Ceramic tiles and mosaics in the interior. Italian style in the interior: how to give an apartment or house a touch of sunny luxury (93 photos) How to distinguish original Italian tiles from fakes

The Italian style in the interior is a subspecies of the Mediterranean style and represents the eclecticism of baroque and spacious country. According to the climatic diversity, the Italian style is also divided into categories and is successfully used by designers to decorate the interiors of not only houses, but also city apartments.

Origin of style

The Italian style originated on the southern shores of the Mediterranean and has undergone some modifications. The prerequisites for its appearance were an increase in the number of settlements and the development of suburbs, from which a large number of wooden finishes and solid furniture are used in the Italian style.

The photo shows the interior of the kitchen in turquoise color with majolica on the kitchen apron and with a combined floor finish with laminate and tiles.

Italian heritage, paintings and frescoes, reproductions of masters, stained glass are still used today to create a unique style. The ancient past and the Roman Empire, the Renaissance left columns, arches, pilasters, molding, sculptures, a penchant for pairing and symmetry in the Italian interior. Warm shores, vineyards and the sea have become the main inspirations for the color palette.

Today in the interior there is a continuity of the classics and the preservation of antiques, handmade decor and books that have entered the modern Italian style of apartments.

Distinctive features and colors

The Italian interior is similar to the Rococo style, has the features of the classics, but still differs in some characteristics.

1. An abundance of textures and a harmonious combination of exquisite decor with massive accessories, a combination of wood with gilding and glass.
2. Combination of French castle style and rustic style, sophistication and practicality.
3. Baroque eclecticism with country style and detachment from the simplicity of a rustic interior.
4. Use of natural materials for finishing (Venetian plaster, stone, solid wood) and natural palette.
5. Trees and tall plants in pots are often used to create the effect of a summer garden, arches, columns, uneven lining of vaults.
6. A large window, glass doors and light tulle are reminiscent of the long Italian summer and the warm sea breeze.
7. Of the colors, preference is given to creamy and beige shades, blue, purple and green for accent.

The photo shows the interior of the living room with decorative beams and a forged pendant chandelier in the central area.

Varieties of style

The concept of the Italian interior remains the same, but is expressed from a different angle based on the geography of the origin of the style.

Impregnated with naturalness and freshness, only wood, heavy solid board, doors with scuffs and iron fittings, beams, solid bed, low sofa are used for decoration.

Stonework, marble, natural textiles, the absence of bright colors and homemade decor create an Italian country style.

The photo shows an Italian country bedroom interior with massive dark furniture and wood paneling on the attic floor of a country house.

It features arched openings, high ceilings, frescoes, a combination of ocher and soft yellow, soft lighting, wrought iron lamps, wicker decor, vessels, natural flowers, carved frames and figurines.

Italian classic style

Prone to ostentatious luxury, characterized by natural furniture with carvings, ceiling decoration with frescoes or stucco with a voluminous chandelier, arches or columns. For decor, tableware in the buffet, clocks, paintings, frames and homemade accessories are used. There are large windows or access to a balcony, veranda, bay windows, free space and combined areas, interior doors and partitions are rarely used.

It comes from the province of Tuscany and combines the features of Italian, French and Spanish styles. The interior is inspired by nature, warmth, architecture, vineyards and cypresses. Primary colors: brown, olive, ocher, blue and yellow.

For walls use aged plaster, stucco or frescoes. Beams are not hidden, tiles, marble, granite are laid on the floor. The furniture is decorated with paintings, vases with fruits, painted dishes, lace serve as decor.

It preserves the traditions of the classical interior, but uses modern finishing materials (wallpaper, decorative plaster, finished frescoes), laminate and decorative stone. Wood can be replaced with MDF, and marble with acrylic. Beams can be made from PVC structures and false molding, columns can be used. From the furniture, modern sofas and a coffee table are used along with a bar and chest of drawers.

The photo shows a modern interior with wall sconces, which are the only sources of light according to the canons of the Italian style, combined with a stone floor and white walls.

Apartment interior

Kitchen

The Italian Mediterranean style kitchen has distinctive features that make urban cuisine look summery. When decorating an apron, it is important to use mosaics, majolica, tiles with ornaments in green and blue tones.

