona Frau is just one example of how to use this timeless and stylish material.
5. Always look up
For the Italian designer lighting is a work of art as well as being functional. Euroluce at the Milan’s Salone del Mobile is solely devoted to lightning products, from simple table lights to extravagant chandeliers. The Big Bang Suspension pendant by Foscarini is an explosion of criss-crossing forms which create an architecture of surfaces, lights and shadows.