Italian style in the interior: sophisticated and cozy classics or Venetian chic?

Historical excursion: how the Italian style appeared in the interior

The interior in the Italian style is beautiful for its versatility - it looks harmonious and appropriate in large houses and cozy country cottages, as well as in small city apartments and studios. This direction in the design of premises stood out from the Mediterranean style. Today, Italian interiors have won the hearts of not only many famous designers, but also ordinary people who want to make their home beautiful and comfortable.

A bright and cozy room in Italian style - everything here is thought out for a comfortable life

Researchers believe that Italian design dates back to ancient Roman times. The luxury and chic of antiquity can be seen in the interiors today - even modest-sized rooms are decorated with bright stained glass windows, patterned ceramic tiles and fancy mosaics. It’s especially nice that the atmosphere of the Mediterranean coast can be created even in a standard city apartment in a metropolis!

Stylish mosaic on the wall is associated with the seashore and shells scattered along it

Historical influence

It would be fair to say that Italian aesthetics have become the basis of modern design. She conveys elegance. The decor often draws on the country's rich culture, featuring traditional art (e.g. murals, sculptures) and a warm color palette that evokes the landscape . However, this doesn't stop Italy from being at the forefront of new design concepts - it often uses classic regional influences to create a stylish mix of new and historical.

Modern Italian style is temperament and endurance

From traditional Roman to contemporary Italian design, bright and airy open plan spaces remain an impeccable trademark. They have been stylized and customized over the centuries according to the cultural and artistic influences of each period. From the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, Baroque to technological innovation, all this has influenced interior design in its latest incarnation.

The Romans were not big fans of furniture, but if they purchased something for their villa, it consisted of rare and expensive materials, was of fine workmanship and graceful form. Even wealthy homeowners only had the essentials:

• couch;
• chairs;
• table;
• lamps.

Italian aesthetics have become the basis of modern design

Sometimes there was a chest of drawers, a wooden cabinet with doors, a charcoal grill, and a water clock. Small, simple decorations eventually became more detailed, sophisticated features on the homes of important figures in Roman society and public buildings. Interior decoration was a necessary component in the Roman lifestyle, transforming and enhancing their living environment.

Wealthy Romans escaped the summer heat in the hills around Rome in their villas. Art played an important role here, for example regarding perspective, which is used in painting, where physical space was immediately increased indoors.

The villa as an architectural model was popular in Tuscany, becoming a hallmark of the Renaissance . The design of a Tuscan villa actually aims to connect the people living in it with the surrounding nature through humanized garden landscapes.

This style is elegance

Modern Italian homes should not be confused with spacious Mediterranean-style homes. They are very sophisticated, with lots of interesting open spaces to comfortably combine traditional values ​​with a modern, latest look.

Chic living room in light and dark colors

It is clear that the needs of modern society are very different from the needs of the aristocracy of the 1500s. Contemporary Italian design is functional, aiming to accommodate families in smaller spaces. It doesn't necessarily sacrifice the artistic value of the design, but it needs to be bolder, edgier to be compelling.

Modern design is functional

Features of interiors in Italian style

In Mediterranean design you can find features of eclectic classics and rococo, Roman antiquity and country, as well as many other styles. However, the Italian style is still distinguished by a number of features that allow it to be immediately identified. These include the following:

• glass doors, massive windows and thin transparent curtains - they beautifully and unobtrusively remind you of the sea wind and warm summer evenings;
• decoration of the premises is carried out using natural materials - wood, Venetian plaster, marble, etc.;
• The color palette of the interiors is dominated by natural shades and pastel tones - beige, white, cream, peach, powder rose, sky blue. To create accents and add flair, emerald green or purple colors are often used;
• exquisite decor can harmoniously combine with massive and large-caliber accessories as well as wood with gilding;
• compositions of artificial flowers, tall living plants in pots and even miniature trees add a zest to Italian design - this creates the atmosphere of a summer garden.