The floor should be plain stone, tile, laminate. Furniture should be matte, wooden or with painted MDF facades. The dining table is selected from wood, the countertop is made of marble. Forging is combined with a wicker vine against the background of plastered, painted walls or plain wallpaper in beige, pistachio and orange.

Living room

In a Mediterranean-style interior, the living room should have a wide window or it should be decorated with curtains so as to leave the window as open as possible. For the floor, a board with scuffs and roughness is used.

Suitable plaster, wallpaper for painting with imitation of bark beetle, massive wooden doors with cracked texture. Forged chandeliers, wicker chairs, low sofas are suitable for an Italian interior.

The photo shows the interior of the living room with a wide window, patterned curtains against the background of plain wall decoration, wicker decor and porcelain dishes.

Bedroom

In the Italian interior, the bedroom should not be overloaded with difficultly draped curtains; light curtains, taffeta, and plain curtains are suitable for this style.

Straw and sand shades, natural floor finishes, wooden furniture with legs are selected for the walls. The style of the bedroom can be seen in the absence of unnecessary decor, curtains to match the walls, classic floor lamps, frescoes.

Children's

The interior of the children's room should be different from the bedroom, there is a combination of bright colors and patterns. The furniture is painted white, the ceiling is plastered or wooden, the bed has legs and a wrought-iron headboard.

The photo shows a modern Italian nursery interior with a wooden table, chalkboard, modern furniture, flowers and homemade decor.

Bathroom

The interior of the Italian-style bathroom features wooden cabinets, white, green, gold and blue finishes. Tiles, porcelain tiles, mosaics, frescoes and decorative tile compositions are used.

Porcelain stoneware under a stone or dark oak color is laid on the floor. Accessories - a mirror, wooden towel holders, plants, candlesticks instead of sconces.

Home interior

In a country house, Italian style is easier to create due to its original spaciousness and easy access to nature. Arches and high ceilings, large mirrors, wrought iron and stone, plants and wooden beams will reveal the Italian interior.

An important attribute of the living room is a large window, which can be made by combining two window openings.

The spacious kitchen should be of an island type made of solid wood with a large round dining table.

The bathroom must have a large mirror and a wrought iron chandelier.

The bedroom and the nursery do not differ from the interiors of the Italian-style apartment.

In the photo there is an attic bedroom with wallpaper and wood trim, a bed with legs and not overloaded with decor. Crystal wall sconces are the source of light.

Finishing

Walls

For wall decoration in the Italian style, natural shades of yellow and gold, beige and brown are used. Monochromatic wallpapers, liquid wallpapers that create the effect of color transition and soft plaster, stone cladding, varnished wood panels and plaster are used.

Floor

In the Italian interior, the floor should be either stone marble, which gives a reflection, or wood (laminate, parquet, board) with the effect of aging and abrasion.

Ceiling

For the ceiling in the Italian style, beams, plaster, uneven clay-like texture are used, there are no moldings. The ceiling is quite high and simple, it is decorated with a wide hanging chandelier with a wrought iron or wooden frame.

Features of the choice of furniture

Furniture for the Italian style is selected massive, wooden and low. The sofa and chair can be with forged decor, there are also rattan chairs.

The living room must have a low table near a squat sofa and a pair of armchairs. A chest of drawers, stools, a sideboard, a rack, a wardrobe are placed freely from each other and not along the walls. Furniture can be sanded for artificial aging.

The photo shows a classic Italian interior with a bronze chandelier, paintings, Venetian plaster and natural-colored classic furniture with a coffee table. Furniture is arranged spaciously without accumulations in one zone.

Textile selection

To design an Italian window, you need to use light fabrics without additional decor and garters. Fastening only on a forged or tubular cornice. Basically, it is better to give preference to natural textiles made of linen or cotton.

Plain curtains, translucent organza, tulle, taffeta will do. Also, the window is often left without curtains, you can use blinds. Curtain colors are available in natural green and yellow, as well as white or beige.

