the gucci décor 2018 collection captures a rich history of italian artisans

Gucci has introduced its latest Décor collection, showcased in a campaign titled 'A Garden of Delights,' captured by visual artist Max Siedentopf. This collection draws inspiration from classic French landscape design, featuring its characteristic neat hedges and topiaries, reinterpreted with playful leafy sculptures that depict items from the collection. Creative director Alessandro Michele’s deep interest in nature is the driving force behind this contemporary take on Romantic landscapes. The campaign's visual narrative places Gucci's Décor items within a fantastical and opulent garden setting. Max Siedentopf's photography, guided by Alessandro Michele's creative direction, brings to life an eccentric atmosphere where pieces from the collection are juxtaposed with colossal topiary sculptures shaped like teapots and armchairs. These intricate topiaries were crafted by Andy Hillman Studio, contributing to the dreamlike quality of the visuals. The extensive collection itself features a variety of home décor items, reflecting a blend of botanical themes and luxurious craftsmanship. Among the offerings are porcelain tea sets adorned with botanical motifs, double-sided cushions, metal candles enclosed in decorative lids, and jacquard armchairs. These pieces evoke the grandeur of Decorative Arts, characterized by their detailed passementerie accents and complex floral patterns. Complementing the regal table settings and delicate ornamental objects are several wallpaper designs. These wallpapers incorporate both floral patterns and retro geometric designs, with some featuring a tactile linen texture. The collection also includes bold, monogrammed blankets, crafted from premium materials such as wool, linen, and silk, offering both comfort and sophistication. The entire collection is available for purchase on Gucci's official website. #GucciDécor #HomeDecoration #LuxuryDesign #AlessandroMichele #MaxSiedentopf #AndyHillmanStudio #BotanicalThemes #EclecticStyle

Gucci has launched a new home decor collection, featuring a range of luxurious and artfully designed items. The collection caters to those with substantial disposable income, offering pieces that are both functional and decorative, often drawing inspiration from Gucci's historical archives and iconic motifs. Among the more accessible items is the Herbarium bee incense burner, priced at $295. This piece features a bee design from Gucci’s ‘70s archives and a Herbarium motif inspired by vintage fabric, making it a sophisticated alternative to common incense burners and suitable as a high-end wedding gift. For wall decor, the Tiger Cards print wallpaper is available at $535. This wallpaper incorporates a blend of Gucci’s recognizable codes presented as vintage-style playing cards, designed to create a striking feature wall. Its pricing aligns with that of other boutique wallpapers. Candles are represented by the Inventum butterfly candle, costing $675. This designer candle, scented with pink rose and Taif’s ancient Damask rose, aims to establish a relaxed and intimate atmosphere. With a burn time of 68 hours, it offers a distinct luxury experience. After the candle is consumed, the pink Richard Ginori porcelain vessel can be repurposed as a holder for vanity items. Tableware includes the Herbarium teapot, priced at $845. Made from white Richard Ginori porcelain and adorned with the Herbarium motif, this teapot is intended for display rather than storage, highlighting its aesthetic value. Complementing this is the Kingsnake oval metal tray, costing $1,690, which is characterized by the Kingsnake icon, a prominent symbol of the Gucci brand, and is presented as an ideal item for serving beverages. Textile offerings include the Velvet cushion with Angry Cat embroidery, priced at $2,415. Despite its high cost, each cushion is a handcrafted item, requiring 10 hours of labor. The intricate motifs are embroidered and hand-applied, with hand-filled cushions and hand-sewn, fringed silk tassel edges, positioning it as an art piece rather than just a functional cushion. Furniture pieces feature the Wood chair with embroidered bee, at $3,885. This wooden chair uses Gucci's Herbarium print upholstery, embroidered with the Gucci bee and the word "Loved," showcasing hand-applied intricate motifs. Another furniture item is the Sprovveduta Età print metal folding table, costing $5,145. This table, adorned with the phrase "Sprovveduta Età" from an ancient Roman poem, is presented as a stylish and portable surface. Decorative ceramics include a Vintage Vase, priced at $7,770, which is suggested to serve not only as a vase but potentially as an urn, given its sophisticated and perhaps dramatic aesthetic. Armchairs such as the GG jacquard armchair, at $8,460, feature the classic GG pattern jacquard upholstery with interspersed bees and stars, and are trimmed with braided and knotted fringes, elevating them beyond typical seating to a more regal status. The collection's most expensive item is the Tropical three-panel screen, priced at $41,435. This pink lacquered tropical jacquard screen, while costly enough to rival the price of a car or a summer villa rental, is presented as a statement piece for affluent homes, suggesting it would enhance an already luxurious setting like a Lake Como villa. Additional items mentioned include other velvet cushions, different vases, another Chiavari chair with an embroidered tiger, a Star Eye print metal folding table, Heron print wallpaper, and another tropical jacquard armchair, all maintaining the brand's luxurious and distinct aesthetic. #GucciHomeDecor #LuxuryDecor #HighEndDesign #FashionBrandHome #DesignerHomeware #InteriorDesignTrends #ArtisticFurniture #ExquisiteTextiles #OpulentLiving

