We just want to lounge around in this light-filled living room in Milan, designed by Nate Berkus Associates, which includes many nods to Italian modernism. Photo by Simon Upton
Consider Italian modernism a fresh, playful, irreverent counterpoint to the ramped-up consumerism and mechanized manufacturing of the postwar era. Now-iconic Italian designers such as Paolo Buffa, Giò Ponti and Ettore Sottsass were experimenting with newer materials like polyurethane and plastic composites to devise colorful, curvilinear works that straddle the surreal, the self-reflective and the avant-garde. Even Italian fashion houses like Salvatore Ferragamo and Gucci took note, producing finely tailored garments that oozed sophistication yet were highly comfortable and accessible.
Mid-century Italian interiors — just as the ancient Romans had presaged — were also characterized by a new lightness and airiness that put a premium on lounging and relaxation. Entertaining and familial interactions were highly encouraged. Rooms were large and begot a sense of physical space and, whenever possible, sweeping exterior views. Now and then, serving as reverential nods to Italian nationalism and identity, grand works from the Baroque period would figure prominently into their plans.
Here, we’ve compiled a shoppable mood board of some of the mid-20th century’s most playful, daring works, inspired by Achille Salvagni’s interiors at Villa Albani in Rome.
Italian Modernism Takes Many Forms
1. Murano bullicante-effect glass bowl, 1950s, attributed to Carlo Scarpa for Venini & Co. 2. Italian straw hat with vinyl visor, 1960s. 3. Giacomo Balla for Gavina three-paneled room divider, 1970s. 4. Stilnovo glass-disk pendant lamp, 1950s. 5. Italian modernist sofa, 1960s. 6. Ettore Sottsass Ultrafragola neon-lit mirror, 1970. 7. Ico Parisi velvet armchairs, ca. 1951. 8. Gaetano Pesce for B&B Italia UP7 Foot armchair, 1960s. 9. Alvino Bagni glazed-ceramic horse sculpture, 1960. 10. Paolo Deganello for Cassina Artifici glass and pressed-plastic coffee table, ca. 1960. 11. Emilio Pucci hand-tufted wool area rug, 1968. 12. Blown-glass Pulcino bird sculpture by Peter Pelzel for Vetreria Vistosi, ca. 1961. 13. Gino Paoli embroidered wool dress and coat ensemble, 1960s. 14. Plaster bust of Michelangelo Buonarroti, mid-20th century. 15. Tripod gueridon in the style of Giò Ponti, 1960s.
Motto Moderno Room
The living room of Villa Albani in Rome, designed by Achille Salvagni Atelier, is a colorful, expansive space that’s prime for entertaining. The mix of old and new includes Paolo Buffa armchairs, a wide Vittoria lounge chair by Salvagni and an antique console topped with a classical bust.
Photo by Paolo Petrignani