Lighting and decor

Lighting should be unobtrusive and soft, diffused from the main source. Local lighting is also used with 5-6 wall sconces, which provide shading in the center of the room. Ceiling lamps, forged chandeliers are also suitable.

The photo shows the interior of the house with an arch, a fresco, a forged chandelier and a plastered wall. In the kitchen, ornamental tiles and a marbled decorative stone worktop are used.

For decoration are used:

• ceramic dishes (vessels and plates, amphorae and earthenware cups);
• candlesticks made of metal and ceramics;
• a bowl of fruit;
• carpet;
• paintings in frames;
• frescoes and reproductions;
• modeling and mosaic, pilasters;
• fresh flowers and plants in pots.

Photo gallery

Italian style can be embodied in the interior not only of a house, but also of an apartment with a wide window and the necessary accessories. The style also has several varieties, among which you can choose a more suitable antique or modern rhythm. Below are photo examples of the interior of rooms in the Italian style.

Italian tiles are widely known all over the world for their unique technical characteristics, as well as an unusually attractive design. The success is associated with the rich, unique cultural and historical heritage of the Mediterranean country, which includes handicraft traditions in working with ceramics.

original traditions

Ceramic tiles have been produced in Italy for more than 10 centuries in a row. It all started with the decoration of churches on the island of Mallorca, later the material made of red clay fell in love with the local representatives of the aristocracy. Ceramic decoration of the interior of the house or facade clearly demonstrated the high social status of the owner. The release of majolica (tiles covered with a special colored glaze) was the next stage in the development of traditional Italian crafts.

The peculiarities of ceramic tiles from Italy include their production in small family factories. In total, there are more than 350 such brands in the country, located in the regions of Regio Emillia and Modena, known for their deposits of valuable red clay. It is to this material that the products of Italian brands owe their extraordinary qualities and an attractive, warm shade. Production features were kept secret and passed on to their heirs and continuers of the family business.

Many factories in our time practice the production of products created using manual labor. Professional designers prepare an individual, unique ornament for each customer, which is subsequently made in a limited batch.

During the production process, special molds are made into which the secret composition is poured and then baked. There are also larger companies supplying tiles, borders, panels and decor. a certain company gives a complete picture of the proposed range. The combination of innovative technologies and centuries-old traditions made it possible to obtain unusually high-quality products - Italian tiles.

Advantages of Italian ceramic tiles

Italian materials for floor and wall finishing are considered to be among the best in the world. Their undoubted advantages include resistance to increased loads and abrasion. Compliance with the technology will allow you to get a durable and very practical coating that will not lose its original appearance throughout the entire service life.

An important indicator of Italian tiles is a high level of rigidity. Even increased loads are not able to deform the finishing material. This parameter is especially appreciated when arranging the internal space of public spaces with high traffic: cinemas, shopping centers, educational institutions.

Fire resistance is also one of the advantages of using Italian ceramic products. Due to this indicator, it can be successfully used as a finishing material for fireplaces, aprons near stoves and stoves. The excellent thermal conductivity of Italian tiles is an indispensable property, thanks to which it is possible to create a “warm floor” floor covering. At the same time, the thermal energy generated as a result of the operation of heating devices is spent as efficiently as possible.

In addition, the image on ceramic tiles from Italy does not lose saturation and clarity over time. Products are resistant to water, direct sunlight and are not affected by fungus and mold.

Options for premises of various purposes

Italian factories produce original collections designed for various rooms:

Living room;

Hallway and many others.

Depending on the type of premises, products acquire a certain design and technical characteristics. So, Italian bathroom tiles have high moisture resistance and can be decorated with the appropriate pattern: shells, fish, sea waves, and so on. Thanks to a special rough surface, such a finishing material is not at all slippery and therefore completely safe. Similar properties are different and tiles for the kitchen. Options for the living room or hallway delight the owners with a stylish and modern design that goes well with an existing interior solution or allows you to create a new one.

Tiles from Italy are always in fashion

Italy is known as a trendsetter in the world of fashion in the field of clothing, but the same can be said about tiles. It is no coincidence that many outstanding ceramic artists were born and raised in this sunny country. Both compatriots and customers from other states actively cooperate with them. As a result of this partnership, original collections appear that captivate the viewer with the beauty and harmony of the pattern.

