Decor Inspiration: Italy

It is absolutely no secret that I am obsessed with Italy. I have been there three times, twice in the last 12 months, and am in love with everything, the culture, the design, the food (despite being gluten free). I’ve been hesitant to put together a how-to travel guide for Italy, because I wouldn’t even know where to start and how much I love it would only translate to scattered thoughts, but one thing that I am am to do is talk about Italy as a design and decor inspiration. I have been slowly but surely adding in touches of Italy into my home since I moved in.

After purchasing my home in 2022, I immediately painted a god-awful giant blue wall in the living room and have been systematically chipping away at the builder-grade grey that I was left with. I’ve been slowly doing limewash and where necessary just going with a nice white to increase the size and space, but the character into a rather new home.

Italy is renowned for its rich history, art, and breathtaking architecture, all of which inspire the timeless charm of Italian-style interiors. Whether you dream of a rustic Tuscan villa or the refined elegance of a Florentine palazzo, designing your home around the Italian style brings warmth, sophistication, and a touch of la dolce vita. With its emphasis on natural materials, earth tones, and artisanal details, this aesthetic blends seamlessly into various settings—even rentals.

Key Elements of Italian Style

1. Natural Materials
   Italian interiors are rooted in natural materials. Think exposed wooden beams, terracotta floors, and stone countertops. Marble, a hallmark of Italian luxury, works beautifully for tabletops or as accents in bathrooms and kitchens.

2. Warm, Earthy Tones
   Neutral palettes dominate Italian design. Shades like terracotta, ochre, and sandy beige create a warm, inviting atmosphere. These tones pair well with soft whites and muted greens, reminiscent of the Italian countryside.

3. Timeless Furniture
   Opt for furniture with a classic, handcrafted feel. Wooden tables with aged finishes, wrought iron bed frames, and leather sofas are staples. For a more ornate look, incorporate details like carved legs or gilded accents.

4. Textured Walls
   Limewashed or plaster walls are a signature feature, offering a rustic yet refined texture. This technique can make even modern spaces feel steeped in history.

5. Artisanal Touches
   Italian style celebrates craftsmanship. Decorate with handmade ceramics, mosaic tiles, and wrought iron light fixtures. Family heirlooms or vintage finds also add authenticity.

6. Connection to Nature
   Large windows, balconies, and indoor plants help bring the outdoors in. Incorporate olive trees (there is some good faux ones avail!) or lavender in your décor for a Mediterranean vibe.

Ways to Incorporate Italian Style

For Homeowners:

• Kitchens: Install open shelving with copper pots, ceramic dishware, and olive oil bottles on display. Use marble or butcher block countertops for a timeless look.

• Living Spaces: Add a stone fireplace as a focal point and use plush, textured fabrics like linen and wool for cushions or curtains.

• Outdoor Spaces: Create an Italian-inspired courtyard with a mosaic-tiled patio, wrought iron furniture, and potted citrus trees.

For Renters:

• Removable Décor: Incorporate Italian-style textiles like patterned throw pillows, rugs, or curtains in Tuscan colors.

• Wall Art: Hang prints of Italian landscapes, classical paintings, or vintage travel posters to set the tone.

• Furniture Swaps: Replace standard rental furniture with second-hand or budget-friendly pieces that mimic the Italian aesthetic, like a farmhouse-style dining table or a carved mirror. Look for rich or neutral wood tones here.

• Kitchen Accents: Use ceramic canisters, a wooden bread box, or decorative wine racks to channel Italian charm without renovations.

How to Limewash Your Walls

Limewashing walls is an affordable, DIY-friendly way to achieve the textured look typical of Italian homes. This eco-friendly paint finish adds depth and a soft, aged appearance to your walls.

Materials Needed:

• Limewash paint (available at specialty paint stores or online - I buy mine from Bauewerk and import it from Germany)

• Primer suitable for limewash (if your walls aren’t porous - Bauework has limewash prep, but also make sure to include a primer)

• Drop cloths

• Painter’s tape

• Natural bristle brush or limewash brush

• Spray bottle filled with water

Steps:

1. Prepare the Walls
   Ensure your walls are clean and free of debris. If your walls are already painted, apply a primer and prep coat to make the surface porous enough for limewash to adhere.

2. Protect the Area
   Use drop cloths and painter’s tape to protect floors, trim, and ceilings from paint splashes.

3. Mix the Limewash
   Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prepare the limewash paint. Most limewash products require dilution with water, allowing you to control the intensity of the color.

4. Apply the Limewash
   Using a natural bristle brush, apply the limewash in crisscross strokes for an uneven, organic look. The paint dries quickly, so work in small sections. I was told to try creating clouds and blending them out. You don’t want to purposefully have these on top of each other, but more of a layered look.

5. Blend with Water
   As the limewash starts to dry, use the spray bottle to mist the surface lightly, softening brush strokes and enhancing the textured effect.

6. Build Layers
   For a more pronounced texture, apply a second coat after the first has dried completely. Adjust the concentration of limewash to create depth and variation.

7. Finishing Touches
   Allow the walls to cure for 24-48 hours. Limewash naturally becomes more matte and muted over time, creating its signature aged look.

Designing your home with Italian influences is about embracing timeless beauty and creating spaces that invite relaxation and connection. Whether you’re incorporating classic features into a permanent home or making subtle changes to a rental, the Italian style offers endless inspiration. Limewashed walls, warm tones, and artisanal details will help you transform your space into a haven of Italian charm, no matter where you live.

-Love E