How To Nail The Italian Villa Decor Trend
You don't have to hop on a plane to indulge in an Italian aesthetic. In fact, you can turn your home into an idyllic villa that makes you feel like you're living the foreign dream all the time. Nailing this interior design theme isn't hard or intimidating if you know what to look for and create, and with a few simple additions or changes, your dwelling can become the envy of travel-hungry visitors and guests. Of course, one of the first steps is knowing what falls into the aesthetic, and many of the elements are easy to come by, though some might require slight renovations depending on your home's architectural layout.
Homeowners have long coveted the Italian villa style, and many people embrace it as passionately as they can because of its impeccable outcome. According to MyMove, this theme encompasses ornate, elegant furnishings and high-quality pieces that transform a space from traditional to lavish. So if you're ready to turn your abode into something mesmerizing, follow these tips and watch as every room drips sophistication and far-off vibrations.
1. Accentuate natural materials
One of the most prominent elements in Italian villas is the abundance of natural materials. Because this theme is rooted in history and exudes century-old character, using everything from wood to brick and especially stone is imperative. In addition, you want each room to speak of long-ago magic and romantic dwellings that were inspired by the earth, so aim to display as much natural material as possible.
If your home already boasts some of these, then make sure to accentuate them and turn them into a focal point. Brick or stone fireplaces should have furniture angled around them to draw in the eye, and exposed wood beams are ideal for this aesthetic. According to Casa Tuscany, exposed beams actually make a room feel larger and will add an open, airy ambiance that feels very Italian-influenced. Terracotta floors are also very popular in this theme, and you can add them in easily inside or outside your home. Finally, add wooden furniture for a truly rustic feel that will channel this coastal country's vibe.
2. Find the right color balance
Many Italian villa-inspired homes feature a lot of neutral hues, but you'll likely find bright pops of color throughout, too. The natural materials will already provide a good neutral palette, bringing beige, cream, brown, and taupe into the picture. Burnt reds or soft oranges can also lend a hand in creating the ideal Italian abode, and they complement the subtler shades of wood and stone.
Bricks are an easy way to introduce color, but you can accentuate them with sage green pillows and throws or blush pink curtains, couches, or chairs. The shades and hues you introduce should be inspired by elements found outside a villa in Italy, so olive greens also work, and yellows that mirror flowers. According to House Painting Tutorials, it is acceptable to use blue minimally but opt for cobalt or a similar tone and incorporate it sparingly. This is reminiscent of the sea and will still tie everything together without seeming too out of place.
3. Antiques are key
While this style does embrace some modern aesthetics, it is primarily built on traditional, ornate, antiquated pieces. The Italian villa theme rests heavily on finding furniture and ornaments that look aged but elegant still. Sourcing items can be a fun treasure hunt in local antique stores, flea markets, and thrift shops. Aim to purchase pieces that demonstrate a classy vibration, like gilt mirrors, rugs with low piling and exquisite designs, or brass decorations. Shiny but subtle is a good outline, but you can also look for big focal options like a twinkling chandelier.
EHow recommends buying old furniture and repurposing it to look distressed, which will help you nail the theme without breaking the bank on all new items. Look for antique doorknobs that come in bronze or iron, so even the smallest details exude Italian charm and décor. Don't be afraid to purchase tapestry-inspired chairs or couches if you come across them in a second-hand store since this fabric also fits into the scheme.
4. Let the light in
When you picture an idyllic villa in Italy, you likely envision lots of light that illuminate every room. To really create a picturesque Italian aesthetic, you need to make sure natural light can make as much of an appearance as possible. If you have large windows or a lot of them, make sure they are open and free of oppressive shades or blinds. While you can have these for necessity, keeping your windows open to the sun will instantly channel the foreign vibe you are going for.
Italy might only be considered a partial Mediterranean country, but it still finds influence from this term. The Mediterranean lifestyle is all about indoor and outdoor living, according to Boyce's Roofing & Repair. Natural light plays a vital role since the homes are usually open to expose the interiors to the warmth of the sun. Allow the doors, windows, and even skylights to give your home an easy Italian touch without spending a penny by keeping them open and unshuttered.
5. Limewash your abode
Limewash is one of the most easily recognizable elements of an Italian villa. This technique brings texture and dimension to interior walls, creating an opulent and impressive aesthetic that transports viewers to another time and place. Harper's Bazaar notes that this practice began in Roman times and was achieved by mixing water and crushed limestone, which had first been burned, then added to invent a putty. Because the mixture is nontoxic, it has been used for centuries as a wall finish that is both neutral in color and provides good air quality.
Plaster is used very frequently in Italian villas, and limewash can be applied to existing drywall to replicate plaster. This will give your home an instant palazzo aesthetic that feels both antiquated and modern, which is exactly the ambiance to go for when pursuing this interior design. In addition, by using this technique, you're investing in an authentic backdrop that will make decorating easy because your walls already cry Italian villa vibes!