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Aug 26, 2010

Interior Design The Italian Way

Italian interior design evokes cool modernism, a distinctly urban aesthetic. For others, it conjures up visions of quaint Tuscan villas or crumbling edifices with ornate architectural details. Then there are those who think of breezy Mediterranean beach houses filled with windows, niches and natural light.


1.    Italian interior design often emphasizes space. Open spaces allow the flow of natural light, air and people through the interior. Interior spaces are often integrated with exterior spaces through the use of large picture windows or in the case of cutting-edge architecture, glass walls or floating roofs. In classic Italian design, arches, columns, niches and moldings add dimension to interior space.


2.    Identifying Italian design begins with the materials used. Natural materials such as glass, wood, marble, stone, paper, ceramic tile and leather are common. Rustic design often features unfinished wood beams, planks and furniture. Modern design is typified by clean lines, geometric shapes, floating shelves and modular pieces that sit low to the floor.


3.    A home with Italian interior design is a showpiece. Every detail may carry the design theme, including furniture hardware, window treatments and garden views. Living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens and outdoor areas receive loving attention because they are the primary rooms for entertaining.


4.    Whether or not you have an Italian-designed home, you can evoke Italy through well-chosen accessories. For a Tuscan villa theme, choose major wooden furnishings with artisan touches such as chunky metal hardware, hand-painted trim or distressed finishes. For a modern look, clear the clutter and invest in sleek, angular pieces. Stone elements add the perfect Italian touch to any home. A stone fireplace or wall is ideal, or try a more modest effort such as a mantel lined with river stones or a tabletop featuring a stone finish.


5   Italian design may be ornate and architectural or sleek and glossy, but neither look is child-friendly. Hard surfaces and a preponderance of stone, marble, tile, glass and heavy wood mean that dishes and glasses break easily and surfaces are slippery when wet. Families can soften the look by adding floor cushions, mats, rugs, pillows and other textiles



2 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is really an interesting blog! History, art, and design coming together in an everyday project. For people interested in getting their own style together, I'd recommend checking out the Sweets Network from McGraw-Hill, the company I work for. They have a great directory of manufactures and suppliers. With them at your side, your selections are endless. They have so many choices of exterior stone. Check it out!

Sandstone Suppliers in India said...

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