Italian design chair
Italian furniture is one the most popular forms of furniture in the world. It is beautiful and regal while still being accessible in everyday life. It appears formal and casual at the same time, making it a popular choice for homes across the world. The architectural influences and structural designs help to make up what is known as the classical Italian furniture design. Does this Spark an idea?
History
Italian furniture design began in the 14th century during the Italian Renaissance. According to Furniture Styles, many designers took their influences from classical empires including Greece and Rome. During the Italian Renaissance, the changing architecture helped to create the design of modern pieces. Italian furniture has changed along the same lines of art periods; notable eras include the Rococo and the Baroque styles. While they may differ slightly in their intricacies, the designs and themes are essentially the same.
Style
Italian furniture design is usually made up of larger sized pieces, although modern Italian design has scaled it back a bit. More rustic-looking pieces are called Tuscan furniture, named after the central region of Italy. The lines and structure of ornate Renaissance architecture are translated into the furniture. Modern designs are sleeker but still have that same feel of Old World grandeur.
Texture/Detailing
Textures range from sleek leather to softer twill, and pieces usually come in solid colors. Often times it's the detailing in theses pieces that help them to be recognized as an Italian design. Classical Italian furniture is usually ornately decorated, with scrolling iron and mosaic tiling. Not all pieces are like this; modern styles show a more toned down approach to the work. While the colors are still bright and vibrant, the ornate decorations and mosaics have been streamlined.
Designers
Italy is one of the world's fashion hubs and is home to numerous famous designers. Italy has produced some of the world's greatest furniture designers. Many of Italy's famous designers also worked as architects. Famous names include Gio Ponti who created Cassina's classics the Distex armchair and the Superleggera chair. He designed at the turn of the 20th century. Zanussi is an Italian interior design house well known for their innovative and streamlined washer and dryers. Recently, high fashion moguls, Prada, Versace, Armani and Gucci have been lending their names to interior design pieces.
Where to Shop
Italian furniture can be bought both in stores and online. Cassina, a notable name among Italian furniture, has a store in New York City. Their website allows viewers to look at furniture by designer or by type. B & B Italia boasts shops in Los Angeles, Dallas and New York. There are also online sites where you can shop for Italian furniture designs. Europe by Net is a website that offers designer Italian furniture at a reduced price, up to 40 percent off.
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