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There’s a tremendous amount of interest in Italian style, both in fashion and in home decor. When talking regarding decor, some mechanically think “Tuscan Home decor.” This is understandable with the popularity of Frances Mayes’ books, and the a good deal of movies set in, and around Tuscany. But Italy, with it is varied and gorgeous cities and regions, has any number of variations on “Italian style.” Key elements to consider in home decor:
With the country’s splendid history – it’s easy to perceive the Italians’ respect for traditions and the past. Consider Italy’s accomplishments in art, architecture and technology – accomplishments that were revered thousands of years ago and carry on to inspire awe and wonderment today. But in addition to spectacular past creations, Italy is a leader in innovative accomplishment – progressed design. After all, this is the land of Ferrari and Maserati. The land of sleek contemporary furniture that sits juxtaposed with beautiful, classic antiques; with the effect being not one thing short of stunning. After all, with only antiques – you have the look of a museum – stuffy and after awhile – boring. But mix the two with a discerning eye – the room becomes vibrant and alive. Blending the interior and exterior is a charming characteristic of Italian style – what you see on the outside is reflected in the interior. And or course, the beauty of the Italian landscape is breathtaking – whether the rich, vibrant green of the lake regions bordering Switzerland, Tuscany’s rolling hills dotted with vineyards and cypress lined roads, the magical seven hills of Rome, or the hard, brilliant sun and sparkling sea off the Amalfi coast. The light dictates the colors – think the warm, glowing hues of a Tuscan farmhouse wall, the rich effervescent shades of Venetian plaster, the sun-bleached patinas of ancient stone around Pompeii. Besides the light, the surrounding countryside has dictated the interiors of the homes – the nearest forests provided the wood that made up the furniture, the nearest quarry provided the stone. And closer to home, right outside the doors genuinely – the gardens. Italian gardens are famous all around the world, and everyone has a garden: whether they’re the exceedingly manicured gardens of the palazzos, the more casual gardens of farmhouses and villas, or Roman apartment balconies loaded with masses of geraniums. Life spills out of the homes into the gardens where “rooms” have existed for centuries: dining rooms, lounging rooms, whatsoever the heart desires. And water has always been a very primary focus (the famous Roman Aqueduct) and focal point in the gardens (think of the magical gardens of the Villa d’Este in Tivoli.) Even the most modest gardens have water features wherever possible. Then there is the pride in craftsmanship: Italy – the land of master craftsmen. Think handcrafted terra cotta tile roofs, intricate mosaic tile floors, carved marble countertops, exquisitely patterned ceramics, lavishly woven tapestries and linens, extremely pleasing hand blown glass, sleek minimalist furniture… the list goes on and on. And these marvelously (and in a good deal of cases traditionally) crafted items are as prized today, as they were hundreds of years ago. Cheap mass-produces imitations? No way. Dining rooms are dressed with handcrafted chairs upholstered in Fortuny fabrics; kitchen racks are filled with ceramics – simple earthenware bowls to elaborate majolica pieces. Attention to detail shows up in ways huge and small: fresh flowers on nightstands, hand-embroidered table linens, family photos framed in Buccellati silver, bath linens from Busatti and soaps from Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy (Officina Profumo di Santa Maria Novella.), or a single, perfective sunflower standing in a simple vase. Pride in little things – well done. It’s not difficult to fetch a little Italian style into any home. Start by mixing the old with the new (pull the grandmother’s silver and linens and of the closet and use them – or place the “modern art” painting over the oldfashioned chest), have fresh flowers and plants allround the home, and be grateful for the little nicks and wear spots, as the patina of age gives a room a good deal of depth and history. Whenever possible, invest in timeless, handcrafted pieces that will stand the test of time: in terms of quality (cheap will fall apart) and classic (you won’t tire of them.) Concentrate on ease and comfort, and fetch color into the room as it adds instant warmth. And focus on the warmth, not perfection – perfection is boring and ultimately, lifeless.
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Wrong Color Sent
Very flimsy
Rec’d the Correct Color!