This article, featured on Dezeen Showroom, highlights eight distinct products from Italian brands and designers, showcasing Italy's enduring legacy in craftsmanship and design. The selection encompasses various home furnishings and accessories, demonstrating both innovative and traditional approaches to design. One featured product is the Slow Cold tiles by Marazzi, a tile brand from Sassuolo. These tiles are notable for their texture, which mimics rammed earth, a sustainable construction technique involving compressed organic matter. Available in six muted colors, these dimpled, dimensional tiles are suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. Next is the New Logica storage system by Gabriele Centazzo for Valcucine, a kitchen brand based in Pordenone. This system provides a multifunctional kitchen storage solution where appliances are discreetly hidden behind sleek cabinet fronts. It integrates lighting and various storage options to streamline the cooking process from preparation to cleanup. Antolini, a stone company, in collaboration with audio brand Bang & Olufsen, created the Beosound Balance Natura speaker. This unique speaker combines high-specification audio equipment with natural stone, available in white and pink colorways for its base, highlighting a fusion of technology and natural aesthetics. From Como-based furniture brand Porro, the Tablo table by architect Piero Lissoni draws inspiration from workshop workbenches. This all-metal table is offered in two sizes: a smaller coffee table with a marble top and a taller dining or work table with a verde gris top. Both versions feature distinct tapering legs folded at a 90-degree angle. Philippe Malouin designed the Hum tapware for northern Italian brand Quadro Design. These tapware pieces are characterized by their stripped-back, tubular elements, emphasizing functionality and an unadorned aesthetic. They come in various brushed metallic finishes and formats, including wall-mounted, surface-mounted, floor-mounted taps, and shower fittings. Casalgrande Padana, an Italian tile brand from Casalgrande, ventured beyond its tile-centric catalogue to release the Convivialis tables. These tables feature stone tops in a range of shapes, sizes, and stone options, each piece showcasing unique natural striations and variations. Ceramiche Keope, an Italian surfaces manufacturer, introduced Grace tiles, inspired by a natural limestone quarried in France. These tonal tiles incorporate a blend of cool and warm-toned areas, resulting in a neutral and understated aesthetic suitable for various interior schemes. Finally, the Striche tables by Matteo Zorzenoni for Miniforms, a design brand located near Venice, are crafted entirely from colored glass. These tables utilize three different glassmaking techniques to create a dappled pedestal-like base and a bubbly top adorned with white stripes, offering a vibrant and artistic furniture piece. #ItalianDesign #HomeFurnishings #KitchenStorage #Tiles #LuxurySpeakers #FurnitureDesign #Tapware #StoneTables #GlassTables

Idarica Gazzoni, an Italian artist turned textile designer, began her journey into decorative arts two decades ago while transforming an 18th-century Milanese palace apartment into a family home. Faced with challenging, stiff Lombard furniture inherited by her then-husband, Gazzoni opted to redirect attention to the walls and ceilings, embellishing them with fantastical trompe l’oeil scenes. Her living room was reimagined as a Napoleonic military headquarters, complete with campfires and tiny soldiers. The sitting room took on the ambiance of an exotic boudoir with a ceiling painted in Cintamani symbols, while the bedroom was transformed into a Scottish woodland, featuring shimmering foliage in the mist. Her unique approach quickly garnered attention, leading to numerous commissions worldwide. These projects included a Mondrian-inspired room in an 18th-century country villa in Parma, a Pierre Loti-inspired Turkish salon in Tel Aviv, a bedroom in Venice reminiscent of a Fabergé box, and a wine bar in Florence adorned with floor-to-ceiling decorative motifs based on vine leaves. Three years prior to the article's publication, Gazzoni decided to pivot from large-scale wall painting to designing her own line of printed fabrics. She established an atelier in her home and named her fabric company Arjumand, a tribute to the Mughal empress whose story of deep love inspired the Taj Mahal. Gazzoni explains that the empress's story resonated with her during a personal period of transition, helping her reconnect with the idea of romance. Arjumand's legendary travels also influenced Gazzoni's creative process, inspiring distinct collections. Her Russia Collection draws from the 17th-century palaces of the czars, while the China Collection is a deep dive into the vibrant culture and colors of southern China's Miao people. The Japan Blue Collection emerged from her exploration of Japan's late-19th-century fascination with indigo blue. Beyond her fabric designs, Gazzoni continues to undertake interior decorating projects globally. She recently completed the interior design for Liza, a prominent restaurant in Beirut, in collaboration with decorator Maria Ousseimi. She also decorated a house in Patmos, Greece, incorporating fabrics from her latest collection. Despite her focus on textiles, Gazzoni admits to a continued inclination for painting walls, even finding herself back on scaffolding for these projects. Her fabrics are available through harbingerla.com. #IdaricaGazzoni #TextileDesign #PatternDesign #InteriorDesign #MilanPalace #TrompeLoeil #ArjumandFabrics #GlobalInspirations #HomeDecoration

Giopato & Coombes, a lighting studio based in Treviso, Italy, was founded in 2014 by Cristiana and Christopher. Both partners, an architect and a designer by profession, gained extensive experience working for other companies before establishing their own studio. Their first collection, launched in the same year, aimed to create multi-sensorial objects with a magical quality. The studio's recent 'Fragments of Infinity' exhibition, held at their own gallery during Milan Design Week, showcased their unique approach to lighting design. The design philosophy of Giopato & Coombes integrates Venetian artisanal craftsmanship with advanced lighting technology. This blend results in pieces that appear to defy gravity and time. The core materials used in their creations are glass, brass, and marble, meticulously detailed to achieve an ethereal aesthetic. To enhance the otherworldly feel, the designers incorporate hidden elements such as Kevlar, aeronautical-grade stainless steel, and 3D printing techniques, along with concealed light sources. The founders articulate that their passion drives them to explore and innovate within their chosen materials, pushing the boundaries of conventional design. This dedication leads them to create objects that, while unconventional, might evoke a sense of familiarity or connection to the past. Their work emphasizes a deep investigation into the 'mix of ingredients' to continuously evolve their designs and face new creative challenges. The exhibit featured various installations demonstrating these principles. Large, sculptural lighting fixtures, often suspended or freestanding, were displayed within a minimalist space, allowing the intricate details and interplay of light and material to take center stage. The use of reflective surfaces and carefully positioned lighting created an immersive experience, highlighting the 'fragments of infinity' concept by manipulating perception and space. Cristiana and Christopher's dedication to merging traditional artistry with cutting-edge technology defines Giopato & Coombes' distinctive aesthetic. Each piece in the 'Fragments of Infinity' collection is a testament to their commitment to innovation, blending the tangible with the intangible to create lighting objects that are both functional and artistic. The exhibit provided a comprehensive view of their studio's creative output, emphasizing their ongoing exploration of form, light, and material through a blend of engineering and artistic expression. #LightingDesign #GiopatoCoombes #MilanDesignWeek #HomeFurnishings #ItalianDesign #ArtisanalCraftsmanship #ContemporaryLighting #ProductDesign #DesignExhibition