Today, Italy is the undisputed leader in the field of creating the actual design of finishing materials.

The nature of the ornament may differ depending on the room where the tile is used. For the kitchen, more cheerful and carefree plots are chosen, for the living room - solemn or classic options, for the bathroom - soothing and harmonious marine patterns.

Italian tiles, the catalog of which is presented on the site, can be made not only in the classic, but also in a bolder avant-garde style.

Original color schemes, unusual ornaments and textures provide great opportunities for experimentation, which will be appreciated by creative people.

Such options can be used when zoning a room, as they can be used to successfully place accents and establish a hierarchy in the interior.

Original and high-quality production is capable to give to design originality and originality. A creative and competent approach to use as a finishing material will turn your own home into a great place to work and relax.

The quality of Italian bathroom tiles is not worth talking about much - it is impeccable. Almost all the most advanced production technologies are developed and applied in Italian factories.

The design of Italian tiles is also on top, there are plenty to choose from. A variety of glazed tiles with a pattern are produced, as well as collections “under the stone” or “under the tree”, and tiles of an unusual shape, and textured ceramics with an interesting relief.

As a rule, Italian-made bathroom tiles are produced in collections, which include matching floor and wall tiles, as well as decorative inserts and borders. You don't have to choose the right combination yourself.

Italian tile prices

Almost all Italian tiles are luxury ceramics. Therefore, the prices for it are quite high. However, there are a small number of factories producing inexpensive Italian tiles that can be bought quite cheaply.

It is also inexpensive to buy Italian bathroom tiles for a promotion or with a sale of leftovers.

How to buy Italian bathroom tiles?

The catalog of our online store will help you navigate the assortment of Italian bathroom tiles and prices for it. In it you can see photos of interiors with tiles and composition of collections. The series you like can be ordered through the website, in which case the calculator built into the basket will adjust how many tiles are required for cladding.

In our salon you can view tile samples, and also ask the manager to choose several collections by style or price.

Check prices and stock availability necessary items can be called.

Italian bathroom tiles are world-famous products of high technical quality and design characteristics. There are quite a few companies operating in the country that have proven themselves to be responsible manufacturers that respect the requirements of consumers. A wide range of products allows customers to choose the most suitable option for themselves, taking into account the style of the room, its architectural features and financial capabilities.

Professional designers advise you to first choose ceramic tiles, and then proceed to plumbing. This approach will allow you to create a harmonious style of the interior of the room, avoid problems with laying tiles due to the design features of sanitary equipment.

Most Italian manufacturers produce collections of bathroom tiles, the list includes floor and wall tiles, additional decoration elements. Each series is characterized by its own pattern and color scheme, the base tile allows you to create zoned areas with one pattern or patterns in the room. The floor tiles are distinguished by increased mechanical resistance characteristics, the surfaces have a special finish that reduces slipping. The slip coefficient must be at least three, the wear resistance must be at least two. In addition, companies are choosing a manufacturing technology that increases the resistance of the outer coating to detergents.

Technical requirements for wall tiles are not so strict, they work in more favorable conditions. But it put forward high demands on the appearance and design solutions. Most often, the surfaces of wall tiles are perfectly smooth and sliding, have a reduced thickness. In connection with such features, it is strongly not recommended to use wall tiles for decorating floors in bathrooms.

How to distinguish original Italian tiles from fakes

Unfortunately, today a high price cannot serve as the main sign of quality; unscrupulous manufacturers deliberately overestimate the cost of their goods in the hope that many consumers will focus on this indicator. What should be done to be sure of the quality?

Remember that it is impossible to lay defective tiles on walls or floors with high quality. Such work can only be done by the most experienced tilers, and then upon careful examination, problems will be found. Novice masters should not take on laying tiles with geometry violations.