Italian style in lovely details - glass doors, fresh flowers, textiles in a beige palette

Characteristics and Features

Although the Italian architectural style was formed in Britain, it became a collective image that embodied features characteristic of different regions of the country. The appearance of houses may vary in style, but there is something in common that unites them:

1. Low tiled roofs;
2. Wide cornices on brackets;
3. Decorative roof tower, often with a dome and panoramic glazing;
4. Arched or narrow “floor-to-ceiling” windows;
5. Corner bay windows;
6. Several floors;
7. Hemming the roof with wood;
8. Forged railings on the roof, loggias and balconies.

A distinctive feature of the design was the tranquility of the sunny peninsula. Italians have a bright temperament, and their style is characterized by traditionalism and restraint. The influence of the prim British is clearly visible here. They, as lovers of observing traditions, retained this concept in their new architectural direction. The result was a symbiosis of Italian temperament and English constancy. Here you can feel the breath of antiquity and the unpretentiousness of country, a combination of monumentality and simplicity, this is the main difference between the variation of the style that has become most widespread in the world.

The love for patios transformed into large loggias-terraces, with arched spans, large windows-doors and decorative railings. Thick stone exterior walls enhance the rural, everyday feel. The layout of the houses is standard, European, but the appearance is strikingly different from them. The color of the facades immediately catches your eye. The palette of shades is rich and varied: chocolate, wine, peach, yellow, purple, tiramisu. Each of the colors can vary within its own tint and tone gradations. A combination of two different textures and shades is often used (for example, brick and plaster).

Varieties of Italian style in the interior

Depending on the geographic location, there are several directions of Italian interior design. Below we will talk in more detail about each.

Florentine style

It unites several completely different movements: art deco, classicism and baroque. Florentine interiors are recognizable by their noble elegance of lines and light colors. Natural materials are welcome - hand-crafted wood, patterned silk, historical-themed tapestries and luxurious velvet. Only respectability and aristocracy!

Florentine style - grace and respectability in every line

Neapolitan style

The shade of Neapolitan ice cream in the interior of the house is a great option for those who love calm and soft colors. Delicious vanilla, relaxing creamy, romantic pink and soothing pistachio will help create an unsurpassed atmosphere of comfort and warmth in an apartment or country mansion.

Neapolitan style pleases with pastel colors that create an atmosphere of comfort

Important: we recommend paying special attention to textiles - colored pillows, fluffy blankets, designer curtains in a lilac palette perfectly highlight the Neapolitan style.

Tuscan style

Appeared in Tuscany, a region located in the central part of Italy. Today, this design direction contains notes of other styles: for example, French and Spanish. Tuscany is characterized by interiors created using natural materials. Pistachio color looks especially good - its softness and unobtrusiveness allows you to make the atmosphere of your home cozy and warm.

This is interesting! The designers are inspired by the incredible architecture of Italy, the vineyards of Spain and the castles of France. The walls are usually decorated with frescoes or stucco, and the ceiling beams are made of wood. Dishes and sets painted with flowers and birds, fruit vases, and lace textiles are suitable for decoration.

Flower chairs are the choice of creative people!

Bright accents highlight the individuality of the home owners

Sicilian style

It is characterized by natural materials, simple and cozy furnishings, creating an incomparable atmosphere of peace and quiet. Some designers stylize the walls of rooms to look like raw stone - this is how they get the effect of cave vaults. The color scheme is muted and warm - beige, milky, mint. Tiles with geometric patterns or abstraction look especially appropriate on the floor.

Sicilian design - stylization of the walls of the room under the arches of a cave

Memphis

A relatively new style based on bold, experimental and unexpected solutions. It is characterized by a mix of different colors and textures, as well as a rejection of all conventions and traditional rules. Memphis will appeal to strong personalities and travelers seeking creative expression and freedom. Try to make your home surprising, beautiful and individual, without conforming to generally accepted norms and patterns. The result will definitely please you!