Milan Design Week, also known as Salone del Mobile, traditionally serves as a pivotal event for design enthusiasts and a leading international exhibition for furniture and interior design. In recent years, the event has expanded its scope, attracting significant participation from the fashion industry. Brands such as Gucci and Loro Piana are increasingly featured alongside established home brands, presenting events and new product launches that blur the lines between fashion and home design. Among the highlights of Milan Design Week 2025 is Miu Miu's Literary Club, which dedicates two days to exploring the works of French philosopher and writer Simone de Beauvoir. Concurrently, Prada Frames will host a symposium centered on the multifaceted concept of transportation. Louis Vuitton is set to introduce a new home collection, further solidifying the convergence of high fashion and interior aesthetics. La DoubleJ will host tarot card readings at its new headquarters, adding a unique experiential element to the design week offerings. Loewe, marking its ninth appearance at Salone, has collaborated with 25 artists, designers, and architects to create a collection of teapots. These pieces, crafted by figures such as Edmund de Waal, Walter Prince, and David Chipperfield, explore the cultural significance and conventions surrounding tea, ranging from highly literal to abstract interpretations. Loewe is also offering a Salone homewares collection, which includes coasters and leather charms. Prada Frames, the annual symposium organized by Prada, focuses this year on “In Transit,” investigating the infrastructures that facilitate the movement of both people and ideas. Discussions are held in unique historical settings, including the recently restored 1950s train, Arlecchino, designed by Gio Ponti and Giulio Minoletti, and the ornate Padiglione Reale, a former royal waiting area at Milan’s Central Station. Louis Vuitton is launching its inaugural home collection, showcased at Milan’s Palazzo Serbelloni. This new line encompasses furniture, lighting, tableware, textiles, and games, with a pinball machine reportedly inspired by Pharrell. The collection complements the brand’s existing Objets Nomades, a series of limited-edition pieces created by notable designers like India Mahdavi and the Campana brothers, which will also be on display. La DoubleJ is celebrating its 10-year anniversary by unveiling its new five-story headquarters, dubbed the “LDJ Starquarters,” in Milan’s Navigli district. This new space is designed to foster positive energy and will host a week of events, including tarot card readings and sound healing sessions in the newly opened Gong Temple on its rooftop. The brand is also releasing new versions of its Napoli Rosa homeware collection. Miu Miu's Literary Club returns for its second chapter, “A Woman’s Education,” building on last year's “Writing Life.” This year’s program explores themes of girlhood and love through the works of Simone de Beauvoir and Japanese author Fumiko Enchi, featuring performances and talks by authors such as Lauren Elkin, Geetanjali Shree, and Naoise Dolan. Gucci presents “Bamboo Encounters,” an exhibition at the 16th-century Milan monastery Chiostri di San Simpliciano. Curated by architect Ippolito Pestellini Laparelli, the exhibit highlights bamboo’s historical significance to the house through multidisciplinary works, including sculptures, bamboo baskets, and kites. Kartell is commemorating 25 years of its lighting line with an exhibition at its Milan flagship store, featuring iconic lamps and lighting pieces. The Kartell Museum, also celebrating its 25th anniversary, will host a retrospective on Italian industrial designer Joe Colombo. New products and re-editions, including a reissue of Colombo’s 1964 KD28 lamp, will also be released. Finally, Loro Piana has partnered with Dimoremilano to create “La Prima Notte di Quiete,” an installation transforming the courtyard of Loro Piana’s headquarters into a 1970s-style home. The space features furniture by Dimorestudio for Loro Piana Interiors, Dimorestudio pieces with Loro Piana fabrics, items from Loro Piana’s The Art of Good Living collection, and artworks from Milanese galleries. #MilanDesignWeek #FashionHomeCrossover #LuxuryInteriors #ArtAndDesign #PradaFrames #LouisVuittonHome #LaDoubleJ #MiuMiuLiteraryClub #GucciBamboo #KartellLighting #LoroPianaDimoremilano