The influence of design characteristics on the choice of Italian bathroom tiles

1. It is not recommended to tile large rooms in small rooms. It visually reduces the size of the room even more, in addition, the amount of unproductive waste increases significantly.
2. Light tiles increase the volume of the room, and dark tiles vice versa. It is not recommended to use more than three colors in one room, and shades can be played over a wider range. Due to the combination of shades and colors, you can create beautiful surfaces without special decorative tiles, but you should not completely abandon various patterns and images.
3. The floor should always be darker than the walls, between it and the wall an intermediate strip should be made a few tones lighter. This technique allows not only to visually increase the height of the bathroom, but also facilitates the cleaning process.

You should be very careful in the process of choosing additional elements, follow a few rules. The first rule is to buy them from the same manufacturer from whom you purchased the tiles. The second rule - do not get carried away with relief elements, they can create problems during the installation of plumbing equipment. The third rule is that skirting boards, external and internal corners, dividing strips and other decorative elements should make the transitions between color shades smooth, and not emphasize them.

A short list of the most famous Italian tile manufacturers

There is no need to list all the Italian companies involved in the production of tiles. We will focus only on the most famous, whose product quality has been tested by numerous consumers in various countries of the world.

tile Arcana Ceramica

PETRACER'S PRIMAVERA ROMANA collection

PETRACER'S UNICO Collection

How to properly lay out tiles

Italian tile is a very expensive material, the correct layout will help reduce waste. In addition, the collections consist of several sets, you need to be able to arrange them on a plane, taking into account the peculiarities of finishing external and internal corners. Narrow stripes should not be allowed in the corners or above the bathroom, the walls and floor should look like a single whole, the tile joints should be located strictly on the same line on all surfaces. For an example of possible layouts, let's take Italian tiles 50x20 cm, these parameters are best suited for medium-sized bathrooms. All types of layouts are conditionally divided into several categories.

1. "Simplified". A whole tile is installed from one of the corners, the second corner has cut material. This layout can only be used if the length of the trimmed tile is more than half of the whole. In our case, the length of the wall must be at least 240 cm, a further change in length can fluctuate in one direction or another in multiples of the size of the tile.
2. "Rustic". The master at the corners sets the segments of the same length. This option is somewhat better than the first, but it cannot be considered optimal for Italian tiles.
3. "Classic". First you need to figure out the number of whole rows of tiles that can fit on the wall. For example, if the wall is 210 cm long and the tile is 50 cm long, then four whole tiles will fit. To perform further calculations, we remove one tile, regardless of the distance of free space from the corner. Further, the remaining three rows of tiles are placed along the axis of symmetry of the wall, trimmings are installed in the remaining gaps. In any case, their length will exceed half the length of the whole tile, which is what we wanted to have in the end. The disadvantage of the classic layout is a slight increase in the amount of materials. But professional designers advise making such sacrifices in order to give the bath a beautiful look with finished Italian tile patterns.

"Rustic" layout can be used for lining boxes with utilities. If possible, it is recommended to cut a large tile into two parts and make a joining seam in the middle of the structure. Due to this, the room takes on a complete look.

Important. Only whole tiles should be placed on secret hatches, be sure to consider this point during the preliminary layout.

It is easier to make the floor distribution of tiles, these are flat surfaces without various hatches, shelves and ledges. The algorithm is the same, the whole tile is placed in the middle of the bathroom, long undercuts remain in the corners. Make sure that the tile joints on the floor match the tile joints on the walls, this is a very important point.

How to properly tile

Work on finishing the walls with tiles begin after all issues with its placement are resolved, taking into account the above requirements. If the Italian tile has a picture or ornament, then it should be placed in the middle of the wall or next to the bathroom.

To work, you will need a tile cutter, a large comb and small flat spatula, a rubber spatula, a level, a trowel, a container for preparing glue and a mixer attachment for an electric drill.

Step 1. Foundation preparation. Remove dirt and dust from the surface, the cleaner it is, the better the tile will hold.

Step 2 Treat floor and wall surfaces with a penetrating primer. It not only increases the adhesion coefficient, but also acts as a hydroprotective barrier.

Important. Keep in mind that there are no drywall boards that are not afraid of direct contact with water. In this regard, great attention must be paid to its protection from the influence of moisture.