Decorative wall panel - a bright element for Memphis fans

Contemporary

It emerged around the second half of the twentieth century - it was the result of a beautiful mix of constructivism, minimalism and lightness of Scandinavian interior design. There are no strict recommendations or rules for decorating premises, since contemporary is most likely a unique approach and method of organizing space.

Contemporary - brevity and simplicity

Important: a key rule for designers: all elements of furnishings and decor must be combined with each other. If several styles are used, then this should be implemented harmoniously and in compromise.

Luxury Modern

Luxury and exclusivity, chic and the highest quality of every detail of the furnishings - all this distinguishes luxury modern. Of course, such a design is not budget, but it’s hard to ignore luxury interiors. They immediately capture the imagination. Distinctive features of the style:

• high ceilings;
• large areas;
• expensive and exclusive textiles;
• panoramic windows and glass walls;
• unusual and chic furniture made to order;
• thoughtful lighting system and designer lamps.

Luxury Modern is suitable for the design of villas and country houses

Mediterranean style

The romantic and simple beauty of warm European countries, expressed in light, sea and beige shades in the design of the premises and in the decor itself. The Mediterranean is also characterized by a love of natural materials - the following are often used in design:

• wood of different species;
• wrought iron - lamps, hangers, photo frames and similar items;
• ceramic decor - vases, figurines, panels;
• wicker chairs and tables;
• cotton textiles.

Wicker baskets as an element of Mediterranean design

The wrought iron fireplace screen immediately attracts the eye

Tip: the Mediterranean style dictates special rules for designers - it is very important to take into account the size and features of the room when developing a project. For example, ceilings play a big role - they simply have to be high. Otherwise, the ceiling should be visually “raised” due to the color scheme and the use of wide baseboards.

Country style

It is based on naturalness and lightness, devoid of pretentiousness and artificiality. Typically, rustic-style rooms are decorated with heavy solid planks and distressed retro wooden doors with rough fittings. The ceiling beams and carved windows fit perfectly into the interior. For the living room you can choose a low soft sofa with a fluffy blanket, and for the bedroom - a bed made of solid wood.

The wooden ceiling sets the tone and makes the room cozy and warm

Splendor and simplicity together

Italian architects of antiquity, like modern designers, prefer the maximum use of natural materials, and this condition applies to literally everything: exterior decoration, interior design, furniture, furnishings, color schemes, decor, and more.

Of course, the facades of the houses did not go unnoticed. Building materials production companies offer modern finishing materials of the highest quality, including exclusive options.

Simple one-story Italian house

When arranging facades, such a material as natural stone is especially in demand: we can talk about marble, travertine, granite and other rocks.

In addition to beauty, such a facade ensures reliability and durability, so it is ready to serve more than one generation of owners. When using such materials for a long time, there will be no need for facade reconstruction.

Examples of interiors in Italian style

For inspiration, look at how the design of premises for various purposes is implemented in Italian-style houses and apartments.

Living room

A place where the whole family gathers in the evenings and on weekends - conversations, tea, social networks, reading books, watching films and playing with children. Such a room simply must be cozy and functional! Italian style will help make the living room the soul of the whole home. Upholstered furniture, muted colors, comfortable and warm textiles, appropriate lighting - and your home will turn into the most wonderful place on earth.

Cozy and warm living room for a large family

Bedroom

The optimal color for the walls is beige or peach, and the floor is best made from natural boards. Just imagine how pleasant it will be to get out of bed in the morning and walk towards the large window on the warm wooden floor! You can choose elegant upholstered furniture with wooden legs. Tall floor lamps in a classic style and discreet frescoes on the walls are perfect for decoration.

Italian bedroom - large windows with thin airy tulle, light shades of furniture and wooden floors

Important: do not overload the room with unnecessary details - refuse heavy curtains and give preference to thin and flowing tulle curtains.

Kitchen

There are a lot of options for decorating a dining room and kitchen in the Italian style - it all depends on your imagination and the size of the room. For example, you can beautifully mix a chic marble countertop with carved kitchen cabinets. Or a large solid wood table and soft chairs on graceful legs. The main thing is to let the kitchen be sunny and warm!