The interior design landscape for 2025 is marked by a bold shift towards expressive and personalized spaces, moving beyond the neutral palettes that have dominated recent years. Presentations at Milan Design Week 2025 and Paris’s PAD 2025 revealed a strong embrace of color, pattern, and experimental forms. While the influence of maximalism persists, there's also a subtle integration of 'quiet luxury' principles, emphasizing comfort, relaxation, and monochromatic schemes. However, the overarching theme is a departure from subdued tones, with designers championing vibrant colors, often inspired by natural elements. Clients are increasingly seeking interiors that not only offer a sense of sanctuary but also distinctly reflect their individual personalities, driving a willingness to experiment with diverse materials, textures, and furnishings. Designer Anne Dereaux notes that a space's uniqueness now stems from a mix of classic and sculptural pieces, handmade objects, or even found items with a narrative, contributing to a holistic sense of well-being. A significant trend emerging is "material drenching," a concept introduced by designer Jake Arnold. This involves decorating an entire room with a single material like wood, stone, plaster, or fabric, moving beyond the color-drenching trend of previous years. This approach adds dimension and an elevated aesthetic, drawing inspiration from historical paneled or plaster-clad rooms but with a brighter, lighter contemporary interpretation. Reflective materials, such as high-gloss paints and strategically placed mirrors, are also gaining traction to add energy and manipulate perception without making spaces feel confined. Furthermore, there is a growing demand for evocative and enveloping spaces where comfort and well-being are paramount. This translates into moodier interiors featuring dark wood cabinetry, plush textiles, and layered drapery, often incorporating bold colors and patterns reminiscent of 20th-century design luminaries like Sister Parish and Mario Buatta. Installations at Milan Design Week, such as Pierre-Yves Rochon's Villa Héritage and Dimoremilano's "La Prima Notte di Quiete" with Loro Piana, exemplify this trend with rich hues, luxurious materials, and inviting elements like conversation pits. Craft-focused furnishings are also experiencing a significant revival, driven by increased consumer interest in quality, uniqueness, and sustainability, especially since the pandemic. The global market for arts and crafts is projected to reach $74.3 billion by 2033. Designers like Laura Lubin highlight the value of handcrafted pieces for their detail, timeless appeal, and ability to tell a story, reflecting a broader movement towards supporting artisans and embracing slow design. Examples include bronze furnishings at PAD Paris and Studio Lugo's work at Alcova Milano, which utilizes traditional Turkish techniques and materials. This emphasis on handmade items also caters to the desire for personalized spaces, with retailers increasingly featuring artisanal craftsmanship and connecting consumers to the makers behind the pieces. Color palettes for 2025 are expanding beyond earthy hues to embrace a full spectrum of nature-inspired greens and blues. Reports from the National Kitchen & Bath Association indicate a preference for colorful kitchens and bathrooms over traditional all-white designs, with designers observing a growing client interest in extending these shades throughout the home. This trend is linked to a desire to strengthen the connection between indoor spaces and the outdoors, providing a calming ambiance. Kathleen Walsh, a New York City-based designer, notes that project palettes are deeply rooted in the surrounding landscape, using softer foundation hues punctuated with vibrant accents. The integration of statement colors with natural materials is seen as a sophisticated approach. Sustainability and durability are central to interior design in 2025, with homeowners increasingly prioritizing natural, long-lasting materials for well-being. Clients are more conscious of material origins, seeking to avoid plastic-based products and opting for furniture designed to endure. Milan Design Week showcased a strong focus on sustainable materials, from cork used in Rockwell Group's "Casa Cork" exhibition to textiles made from mycelium and lighting from waste oyster shells. This trend also involves an appreciation for existing structures, with designers noting a shift towards working with and enhancing current conditions rather than always starting anew, partly influenced by rising construction costs. Finally, sumptuous textures are making a comeback, reflecting a return to romanticism in interiors. While contemporary designs use less chintz, there's a clear appetite for soft, billowing drapery, plush furniture, Venetian plaster, and Moroccan tadelakt, creating luxurious yet inviting spaces that offer tactile comfort and reflect homeowners' personalities and the history of their homes. #InteriorDesignTrends #MilanDesignWeek #MaterialDrenching #Craftsmanship #SustainableDesign #NatureInspiredColors #LuxuryInteriors #HomeDecor #TexturalDesign

Artemest's L’Appartamento exhibition, held during Milan Design Week, transformed a 20th-century Milanese mansion into a showcase of Italian craftsmanship through decorative interventions by six international interior designers. Each designer reimagined a room, creating immersive vignettes that seamlessly integrated with the mansion's authentic character while exclusively featuring contemporary art and furnishings from Italian artisans available through Artemest. The exhibition provided a unique platform for designers to blend their individual styles with Italian design heritage. Studio Meshary AlNassar curated the Entryway, infusing it with warm earthen tones inspired by Gulf landscapes. This space featured silhouettes reminiscent of classical colonnades, illuminated by a chandelier adorned with Murano glass sunflowers, setting an inviting and exotic ambiance upon entry. The adjacent Flower Room adopted a dreamlike aesthetic, utilizing pastel hues. It was further enhanced with Art Deco steles and mouth-blown vases, brimming with vibrant floral arrangements that lent an ethereal quality to the space. Elicyon designed the Cocktail Room, where playful bohemian textural expressions paid homage to the building's historical grandeur. This room was characterized by sensorial textural depth, exemplified by a long-hair fur lounge chair and wall-mounted rugs, creating a luxurious and inviting atmosphere. VSHD's Dining Room presented a striking juxtaposition of styles, blending minimalist modernism with richly ornamental baroque aesthetics. A whimsical paper chair was deliberately placed alongside Luciano Baldessari's Futurist floor lamp, creating an eclectic and dynamic dialogue between eras and design philosophies. Rottet Studio's classical Living Room embraced traditional elements such as wooden parquets, gilded brocade walls, and celadon wainscotting. This historical backdrop was enriched with contemporary touches like Venetian glass accents, a pyrite- and Cubism-inspired cabinet, and a dichroic glass table, which dynamically refracted light throughout the room, adding a modern sparkle to the classic setting. Tamara Feldman's Bedroom drew inspiration from Mexican haciendas, featuring robust terracotta textures and saturated red walls. The space was enlivened by biophilic elements, with glimpses of botanicals, natural wood, and stone, complemented by yellow and green hues that mirrored the foliage outside, connecting the interior with nature. The exhibition extended outdoors with GACHOT's Courtyard, conceived as a verdant extension of the interior spaces. This intimate outdoor living room offered lounge and dining areas, alongside a bar, all enveloped by local blossoms. A fire pit sculpted from local Dolomia stone served as a focal point, harmonizing with the delicate Murano drinking glasses and the rich burgundy tones of an iron bowl, creating a sophisticated and relaxing outdoor environment. This comprehensive exhibition highlighted the versatility of Italian craftsmanship and the innovative approaches of international designers in a historically rich setting. #MilanDesignWeek #Artemest #ItalianCraftsmanship #InteriorDesign #EclecticShowHouse #MansionInteriors #ContemporaryArt #MilaneseArchitecture