The coating not only and not so much protects the plates from getting wet during the adoption of water procedures, but from absorbing moisture from the glue. Italian ceramic tiles have almost complete moisture resistance, and carefully sealed with a special grout, tile joints will never let water through. The primer protects the load-bearing surfaces from water only during the laying of tiles on the glue diluted with water. Apply the primer solution evenly, do not allow it to accumulate on the surface or gaps. Work with a roller or wide brushes. If necessary, you can apply a second layer, but only after the first has completely dried.

Step 3 Waterproof your bathroom. It is imperative to waterproof the sections of the walls that are subject to contact with water: water socket outlets, sewer pipe connection points, the wall in the shower area, bathtub and sink, the entire floor and the lower part of the wall adjacent to it. Choose the type of waterproofing taking into account the characteristics of the bath, but there is one general requirement - it must provide reliable protection.

Practical advice. The reliability of waterproofing depends not so much on its technical characteristics, but on the correct application and compliance with the recommendations of manufacturers. Follow all steps of waterproofing very carefully.

The first layer of waterproofing should be applied no earlier than four hours after priming. It is much easier to work with mastics, these are modern materials that meet the highest requirements. Be especially careful when applying the material to adjacent areas around the perimeter of openings in the wall or floor. To waterproof the drains for draining water and introducing pipes, a special sealing gasket must be laid on the first layer of fresh mastic and the surface must be re-treated.

In the corner areas where the walls and floor meet, use a waterproofing tape, glue it into the first layer of mastic and cover with a second one. The first layer of mastic should be thinner, applied with a brush. The second layer should have a thick consistency and be applied with a spatula. Let us remind you once again that there is no need to waterproof the entire surface of the walls, finish only the most dangerous areas in terms of moisture penetration. This will save time and money, while the reliability of waterproofing will remain at the required level. The drying time of the mastic depends on its type, but to be sure, leave it overnight.

You can mark the places where the sink and bathtub will be located and not veneer them. But this is quite risky, if it is necessary to install new plumbing equipment, problems will arise. Professionals do not advise saving tiles in this way; in the future, insignificant savings can cause a significant increase in the cost of repair or installation work.

Completed waterproofing of wall surfaces

Step 4 With a blue rope, draw lines on the wall surfaces along which the tiles will be placed on the wall.

Step 5 Prepare the tile adhesive, carefully break up all the lumps, allow about 10 minutes for the final infusion of the solution.

Step 6 Start laying tiles according to the markings made. The thickness of the adhesive depends on the dimensions of the tile, detailed instructions are indicated on the packaging.

Important. Make sure that the back side of the tiles has at least 60% contact with the adhesive. Otherwise, the fixation strength will be unreliable.

When laying tiles, use crosses, constantly check the position with a level, ensure that the tiles lie in the same plane. The lowest row of tiles on the wall should be laid only after the flooring has been completed. This will allow you to accurately measure the width of the bottom row and close the area on the wall with a waterproofing layer.

Practical advice. Often there are situations when, during the fitting of tiles, the adhesive fills almost the entire space of the tile joints. This is very bad, after hardening there will be significant problems during the grouting of tile joints. The grout will not have the recommended thickness, there will be areas with a slight thickness. A very thin layer will certainly fall off, you will have to do unplanned repairs. Experienced tilers advise before laying the next tile with the tip of a trowel or spatula to remove a little glue from the edge of the already installed one, the width of the groove is about a centimeter, the glue is removed to the wall surface. This simple technique will eliminate the filling of tile joints with glue, the grout will have the required thickness and be firmly held in the seam between the tiles.

Apply a second layer of glue to the heating element, level with a trowel or a wide spatula. During alignment, try to keep the surface horizontal, do not allow large differences in height. This will speed up the further laying of tiles and reduce the cost of expensive glue.

During grouting, completely fill the seams, press the grout to the full depth of the cracks. It is better to work with a rubber spatula, it is guaranteed not to leave scratches on the surface of the tile. Choose a quality grout that is not afraid of direct contact with water, has high plasticity and inhibits the development of various microorganisms. As soon as the grout begins to set, wipe it with a smooth, slightly damp sponge twice. The second time should ensure the perfect cleanliness of the surface.

