Whether your dream home is a villa in the countryside or a chic apartment in the city, the classic charm of Italian home decor fills our imaginations when we picture our ideal home. While we can’t help you procure your Tuscan villa, we can help you transform your current abode into an Italian-inspired oasis.
Favor Warm, Natural Colors
If you’ve spent time in Italy, you know that Italians favor warm, natural colors in their interior spaces that cultivate a sense of cozy, rustic comfort. These tones– anything from neutral beiges to earthy browns, greens, and reds—are timeless, and are easy to incorporate into any space.
Opting for wooden furniture is one of the best ways to achieve the rustic charm that’s made Italian design so beloved. While you can certainly choose statement pieces like a wooden dining table, the earthy aesthetic is achievable by sprinkling in accent pieces like wooden frames and end tables, too.
Make Your Dining Area the Focal Point
The focal point of a person’s room reveals a lot about what they care most about. It’s no surprise, then, that in Italian homes you’ll find that special attention is given to one’s dining area.
Is your dining table tucked away in the corner? Are there enough chairs for you to gather around with family and friends? You can let the Italian values of food and family guide you as you rearrange your existing pieces. Or, perhaps you’ll be inspired to decorate your tablescape with lines and tablecloths.
Go Antiquing
Part of decorating like an Italian is choosing to avoid fast furniture made from plastic and other synthetic materials. New isn’t always better. Visit your local antique shops— or go antiquing on Etsy— to find classic pieces that add a touch of history to your space.
Your antiques don’t have to be Italian to capture the lived-in, rustic spirit that makes Italian design so alluring. Find pieces that speak to you and the story you’re telling with your space.
Incorporate Ceramics
Italy is known for its gorgeous ceramics, and there’s no better way to liven up your space than by adding some statement pieces to your collection. Plus, many Italian ceramics are not simply decorative— they’re functional, too, making them a wise investment. From Scicilan serving bowls to handmade dinnerware and carafes, you can start turning your kitchenware into works of art.
Don’t Forget the Wine
While your home may not have a wine cellar, you can still capture the spirit of Italy by dedicating a special space in your home for your wine to be stored and displayed. We recommend going for a wooden wine rack, which you could add to your dining or living room.
Natalli Marie Amato
Natalli Amato is a music and lifestyle journalist from Sackets Harbor, New York. Her bylines include Rolling Stone, Vice, and The Boot. She is also the author of several collections of poetry.