The article introduces 'Miniature,' the latest small-size tile collection from Marca Corona's 1741 line, which draws inspiration from historic Italian artisanal craftsmanship. Sassuolo, a renowned ceramic production district in Italy, is highlighted as the birthplace of Marca Corona, a brand that has consistently honored its heritage through the 1741 project. This project reinterprets classic styles and images into contemporary designs, with a particular focus on small-format tiles. The 'Miniature' collection features versatile porcelain tiles in a new 6x24 cm size, exploring diverse material and chromatic effects. It evokes the savoir-faire of traditional craftsmanship by incorporating elements reminiscent of majolica, glass, metal, wax, and brick. The small format is not merely a nod to historical artisanal tiles but also offers extensive possibilities for innovative combinations and installation methods across various spaces, surfaces, and curved volumes. The aesthetic variations provide limitless design potential, fostering creative freedom in interior design projects. The collection is a blend of high craftsmanship that complements modern interior design elements like concrete, solid colors, wood finishes, and wallpapers. It encompasses five distinct inspirations: 1. **Miniature Fregio:** This series reinterprets classic Italian majolica with contemporary aesthetics, offering a luxurious and visually impactful surface. Available in Bianco Naturale, Verde Maiolica, Blu Maiolica, and Nero Maiolica, it features glossy surfaces with fragmented designs that mimic handmade embossing, chipping, and cracks, reflecting the beauty of preserved decorative craft. Opaque areas simulate the aging process, giving the appearance of salvaged majolica tiles. 2. **Miniature Soda:** This range draws from the transparencies and reflections of Italian glass, translating them into high-performance ceramics. Each tile is unique, providing a distinct style. The luminous surfaces emphasize color through a palette that includes Bianco Sale, Grigio Luna, Rosa Corallo, Verde Perla, Verde Malva, Azzurro Artico, Blu Galassia, and Nero Magma. 3. **Miniature Fuoco:** This series transforms the colors and shades of oxidized and aged metal into unique ceramic effects, creating dynamic surfaces with metallic reflections. Available in Rame, Brunito, Blu Iron, Corten Bruciato, and Bianco Argenteo, these tiles evoke the charm of metal forged and embellished by time. 4. **Miniature Cera:** Offering a broad palette of pigments, this collection includes Bianco Latte, Cashmere Melato, Grigio Cenere, Nero Inchiostro, Blu Notte, Verde Candito, Verde Foresta, and Amaranto Jam. It features fluid, tactile surfaces with subtle chiaroscuro effects. The new Velvet finish gives a satin appearance and a waxy touch, providing density and depth suitable for combinations with resins, marbles, and woods. 5. **Miniature Fornace:** Inspired by terracotta bricks and ancient building traditions, this series aims to enhance contemporary and reclaimed environments with an industrial aesthetic. It comes in Bianco Minerale, Argilla Naturale, Rosso Mattone, Bruno Bistro, Nero Fumo, and Verde Muschio. A notable variant includes the Formella decoration, influenced by 18th-century London bricks, featuring a recess that originally held trademarks, making the brick lighter and more manageable—a detail intelligently reinterpreted for modern design. #CeramicTiles #ItalianCraftsmanship #MarcaCorona #InteriorDesign #HomeDecoration #TileCollection #Sassuolo #ArchitecturalSurfaces #MaterialInnovation

Older, a design brand founded by Letizia Caramia and Morten Thuesen, initially focused on revolutionizing hospitality uniforms. The duo, who met at Alexander McQueen, launched Older in 2013 to address what they perceived as a lack of ideology, sustainability, and imagination in the fashion industry. Their unique approach blended their interests in architecture, gastronomy, and wine, leading them to create utilitarian yet stylish uniforms. Older quickly gained recognition for its asymmetric silhouettes, high-quality bespoke bio-cotton fabrics, and meticulous attention to functional details like fastenings and pockets, all while prioritizing sustainability in their design and production processes. Over the years, Older has secured commissions from prominent clients, including Restaurant 108 in Copenhagen, Copenhagen Contemporary, Tate Modern, the Snøhetta-designed Under restaurant, and Massimo Bottura’s Refettorio. A significant project involved designing uniforms and accompanying objects for Olafur Eliasson’s Fjordenhus in Vejle, Denmark. This collaboration, which included textile sculptures and specially engineered napkins, profoundly influenced Caramia and Thuesen, inspiring them to expand their creative scope beyond uniforms. Their recent endeavor is "Wide Eye," a debut furniture and objects collection developed in collaboration with Danish artist Alexander Vinther. The collection reflects the designers' passion for radical Italian movements, such as those of Superstudio and Archizoom, the postmodern aesthetics of Afra and Tobia Scarpa, Carlo Mollino’s craftsmanship, and the Gesamtkunstwerk concepts of Joe and Gianni Colombo. Milanese curator Valentina Ciuffi, known for her work with Nilufar and Alcova, assisted in presenting the collection through an exhibition and a book. Ciuffi lauded Older’s profound understanding of the fashion system, their detached approach from its fast pace, and their impressive architectural sensibilities, noting how they conceptualize garments as wearable architecture. With "Wide Eye," Caramia and Thuesen reversed their initial design philosophy, transforming uniform concepts into sculptural and functional furniture pieces. The collection subtly incorporates references to the human body and clothing. For example, the "Wide Eye" sofa is upholstered in the same washable Limonta nylon fabric used for their uniforms, while the "Zhora" chair features a PVC covering reminiscent of a character from *Blade Runner*. Other pieces, like the "Papi" table, subtly allude to anatomical forms. The designers exhibit a deep commitment to craftsmanship, partnering with emerging artisans like Tuscany-based Francesco Basini Gazzi for their marble pieces and a manufacturer previously associated with Tobia Scarpa for their sofa. They recently relocated from Paris to Milan, establishing a hybrid live-work space that will serve as the backdrop for the "Wide Eye" collection's launch on September 29th. The launch will feature a set designed by curator Joseph Grima, emphasizing raw materials to highlight the furniture's forms. The "Wide Eye" collection also carries a significant pro-European message. Its title is derived from the ancient Greek etymology of "Europe," and a nylon band on the sofa displays the slogan "Wide Eye Wake Up." This political agenda was influenced by the rise of populist parties in the 2019 European elections, prompting the designers to create furniture that advocates for a tolerant, open, and united Europe, aiming to infuse their designs with a conscious and revolutionary spirit. #FurnitureDesign #UniformDesign #SustainableDesign #ItalianRadicals #BladeRunnerInspired #EuropeanArtisanship #MilanDesign #PoliticalDesign #TextileInnovation