Video - Grouting tiles

Video - Grouting mosaics with epoxy grout

The Italian style in the interior successfully combines the legacy of Roman luxury with the simplicity of rural life. It is the sun-filled air, gentle sea, natural materials and warmth. Well suited for decorating a country house, but also suitable for an apartment - the main thing is to choose the right variety and make an effort to adjust the Italian interior design for yourself.

Distinctive features of the Italian style in the interior

The Italian interior differs from others in several attributes:

• careless eclecticism combines pompous luxury with rustic simplicity, and each designer is free to determine for himself which advantage he likes best;
• natural materials in the decoration create a pleasant, natural atmosphere of warmth;
• the style is characterized by large windows that let in maximum light, and light tulle curtains that do not prevent it from flowing in;
• an abundance of fresh flowers creates the feeling of a summer garden;
• a room (even a large one) is usually combined into one and zoned with the help of arches and furniture - in an apartment you can include a balcony in the room by making an arch in the wall that separates it;
• curtains made of bright beads or light fabrics are hung in the arches, and sometimes they are left completely open.

The main colors of the Italian style are warm shades of beige, delicate blue, dark green and purple, natural wood. Bright accents are not welcome.

The main distinguishing characteristic is the maximalism of decisions and the general feeling of a sunny noon somewhere in the Mediterranean, even on a rainy February evening.

Varieties of style and color palette

Colors vary depending on the style option: they can be warmer, cooler, brighter, they can be dimmer. Everything is determined by which variation is used.

Italian rustic style

Natural materials, lots of wood and stone, no wallpaper and of course no plastic. There is a lot of light, but the colors are muted: bright accents in the rustic variety are especially inappropriate. Necessarily home-made decor elements: an embroidered napkin under a vase, carvings, wooden figurines, a do-it-yourself rug on the floor.

If the kitchen is being designed, then you need earthenware that looks like it was sculpted by the owners themselves.

Italian mediterranean style

Mediterranean style should be reminiscent of warmth, summer and the sea. High ceilings, a lot of light, the decoration is not wood, but stone and plaster. Necessarily uncharacteristic for the style of warm colors: yellow, soft green with a yellow bias. Necessarily arched openings, closed by jingling beads, frescoes and mosaic decoration, which looks especially good in the bathroom (the bath itself should be the size of a small pool).

Italian classic style

All the same arches and high ceilings, but the colors are often light, without bright accents, and ostentatious luxury is added: stucco, mirrors in heavy frames, classic paintings, bulky furniture, metal chandeliers with crystal elements. Preferably sculptures, figurines and porcelain to complete the picture.

The main thing is not to squeeze and not to make the classic Italian style too bulky, and the room too crowded and cramped.

Italian Tuscan style

Tuscany is a province in Italy and the Tuscan style is a mixture of French, Italian and Spanish approaches. Colors remain natural, but become more vivid. Plaster is laid on the walls, tiles or marble on the floor. The furniture is lush, not too bulky, with metal elements. Necessarily fresh flowers and a landscape with a vineyard on the wall.

Modern Italian style

The design of the apartment in a modern Italian style allows you to replace traditional materials with more relevant ones. You can put laminate on the floor, not parquet. Stick wallpaper on the walls, and do not cover them with tiles or plaster. Ceilings can be made stretch (especially if the fabric version is used). And of course - a lot of light, a lot of space (almost like in a loft), a lot of natural flowers, always trinkets that refer to Italy in different historical periods.

Materials and finishes

Italian style home design requires the use of certain materials for both surface finish and decoration.

Ceiling

The Italian style ceiling is either plastered or the beams are left visible. It is desirable that he be tall, or at least seem so. They paint it exclusively in light colors. The modern Italian style allows you to make it stretch, fabric, and apply a drawing corresponding to the theme - landscape or still life - on top.

Walls

Italian style wall coverings are more varied than ceiling coverings. You can stick wallpaper on them, but it is much better to cover them with plaster - embossed, beautiful, allowing you to make pretty waves or spirals. You can also use small mosaic tiles, from which you can add colorful patterns or simple pictures. Or a tile made of natural stone - a large, discreet color.

