Timeless, modern, Italian design
What are the pillars of modern Italian living room design?
Before designing your modern, Italian living room, you’re probably going to want a little background on what exactly this type of living room interior design is. (Or not, in which case we wish you well on your guessing journey.)
Modern Italian living room design is rooted in the Bauhaus school, which emphasizes the idea that form follows function. Basically, it’s the idea that a design should be functional first, and aesthetically pleasing second.
As for the “aesthetically pleasing” bit, this type of living room interior design favors a minimalist approach. We’re talking clean lines, open living spaces, mono- or bi-chromatic styles, and a focus on single materials for a timeless look that isn’t weighted down by superfluous “stuff” and decoration.
This is a type of living room interior design that says “luxury” without screaming it. It’s understated, but never under-appreciated. That’s the modern Italian way.
Step 1: Creative Cabinetry
You may think that designing your luxury living room begins with the furniture, but we’re here to tell you different. It starts with the walls. We’ll give you a moment to recover from the shock. 🤯
When we talk about designing your walls, we mean a lot more than just slapping on a coat of paint and calling it a day (that would make for a pretty short article). We’re talking about using the walls of your space to create the environment in which you want to live. Do you want an open space, or do you want it to feel more private and contained? Or maybe you’re looking to create perspective views and an architecture of hide-and-seek (it’s not just for babies, you know!) The idea is to think of your walls as their own design element before you start building, painting, or bringing in furniture.
In modern Italian design, your own blank walls are both a canvas and a key determinant of space plan – not for haphazardly hanging trinkets – but for sculpting the room using a variety of colors and materials that will serve the room’s function while also playing with volume. Living room interior design is about more than just taking a white box and filling it with furniture, it’s about looking at your space from an architectural perspective and molding it into something that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also functionally appropriate.
So what the heck does that even mean?
Take a look at this gorgeous open concept from Olivieri Mobili.
It’s not just a living room, it’s a floor-to-ceiling living system that not only opens up the space, but provides functional storage while also using wood paneling for a pop of color. This type of effect can be created with a variety of materials like wood, lacquer, and stone, for a timeless, luxury look that will make the Italian modernists proud.
And who doesn’t want to make the Italian modernists proud?
Step 2: Focus on the Furniture
Now that we’ve got those blank walls sorted out, it’s time for everyone’s favorite part of interior design: selecting the furniture.
In case you already forgot what we said in paragraph one, achieving a modern Italian look is all about choosing furniture where form follows function (there’s that Bauhaus influence again). So what does that mean? It means choosing pieces that emphasize sleek lines and minimalist forms while also providing you with the comfort you need to truly enjoy your space.
By emphasizing a clean aesthetic built off innovative materials, you’ll be able to design a modern, comfortable room filled with Italian elegance.
Here’s another example from our friends at Olivieri Mobili to help emphasize this point:
Notice how the design elements work together to create a luxury living room that facilitates comfort and conversation.
Or how about the Dylan couch from Minotti?
This modern couch’s modular design favors a continuity of lines and shapes that can accommodate any living room by providing a comfortable space for you, your family, and your guests to relax and converse.
On a similar note, Minotti’s Wedge modern coffee table uses innovative materials (in this case smoked or bronzed glass, Louro Faia wood, and steel) to create a sleek, modern piece that not only fills the function of a coffee table but is also a light, clean, aesthetically pleasing piece that doesn’t overwhelm the space or the eye.
Clean lines + innovative materials + functional design = Italian modern luxury at its finest.
Step 3: Add A Personal Touch
So your walls are designed and your furniture is chosen. Now there’s only one thing missing: you. You can’t create the luxury living room of your dreams without your dreams, after all.
In this final phase of living room interior design, you’ll add the art, books, plants, and beloved décor pieces that make your space yours. Going back to this original example of Olivieri Mobili, we can see that clearly, the person whom this living room was designed for is a big fan of wine. (We’re right there with them 😉)
By incorporating wine storage into the design of their living room, they not only created a timeless, memorable space, but they also created one that is centered on their own interests and tastes (literally).
Still not sure where to get started? We’re here to help. Use NOLI to design your modern, timeless, luxury living room where form follows function and unique personal touches turn what was once just four blank walls into a personalized, modern space teeming with timeless Italian elegance.