Italy has significantly influenced global architecture, contributing a diverse range of styles that have shaped modern cities and homes. These architectural movements extend beyond religious and political structures, impacting interior design, home furnishing, educational, and social institutions worldwide, particularly from the 18th century onwards. The country's rich history and design ethos have ensured that Italian style has permeated diverse cultures and residential spaces globally. One foundational style is Gothic architecture, introduced to Italy in the 12th century by monastic orders. Characterized by religious motifs and intricate detailing, Gothic structures tell stories through their impressive craftsmanship. Key elements include large stained-glass windows, pointed arches, ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, and elaborate ornamentation. This style rapidly became prevalent in Italian churches and cathedrals, and its influence continues to inspire religious architecture globally. The Italian contribution to the Gothic movement elevated it from a potentially subdued style to a grand, widely recognized aesthetic, enriching urban landscapes with historical and literary connections. The Renaissance, emerging in the 15th century in northern Italy, marked a revolutionary period in art, philosophy, science, and architecture. This movement arose as a response to and challenge against the preceding Gothic style. Renaissance architecture reinterpreted classical orders, focusing on square building plans, Roman and Greek columns and pilasters, arcade arches, grand domes, coffered ceilings, tall windows paired with arches, and layered walls. These innovations ushered in novel styles that aimed to define a new future in architectural design. Neoclassical architecture, which gained prominence from the mid-18th century through the 19th century, drew inspiration from the Renaissance and Italy's classical heritage. This period saw a literal return to classical aesthetics, influenced by the turbulence of the era and discoveries like the excavations of Pompeii in 1748. Italian artists and architects sought to connect the contemporary with the historical, resulting in structures defined by a grandeur of scale, geometric simplicity, Greek (especially Doric) or Roman details, dramatic use of columns, and a preference for blank walls. Neoclassical buildings present a sleeker, simpler, and more polished appearance compared to earlier styles, serving as a hybrid between historical and modern design principles. The Liberty style, Italy's variant of Art Nouveau, dominated Italian architecture in the first two decades of the 20th century, particularly flourishing in cities like Milan, Palermo, and Turin. This movement emphasized transforming everyday objects into individual works of art, influencing everything from furniture and textiles to interior decoration and architectural frameworks. Characterized by lavish ornamentation and vibrant colors, the Liberty style infused life with a sense of panache and sensual indulgence, drawing inspiration from the Baroque school of art. Many contemporary grand buildings and royal artifacts continue to reflect the artistic principles of Italy's Liberty movement. Modern and Contemporary Italian architecture, spanning the late 20th and 21st centuries, represents a significant departure from ornamental styles, aligning with modernist and postmodernist movements. Groups like "La Tendenza," including architects such as Carlo Aymonino, Giorgio Grassi, and Aldo Rossi, challenged traditional Italian architectural glory, using design to critique urbanism. This has led to innovative buildings with unique exteriors and expansive interiors that inspire global urban planning. Contemporary Italian designs are characterized by monotones, sleek lines, unexpected pops of color, and a strong sense of personality. They blend suave and lustrous aesthetics with colors and textures inspired by natural surroundings, featuring cool blue finishes, radiant wooden frames, glassy exteriors, and polished interiors. This multi-faceted, sharp design philosophy seamlessly integrates into diverse homes worldwide, offering minimalist features like dark wooden paneling and subtle effects. ICA, an Italian company, aims to bring these elements of Italian architectural history and contemporary minimalist styles, including Venice's color, Tuscany's classicism, Rome's historical beauty, Capri's watery effects, and Milan's design standards, into homes through its wooden finishings, which exemplify exquisite Italian taste. #ItalianArchitecture #GothicArchitecture #RenaissanceArchitecture #NeoclassicalArchitecture #LibertyStyle #ArtNouveau #ModernItalianDesign #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign

