If you had a resolution to learn a little bit of Italiano this year, you’re in luck! Regular Italian classes may start with the basics like how to say good evening (“buonasera”), please (“per favore”), or friend (“amico”). We’re going to start by teaching you five Italian words to guide your modern home design. Modern Italian design can be broken down into five principles: minimalismo, senza tempo/classico, monomaterico, sartorialità, and durabilità. Not sure what that means? Don’t worry – we’re about to dig a little deeper into these terms and how you can use them to help add a little more dolce vita to your design process (with examples from the NOLI portfolio for each so you can see exactly what we’re talking about 😉).
1. Minimalismo
Minimalismo stands for minimalism, the principle of visual silence. Design that is minimalismo is simple, functional, and devoid of clutter, with clean lines, and neutral colors leaving space for the eye (and the mind!) to rest. For example, this kitchen NOLI designed in Amberley Village, Cincinnati for an architect and his wife:
As you can see, the monochromatic, neutral palate of the kitchen creates a calming space of visual rest, making it easier for the chef to focus on his or her cooking, and their guests to focus on their conversation.
2. Senza tempo / Classico
Senza tempo (also known as classico) is the principle of timelessness. Design that is senza tempo is not influenced by trends. It maintains its elegance regardless of era for a universal, lasting appeal. For example, look at this luxury remodel NOLI created for clients in Maineville, Ohio.
Through the use of natural materials like wood and quartz, we created a kitchen design rooted in timeless simplicity that our clients will be able to enjoy for years to come.
3. Monomaterico
Monomaterico is the principle of using a single material. Modern Italian design often focuses on using a single (preferably natural) material – like stone – to create an integrated, look that is both minimalismo and senza tempo. Not sure what we mean? Take a look at this example from the NOLI portfolio of this East Walnut Hills, Cincinnati remodel:
As you can see, the all-stone island (yes! Including the drawers!) serves as the central focus of this unique kitchen. The monomateric island is made of sintered stone, and is paired with tall, solid oak cabinetry. The result? A dramatic, visually stunning space that is free from overwhelm.
4. Sartorialità
Sartorialità is the principle of sartorial quality. Design that has sartorialità uses custom, high-quality materials with special attention paid to detailing and personalization. In fashion, “sartorial quality” usually refers to the expert tailoring of garments, or pairing garments with a high level of craftsmanship to create a classic look.
For interiors, it means the design of the space is tailored to the client, reflecting their unique sensibility and style, while also relying on high-quality materials and detailing. Can you spot the sartorialità in this spa bathroom NOLI designed in Cincinatti’s brewery district?
When it comes to sartorialità, it’s all about the details. While you may not be able to see it at first, this spa bathroom was designed specifically with the client’s needs in mind, meaning that hidden within the floating vanity is all the storage space they need for the bath products they love.
It is small, personalized details like this that you and your designers can use to bring the quality of sartorialità to any space.
5. Durabilità
Durabilità is the principle of durability. From the perspective of sustainability, Italian craftsmanship puts a heavy emphasis on durabilità. This means you will often see natural materials like stone, metal, and wood being used over synthetic or manmade materials. We have examples of durabilità all over the NOLI portfolio, but here’s one we particularly love:
This kitchen island uses both walnut and quartzite for a look that truly exemplifies durabilità. Thanks to the use of these high-quality, natural materials, our clients will be able to rely on and enjoy this kitchen island for years to come.
Ben fatto! (Well done!) You just completed your crash course in designing in Italiano. If you want help integrating any of these five modern Italian design principles into your next home remodel, NOLI has years of experience doing exactly that. Use the contact page or stop by our showroom to get started.
