The reputation of Italian style spans many design areas—fashion, architecture, art, and notably—interior design. Whether it’s for a traditional look or more recently, modern furnishings, Italian furniture is timeless and beautiful. Italians have long been known as the most stylish people in the world.
That’s why more and more people are choosing to redecorate their living rooms in a modern Italian style. Are you looking for a fresh, modern, classic look for your living room space?
Read on to learn more about the characteristics of a modern Italian living room and why it is the right choice for you.
The Pillars of Modern Italian Design
Italian design, a timeless and classic style, has continued to evolve and bring great decorative flair to every home. But what exactly is modern Italian design?
Modern Italian design is a fusion of rich Italian culture and its sophisticated style with new contemporary, minimalist designs. It turns away from the busier traditional, intricate styles of the past and makes way for furniture that is modern and fresh. Modern Italian design accomplishes this with a focus on simpler, more refined pieces in toned-down neutral colors.
The style has comfort and luxuriousness at the forefront while pairing the right balance of colors, textures, and stunning accent pieces.
Clean Lines and a Cozy Feel
The modern Italian living room features clean lines and neutrals and limits the patterns and details that are seen in traditional Italian design. It’s a masterful combination of elegance and chic style, while still feeling cozy and warm.
The Italian culture puts great importance on family, friends, and socialization. From this, modern Italian decor has evolved into a beautiful and stylish space that also has a warm, comforting vibe. This differs from other modern design styles which take minimalism to an extreme and have a somewhat overly simplified and stark feel to the rooms.
Neutral, but Far From Boring
Historically, traditional Italian interior design featured dark, intricate wood furniture and incorporated fabrics with detailed patterns in earth tones like brown and burgundy.
A modern Italian living room features an airier, lighter space that predominantly uses neutral hues. This is offset by pops of color, often jewel tones like ruby or emerald, or with bold focal points in a modern style. It is also common to see metallic elements in a modern Italian space, including gold, bronze, and chrome, which add another beautiful, rich element.
A Touch of the Classics
Part of the appeal of a modern Italian living room is the way it blends the old with the new. A chic couch with clean lines is easily paired with unique or antique-style touches for a creative and stylish touch that feels fresh and not at all old-fashioned. To get a real Italian feel, incorporate touches of marble, ceramic, gold leaf, or Murano glasswork.
What to Include in a Modern Italian Living Room
To accomplish a modern Italian-style living room, you must carefully select the pieces you choose for your room. Keep in mind that some people change a few elements to achieve this, and others prefer to re-furnish their space from top to bottom. Here are some of the pieces you should consider.
Couches
Modern Italian couches have clean lines, chic, linear designs, and are made of neutral-colored fabrics and leather. They have a beautiful, minimalist design but are also made to be comfortable and also work well in a relaxed living space.
Sectionals are high on comfort and style and are a chic addition to a modern Italian living space. They come in many luxurious, rich fabrics and leathers and, like most modern pieces, are best in neutral colors.
Armchairs
In a modern Italian living room, an armchair is an opportunity to make a statement. Sophisticated and sleek armchairs in leather, velvet, or high-quality fabric in neutral colors are a great way to incorporate Italian luxuriousness into your room.
Another option is to consider an armchair as a statement piece, either in a bold jewel-toned color or one that takes on a unique design.
Benches and Poufs
While not considered priorities in an Italian living room, benches and poufs are a great way to add some personality to your space. These are beautiful in leather, velvet, and bright-hued fabric for a pop of color. They can be useful in a pinch when you are hosting a big group and are also great in smaller living room spaces.
Tables and Consoles
Coffee tables, end tables, and side tables in a modern Italian living room are sleek and minimalist in design. Some tables come in sets of two or three round or square tables, adding an eye-catching element to your living space. Tables can be purchased in many different materials that all look good in a modern space, such as marble, wood, glass, and mirror-topped.
Consoles also add a beautiful touch to your Italian living room. They often include contrasting textures and shapes which add big appeal to your space.
Light Fixtures
In a modern Italian space, the light fixtures do not fade into the background. A light fixture is a perfect way to add some elegant ambiance and pizazz to a room. Choose floor lamps and table lamps that are made by Italian designers for chic, eye-catching pieces that also serve to bring warm light to the space.
Shelving
When it comes to bookcases, shelving, and storage units, there are great options even within a modern Italian living space. In a modern living room, the shelves have a sleek minimalist feel while still offering the storage that most rooms need.
Choose from wood, metal, or glass options is stunning geometric shapes. Modular units are especially popular and can be configured in many different ways.
The Epitome of Modern Luxury
If you are looking for a living room style that blends modern sophistication with a timeless look, then a modern Italian living room is for you. It’s the perfect combination of an elegant and sleek space that is still warm and welcoming.
Michelangelo Designs offers the best, most complete line of high-end Italian furniture in New Jersey. Contact us for more information about our products or to visit our impressive 40,000 square foot showroom full of the best Italian furnishings.