The Florence Institute of Design International (FIDI) has presented a range of student projects as part of Dezeen School Shows, showcasing innovative interior design solutions for contemporary societal and cultural developments. The final-year students of the BA (Hons) Design program, in collaboration with the University of Chester, developed individual design proposals of approximately 3,000 square meters, focusing on sustainable solutions and detailed studies of building system design, lighting acoustics, and casework. One featured project, 'Gen' by Dunja Stanojevic, is an educational center designed to address the complex relationship between humans and technology. This center aims to foster informed engagement by providing accessible, future-oriented learning environments grounded in themes of serenity, evolution, and detachment. Stanojevic's design uses calm, balanced layouts, regulated natural light, modular elements, and innovative materials to create adaptable spaces that promote environmental awareness and technological literacy. Camila Belen Gallardo Andino's 'Ethos and Logos' cultural center draws inspiration from Florence's rich intellectual and artistic heritage. It is conceived as a space for critical thinking, dialogue, and reflection, bridging classical philosophy with contemporary thought. The design emphasizes communication, curiosity, and continuity through socially inviting layouts and adaptable interiors, incorporating study rooms, lecture halls, exhibition areas, and research spaces. Material choices and architectural rhythm subtly reference historical structures while supporting modern functions. Julia Laresgoiti's 'Grove House,' located in Chianti, is a culinary residence focused on reconnecting individuals with food, community, and the environment. The design integrates themes of belonging, structure, and impression through thoughtful space and furniture design. It features an atmosphere of warmth and connection, utilizing recycled and natural materials. The layout includes student dorms, a courtyard, lounge, culinary classrooms, laboratories, and an auditorium, promoting an active, communal learning experience. Lydia Hilal Deniz's 'Sen' reimagines a repurposed tram warehouse near the Arno River in Florence into an international fine art and theatre school. The project, named 'Sen' (meaning 'you' in Turkish), prioritizes individual creative growth and self-expression. The design explores themes of light, movement, and texture, using natural daylight, vibrant color accents, and tactile materials to create an inspiring atmosphere. A sculptural staircase, textured glass panels, and three-dimensional mouldings contribute to the unique interior, with organic circulation and a muted color palette guiding visitors. 'Casa Della Speranza' (House of Hope) by Kanchini Chandrasiri is a communal space designed for breast cancer patients, aiming to celebrate resilience and provide a refuge for recovery. The design incorporates themes of stability, transformation, rediscovery, and hope through spatial strategies like expansion and contraction, interplay of elements, and fluidity of layout. It uses materials that convey strength and stability, arranged in geometric patterns, and includes spaces for relaxation (fitness studios, library, therapy areas) and community activities (pottery workshop, painting studio, theatres). Valentina Salazar Munevar's 'Vita' wellness center focuses on shared well-being for young adults, promoting identity connection and community building. The design translates vitality into spatial design through four functions: energized engagement, social interaction, relaxation, and introspection. It incorporates diverse geometrical forms and textures, using conceptual lenses of dualism, authenticity, and tranquility. Located outside Florence city center, the hub offers exercise spaces, social lounges, a sensory deprivation room, and meditation and mental health services. 'Ariston' by Irina Ariza Cooper is an institute dedicated to applied arts and their historical context, situated in Florence's Santa Maria Novella district. It functions as both an educational and cultural hub, emphasizing the link between art and history. The design language, rooted in continuity, features rhythm, consistency, and movement to create intuitive pathways and visual cohesion. Carefully selected materials and forms guide visitors through an immersive sensory experience, inviting reflection on Florence's artistic heritage. Estefany Justiniano Davila's 'SOMOS' is a cultural center aimed at sharing and celebrating Latin heritage, fostering inclusivity and transcending geographical boundaries. The space reflects themes of heritage, diversity, and vibrancy through various textures and warm hues, from patterned tiled floors to bamboo-paneled ceilings. The design promotes the exchange of ideas with a fluid floor plan that includes an exhibition space, tapestry weaving studios, other art studios, and artisanal shops. It seeks to promote communal understanding and break down cultural differences. Finally, Maria Antonia Coelho Michels' 'Casa Artigiana di Firenze' aims to revitalize traditional crafts by providing a local space for teaching and learning. Located just outside Florence city center, it encourages collaboration and skill-sharing to preserve Tuscan artisanal traditions. The design incorporates themes of connection, imperfection, and human intervention, translated into enclosed spaces for community, imperfect architectural forms, and an emphasis on craftsmanship-integrated materials. The cultural hub includes artisan workshops, classrooms, courtyards, a cafe bar, and gallery space, aiming to attract tourists and create employment opportunities for local artists. Ishini Ranatunga's 'Sed-Em-Ra' transforms a former warehouse into a crisis intervention center that supports mental and physical well-being through art and nature. Drawing on biophilic design principles, the space is structured around themes of realization, discovery, connection, and acceptance. Organic spatial flows, soft transitions, and curated materials invite introspection and healing. Ribbed and perforated oak wood, neutral tones, and natural textures create a calming and grounding environment, fostering community and restoration through a sequence of transformative spaces. #FlorenceInstituteOfDesignInternational #InteriorDesign #SchoolShows #SustainableDesign #CulturalHub #EducationalCentre #AdaptiveReuse #CrisisIntervention #TuscanCrafts

The Italian furniture and accessories brand Morici, established in Recanati in 1979 by Luciano and Doriana Morici, unveils the intricate production process behind its Venezia collection of luxury boxes. The company, known for its fundamental craftsmanship vocation, integrates centuries of woodworking tradition with innovative production technology. Morici's approach involves the careful selection of natural woods and leathers, combined with the skilled hands of Italian master artisans, to create high-quality, meticulously detailed modern products. The Venezia collection specifically showcases a series of colorful luxury boxes, homewares, and furniture, segmented into five distinct lines with high-impact palettes. These lines include Cannaregio and Mestre, which blend earthy tones with blues and a mix of red and yellow, respectively. Rialto features a more vibrant and randomized palette by incorporating elements from other lines, while Sestiere is characterized by shades of purples and pinks. Laguna offers a cool combination of blues and pearlescent whites. The design process for the Venezia collection is a seven-step journey, starting with the design phase. This initial stage focuses on developing unique color combinations that define the collection's various color lines, emphasizing the interplay of colors with different precious wood essences to achieve Morici's characteristic style. Following design, the inlay process involves a highly manual technique used since the 14th century to customize products. Craftsmen meticulously combine laser-cut wood veneers, colored with natural dyes, to create intricate patterns and mosaics. The selection of veneers and their characteristics is crucial for achieving an elegant and balanced mosaic, with each piece of wood contributing to a unique, unrepeatable natural pattern despite predefined designs. Carpentry is the third step, where the finished inlay is applied to wooden panels, then shaped and refined to form the desired design. This stage concludes with sanding, ensuring a smooth and perfectly formed product. The fourth step, painting, involves applying multiple layers of paint to strengthen the surface and enhance durability. Morici highlights its commitment to environmental safety by evolving towards the use of eco-friendly paints. Polishing, the fifth stage, is executed by highly skilled artisans using manual polishing machines. Their expertise in selecting the correct abrasive paste and applying precise pressure ensures a unique, long-lasting finish that maintains its quality over time. The penultimate step is assembly, which serves as a crucial quality control point. Various components like locks, hinges, and drawers are carefully put together to ensure the product's functionality and integrity. The final step, covering, involves manual processing in the covering department. Here, skilled artisans use cutters and sewing machines to select and apply various fabrics and leathers, creating a custom finish for each product, tailored to its specific purpose. This elaborate process underscores Morici's dedication to artisan know-how, combining traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics to produce the high-end items in the Venezia collection. #HomeDecor #LuxuryDesign #HandmadeCraftsmanship #ItalianDesign #Woodworking #VeneziaCollection #ArtisanKnowHow #FurnitureDesign #DesignProcess

