Italian Inspired Interiors

Italian interiors are varied and diverse in their style, with designs ranging from rustic Tuscan to period glamour and chic city sleek. From high end and luxury designer furniture to historic accessories and architectural features there are a wide range of styles at your beckon call. Since the early Roman period, Italy has lead the way in all fields of design and art and this has carried through into the present day with the Italian regions boasting some of the most stylish homes, palazzos and public venues in the world.

Traditional Italian homes feature cosy and classic colour palettes and a perfect combination of style and function. Warm honey, beige and almond are combined with earthen terracotta and mocha tones to create a Mediterranean feel that perfectly represents the homely style of Tuscan homes. White plastered walls can be partnered with bare stone, wooden beams and terracotta wall and floor tiles to give a countrified feel that looks perfect in any room of the home.

Accessories should be crafted from natural wood, ceramics or terracotta and can include large urns, pottery, kitchenware and ornaments that create a complimentary focal point in your chosen space. Display these items in large dressers or on open shelves for a warm and welcoming appearance. Select furniture items that are carved from chunky solid oak, walnut or mahogany in weathered or farmhouse style designs and partner with metal wall sconces and light fittings for a vintage style finish.

Historic Italian interiors are more lavish in their appearance and showcase the beauty and elegance of antique interior design. Neutral colour schemes can be accented with soft pastel blues and pinks and hints of metallic gold for a rich and opulent feel. Walls should be decorated with ornate Rococo style mirrors and framed landscape or religious paintings that will create depth and texture in your chosen room. Soft furnishings should be rich and heavy with velvet or heavy linen fabrics adorning the sofas, curtains and cushions.

Tassels and embroidery feature heavily on all fabrics and look particularly striking on a satin bed set, throw or tapestry. Select antique furniture items or modern reproductions such as wardrobes, dining tables or dressers that feature heavy carvings and ornate painted features with gilded accents that will look particularly fabulous in a living room, dining room or bedroom.

If you wish to take inspiration from more modern Italian homes then opt for a sleek and sophisticated look with a perfect balance of simple and glamorous design features. Keep walls as neutral as possible in crisp white or simple cream and ivory and use a distinct monochrome colour scheme for a masculine feel or a combination of soft dusky hues and metallics for a more feminine and flamboyant touch.

Select sofas, chairs, pouffes and stools crafted from high quality leather and combine with chrome, glass or black framed furniture to create a chic, designer finish. Opt for a range of accessories in gold, black or crisp white and include some classic Murano glass items that will create a sense of space and illumination in your chosen room. Decorate walls with retro art work such as vintage posters or postcards, black and white Italian landscape photos or fun quote and slogan wall art that will create visual detail on a plain feature wall.

For more ideas on creating a rustic or luxurious Italian inspired home, take a look at this week’s latest Pinterest board - Pinterest - Italian Inspired Home