There’s no denying it – Italians have good taste. Whether it’s food, clothes, cars, jewelry, or handbags, Italians always manages to impress. It may come as no surprise, then, that interior design is one of Italy’s strong points. From the beautiful and intricate ceiling and wall designs of the Renaissance to the fascinating mosaics of the Roman Empire, interior design has been a focus of Italian life and culture for hundreds of years.
Here are some Italian style house design tips that you can use.
House Design Tips
- Combining Old With New
With such a rich history, one focus of Italian design is to preserve the country’s past within architecture. When you roam the streets of any city or town in Italy, you’ll notice many older buildings. However, inside, you may be surprised to discover furniture and design in a more modern approach.
Mixing up both old and new styles in interior design is very common for Italians.
If you don’t live in a beautiful, aging, old building, don’t worry because you can still recreate these characteristics of Italian design. Have a hunt around antique markets and second-hand furniture stores for vintage furniture to add a rustic touch to a contemporary home.
- A Clever Use of Space
If you’ve ever visited any locals in Italy, then you may be aware that many Italian homes tend to be pretty cozy. With many Italians living in high-rise block buildings, dwelling in an apartment with limited space is common. For this reason, Italians are the masters of creating space and can transform a small room into an area that appears light, spacious, and airy. Through the thoughtful placement of furniture, lighting, and other architectural tips and tricks, Italians can easily create a space that feels large, bright, and generous.
- The Living Kitchen
What’s a living kitchen, you may wonder? Well, it’s exactly as it sounds.
In Italian culture, the kitchen has expanded over the years to become somewhere to chill in and socialize, not just somewhere to cook, clean, and work. The heart of the home, the kitchen is where the family gathers at the end of a tiring working day to chat, make food, and relax together. Create your own living kitchen in the home by placing a seating area in the room to encourage people to stay and socialize. Why not try your hand at some authentic homemade Italian pasta to embrace the concept fully?
- Natural Materials
Another famous feature of Italian interior design characteristics is the use of natural materials. In Italian interior design, the mix of wood, stone and metals is done effortlessly.
It’s the beautiful mosaic tile floor, the glamorous marble countertop, and the metal and wood accents in the furnishings.
- Smart Lighting
Lighting is a big part of Italian interior design. However, there isn’t one formula or style for choosing lighting in Italian décor. Rather, the style of lighting is adapted to suit the specific architectural style of the home or property. If you live in a city apartment, a big, dramatic, and sparkling chandelier is a great way to emphasize the height of the flat.
Or to create a gentle, diffused and soft light, consider placing several floor and table lights in the room.
These are some of the most characteristic and typical Italian style house interior design tips.