This lookbook presents a curated selection of ten Italian interiors that embody a distinct rustic aesthetic, drawing inspiration from the country's rich history and Mediterranean heritage. These projects, which include both residential homes and hotels, consistently feature elements such as wooden beams, natural stone, and diverse textures, reflecting a design approach that honors tradition while incorporating modern sensibilities. Italy, renowned for its contemporary furniture and lighting design, also boasts a wealth of historic architecture, with buildings dating back centuries across its cities and villages. The featured examples range from a 17th-century house in Puglia to a hotel situated within a 1,000-year-old castle, all demonstrating how historical contexts can be harmoniously integrated with current design preferences. One notable project is the Monteverdi Hotel in Tuscany, where restoration specialist Ilaria Miani revitalized crumbling structures in Val d'Orcia. This boutique hotel successfully blends the region's history with modern design influences from Milan and Rome, utilizing salvaged wooden beams and locally handcrafted furniture. Similarly, Jonathan Tuckey Design meticulously restored a 19th-century farmhouse in Piemonte, emphasizing original features like stone walls and wooden beams, complemented by a muted color palette and brass accents. Casa Soleto in Puglia, a building with sections over 400 years old, was renovated by Studio Andrew Trotter and Marcelo Martínez, who preserved its irregular walls and incorporated natural materials such as lime plaster, linen, jute, and antique furniture to create an authentic atmosphere. Further examples include the Monastero Arx Vivendi, a 17th-century ex-monastery near Lake Garda, transformed into a hotel by Network of Architecture (noa*). Here, rippled antique-effect plaster, pale wooden floors, and restored original doors contribute to a cohesive design. Studio Andrew Trotter's Casolare Scarani in Puglia, a former girls' school, maintained its vaulted ceilings with lime plaster and incorporated earthy tones and traditional stone flooring. The Hotel Castello di Reschio in Umbria, a 1,000-year-old castle converted by Count Benedikt Bolza, features terracotta-brick or wooden floors, hand-stitched linen curtains, and locally crafted marble and brass vanities, along with antique portraits, alluding to its storied past. The Brolettouno Apartment in Lombardy, housed in a 15th-century building, was sensitively updated by Archiplan, preserving distressed floor tiles and faded frescos, and furnishing it with light-hued wooden pieces. Studio Andrew Trotter's Casa Maiora in Puglia, though a new build, embraces rustic influences with flagstone floors, lime-washed walls, and local antiques. The G-Rough hotel in Lazio, located in a 400-year-old Roman building, combines historical features with contemporary art and mid-century furnishings, creating a 'rough-yet-refined' aesthetic. Finally, the Palazzo Monti hotel in Lombardy, a pop-up project by Julie Cloos Mølsgaard and Vipp, adopted a minimalist approach to furnishings to highlight the 13th-century palazzo's original features. These projects collectively demonstrate a profound respect for Italian architectural history and local craftsmanship, while skillfully adapting spaces for modern living and hospitality, offering visual inspiration for interiors that seamlessly merge the old with the new in a rustic style. #ItalianInteriors #RusticDesign #HistoricRenovation #MediterraneanStyle #BoutiqueHotels #ResidentialArchitecture #TraditionalCraftsmanship #InteriorDesignInspiration #ArchitecturalPreservation

The author shares five interior decor trends observed during a summer trip to Italy, emphasizing that these elements embody the essence of Italian design through quality materials, expert craftsmanship, and a sense of tradition. The first trend highlighted is the use of terracotta color schemes. These inviting tones, ranging from rich reds to burnt oranges, are inspired by the sun-baked surfaces of Sicilian climes and ancient Italian civilizations. Derived from the Latin ‘terra cocta’ meaning ‘baked earth,’ terracotta can serve as an accent color or a main backdrop, adding warmth and depth to interiors. Its versatility makes it suitable for various climates and north-facing rooms, creating a cozy atmosphere. Sue Jones, co-founder of Oka, suggests using richer terracotta and blood orange shades as accent colors when paired with a neutral palette to introduce warmth without overwhelming the space. The second trend focuses on the artful combination of rustic and modern elements, a specialty in Italian design. This approach balances cozy, homespun aesthetics with contemporary needs, creating a timeless appeal whether in rural or urban settings. The article advises starting with color, using neutrals to prevent expansive spaces from appearing clinical, and crucially incorporating texture. Lauren Meichtry, founder of Elsie Home, stresses that texture, achieved through raw materials like natural reclaimed wood, linen, wool, and greenery, is vital for creating modern rustic rooms that feel contemporary and cozy. The third trend emphasizes decorative kitchens with character, a staple in Italian homes where the kitchen functions as the heart and soul. Historically, kitchens were functional spaces for meal preparation and household tasks, and today they also serve as hubs for family and social gatherings. Therefore, kitchens need to be both practical and aesthetically pleasing. An example is a bold and bright kitchen by Officine Gullo in Florence, where colors harmonize with the existing architecture. Emma Bulmer, head color consultant at Edward Bulmer Natural Paint, notes a renaissance in colorful kitchen ideas, with brighter and more confident color combinations appearing on walls, cabinets, and ceilings. Patterned tiles constitute the fourth trend, with intricate designs often found in both new builds and remodels. Italian manufacturing excels in tile design, offering a wide array of options beyond neutral tones. The current trend favors dazzling colors and patterns reminiscent of traditional Moorish and Italian styles. Reclaimed tiles, often sourced from junkyards, offer unique stories and character. Andy Triplow from The Vintage Floor Tile Company suggests starting early when collecting these unique pieces, as reclamation companies often have limited stock. The final trend observed is lighting with purpose, where Italian designers excel in creating innovative and contemporary lighting solutions. These designs often feature a delicate interplay between form and function, serving both as sculptural elements and as tools to highlight focal points. The article highlights the creativity in light source choices, moving beyond mere illumination to incorporate decorative pendants and wall lights with extendable arms. Ian Cameron, creative director at Cameron Design House, points out a growing demand for unique, eye-catching light pieces that challenge conventional design and function as art forms, emphasizing the use of warm white light to create an inviting glow. #ItalianDecorTrends #InteriorDesign #TerracottaColors #RusticModernMix #KitchenDesign #PatternedTiles #DecorativeLighting #HomeDecor #DesignInspiration