Bright and spacious kitchen with an emphasis on wooden materials

Hallway

Italian interior is especially appropriate in the hallway if it has a large area. It is convenient to decorate the floor with tiles with patterns, and the walls can be decorated with natural wood. It's easy to add some zest: use modern artificial lighting systems. For example, sconces and candelabra fit well into the interiors of hallways.

An unusual and stylish shelf in the hallway emphasizes the Italian style

Bath

To decorate the floor, it is better to use tiles, porcelain stoneware, and tiles. Walls should be decorated with frescoes or mosaics. Bedside tables and small wooden cabinets fit very nicely and comfortably into the interior of an Italian bathroom. You can decorate the room with an original mirror and wall lamps or spots.

Figured mirror - the highlight of the bathroom interior

A shaped mirror goes well with a stone sink

Children's

For children and teenagers, the main thing in the interior is comfort. Aesthetics usually comes second. That is why an Italian-style apartment with a separate nursery for a child is the right decision. Light shades of furniture, functional lamps, soft and cozy textiles, natural materials. For a good mood, it is worth adding original frescoes and paintings.

An original bed with ears makes you smile

Bedroom interior

Italian bedrooms are distinguished by their luxury and sophistication. Mostly pastel colors are used for decoration. The most common shades for wall decoration are beige and ivory.

To make a bedroom set, it is better to use wood species such as oak or pine. It is better to coat the surface of the wood with varnish; you can use stain. You can also use wood to cover the floor, but it is better to give preference to marble or tiles that imitate stone.

The design of the bed is characterized by its bulkiness and volume. Options for making beds from wood or metal are allowed. Forged headboards, decorated in the form of original carvings, or soft edges of the bed, upholstered in expensive material, are the most obvious Italian notes in the design of the bedroom.

A mandatory attribute of an Italian bedroom are bedside tables, ottomans or coffee tables. All furniture must be made in the same style using the same materials.

Decoration of walls, floors, ceilings

Information and recommendations for finishing different parts of the room are collected in the table:

Decor, lighting and textiles

It is better to give preference to plain curtains and tulle without any complex details - the Italian style is beautiful and effective precisely because of its simplicity and lightness. Let there be a lot of natural light in the rooms! If you want to dilute the softness of the color palette with bright shades, then add printed pillows or unusual paintings for decoration.

Printed pillows add a playful touch to the interior

An original painting and a comfortable bed harmoniously coexist with each other

Wall sconces, elegant forged chandeliers, and tall floor lamps are perfect for lighting apartments and houses in the Italian style.

A textured chandelier brings the entire interior together into a single whole.

Choosing furniture to create an Italian style design

Furniture in Italian style is characterized by sophistication and the spirit of aristocracy. If you gravitate towards the classics, then you should opt for beds, tables and chairs made of valuable and expensive wood. In the case of upholstered furniture, it is important to pay attention to the upholstery - fabric or leather must be of high quality and respectable.

For example, a modular corner sofa is an excellent choice for a spacious living room. Its textured fabric, soft shapes and beautiful color are unlikely to leave anyone indifferent.

A modular corner sofa will decorate any living room

Curly mirrors can be used as an exclusive and unusual decor. For example, in the form of the sun. After all, the first association with Italy is lots and lots of sunshine and, of course, the sea!

Solar mirror - an interesting accent on interior details

It is better to choose tables for the kitchen or living room from natural wood - they are not only practical to use, but also look luxurious in the interior.

Extendable wooden table - convenient to use and pleasant to look at

Also, don't forget about art. Paintings have always been an excellent addition to the interior. Italy is characterized by an abundance of bright colors and rich flowers, city landscapes and still lifes. The choice is yours.

Painting in Italian style - a manifestation of your good taste

You can observe the original Italian style in the film adaptation of Romeo and Juliet directed by Franco Zeffirelli. Review of the interior in the film.

For more information about new trends in Italian style, watch the video: