FROM RENAISSANCE ART TO WALLPAPER: ITALIAN INSPIRED-DECOR TRENDS THAT ARE ELEVATING OUR WALLS

Sep 27, 2023
3 min read

POV: you just returned from Italy and you just CAN’T. GET. OVER. IT.

For me, I see Italy through the gorgeous lenses of my favorite Gucci sunglasses while drooling over all the epic art, rich history, and unmatched fashion that defines the culture and style of it all. But Italy's influence goes soooooo beyond its borders: it reaches the walls of our homes in which you don’t have to travel to Italy to soak it all in. Instead, bring the allure of Italy’s influence on design straight to the interiors of your own home. In this post, we'll explore how Crown The Cool is putting a spotlight on Italian art and wallpaper trends to give gorgeous life and new designed approaches. Forget boring walls, instead lets turn them into canvases of beauty and sophistication that will make you feel like you are living the (Italian) White Lotus life.

A mixture of Italian photos, prints, textures and colors. — These Italian patterns, texture and depth are truly to die for.

MURALS + FRESCOES

Ok, let’s throw it back with a little Art History. The Renaissance, a period of unparalleled artistic and cultural bloom in Italy, has had a lasting impact on interior design and more specifically wall decor. During this era, prominent artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael adorned the walls of churches, palaces, and homes with stunning murals and frescoes.

And while not all of us have the means to commission a modern-day Michelangelo, the dream of bringing a touch of Renaissance elegance to our homes is sooooo attainable and for a fraction of the cost. Imagine wallpapers that feature classic fresco motifs, like intricate scrollwork and trompe-l'oeil architecture, which have become a popular design of choice. It captures the grandeur of the past while still being easily accessible.

SILK WALLS (YES, PLEASE)

Venice, the "Queen of the Adriatic," has long been synonymous with luxury and opulence. Venetian silk wallcoverings, adorned with sumptuous patterns and rich colors, were once a hallmark of Venetian palaces.

Today, modern wallpapers often emulate the lavishness of Venetian silk with embossed textures, metallic finishes, and jewel-toned hues. These gorgeous wallpapers create a sense of decadence and can transform a room into a palace-like Italian retreat.

ITALIAN GARDEN ELEGANCE

Give me all of the greenery. Italian gardens are renowned for their lush greenery and vibrant floral displays. The beauty of these gardens has inspired artists and designers for centuries.

Today, floral wallpaper designs, reminiscent of Italian gardens, are such a timeless choice. Whether it's delicate blossoms or bold, oversized botanical prints, these wallpapers bring a touch of the Italian outdoors inside, infusing rooms with life and color.

AN ITALIAN TWIST TO A FRENCH CLASSIC

Toile de Jouy, a type of decorative fabric or wallpaper, was originally French. However, Italian-inspired toile designs are a unique variation that have emerged over time. These designs often depict scenes of Italian countryside life, from charming villages to vineyards and olive groves.

Today, Italian toile wallpapers capture the romance of Italy's countryside. (Swoon!) They transport you to idyllic landscapes and offer a sense of tranquility that is perfect for bedrooms, dining rooms, or even powder rooms.

MODERN ITALIAN WALLPAPER TRENDS

We can all agree that Italy's impact on contemporary design is undeniable. Modern Italian wallpaper trends blend innovation with tradition. They dare to be dangerous, and experiment with materials, textures, and patterns, offering a wide range of options for those looking to infuse Italian style into their homes. Here are just a few of my favs:

CONCRETE PRINTS: Inspired by Italian architecture, concrete prints on wallpaper bring an industrial edge to modern spaces while nodding to Italy's urban landscapes.
MARBLE + TERRAZZO: Wallpaper that mimics the elegance of Italian marble and terrazzo floors is a sleek choice for adding sophistication to interiors (that is also more cost effective than buying the actual material!).
GEOMETRIC PATTERNS: Often seen in Italian fashion, geometric patterns are just too cool, making their way onto wallpaper and adding a touch of modernity and playfulness.

CONCLUSION: ITALY FOREVER

From the grandeur of the Renaissance to the charm of Venetian silk and the tranquility of Italian gardens, Italy's influence on design and specifically wall decor trends is ever-present and now, you can live it whenever you want…and in your own home…Every. Damn. Day. Whether you prefer classic elegance or a modern twist, Italian-inspired wallpaper allows you to turn your walls into works of art that tell a story of Italy's rich cultural heritage.

So, the next time you're considering a little wall facelift, take a cue from Italy (and my obsession with wallpaper). Now, let’s grab a glass of Chianti, put on some Andrea Bocelli, and let’s let the spirit of Italy infuse our homes with La Dolce Vita. Ciao, bella! Your epic Italian-inspired home oasis awaits.