Floor

For the floor, the Italian style allows, by and large, only three options:

• wood - beautiful, warm, durable, but requiring complex care;
• stone - serves for years, but is heavy and may not be suitable for floors in a typical apartment;
• tile - looks very beautiful, can be patterned and lasts for many years.

In the southern latitudes, where the style originated, it is impossible to freeze on a stone floor, on the contrary, it gives coolness. In Russia, carpets are usually laid on it - they are especially appropriate in a rustic variety.

Doors and windows

The Italian style does not like traditional doorways - in the interior, instead of doors, they usually make high arches with a sloping vault, through which light and smells easily pass. The only exception is the door to the bathroom. But they try to make its design as light, bright and beautiful as possible so that it does not stand out from the general color.

It is easier with windows: if we are talking about an apartment, nothing can be done with them. But in a private house they are simply made as large as possible. Not panoramic, but close. They are one of the key details of the interior, which gives it a special, sunny shine.

Italian style apartment interior

In addition to the features of the varieties of style, the purpose of the room also affects the decor. Hall, corridor, kitchen and bedroom require a different approach to design.

Kitchen

This is exactly the room where the decor looks especially good. Tiles or natural stone are laid on the floor. The walls are partially covered with mosaic tiles (usually in the area of ​​​​the kitchen apron), partially with plaster. The ceiling is whitewashed, optionally leaving beams on it. An Italian-style kitchen is usually light: the lighting should be plentiful, and the chairs around the table should match the style variety, the curtains should be light and let the light through well.

As accessories - a vase with flowers on the table, intricate sconces in the work area, earthenware or porcelain dishes, a picture on the wall.

Living room

The living room also has a place to turn around. It can be trimmed with stone, but usually wood is still preferred. Parquet is laid on the floor, beautiful wallpaper or plaster on the walls. There is a lot of light in the room, paintings, milky, delicate shades in the design. Be sure to have a small sofa, comfortable chairs, a floor lamp, and if the budget allows, then a fireplace and antique finishes. Even in the rustic variety, a little luxury is permissible, while the classics completely assume its mandatory presence.

The general impression is beautiful, cozy, pleasant to live and no less pleasant to visit here.

Bedroom

In the bedroom, dark, deep colors are in demand - blue, dark green, olive. They soothe, tune in to a sleepy mood. Be sure to have a large bed, a pile of pillows in bed, a wardrobe - large built-in (in the modern version), with carvings on the doors (in the classic) or roughly knocked together, with a simple design (in the country). It is better to hang the doorway not with a classic light curtain, but with a heavy curtain that will drown out the sounds of the rest of the house.

Children's

In the nursery, you can decorate the room a little more freely than in other rooms. Colored mosaics, paintings, drawings on the walls are allowed here. Of course, calm shades should prevail, but the nursery allows you to include bright accents. As a result, the room should not look strict, but, on the contrary, it should be fun and interesting.

Bathroom

The interior is dominated by tiles. Appropriate styling for Neapolitan bathrooms, with frescoes on the walls, with small mosaics on the floor, with an abundance of small lamps and cute accessories.

Everything should fit into the color scheme, should create a feeling of purity and light. Even a soap dish should look stylish and fit into the interior design concept.

When the renovation is completed, taking photos in such a bathroom will be a pleasure.

Hallway

The entrance hall also fits into the overall project: abundant light (preferably natural, but if there is no window, then the upper one is also possible), a simple layout is required, a trio of furniture - a wardrobe for outerwear, a shoe stand and a small chair in order to put on shoes.

Be sure to mirror, the frame of which must match the style variation.

Italian style home decor and textiles

To make the Italian style look good, you need to carefully choose the decor for it. So, the furniture should correspond to the general direction. For the rustic style - a set, knocked together simply and even rudely, for the Tuscan style - closer to modern, for the modern - small-sized, but pretty furniture, which can be assorted.

Required small items:

• paintings. They can depict anything, but it is better that it be an image of a country house with Italian architecture, a neglected garden that did not know landscape design, a vineyard or a hillside where sheep graze;
• fireplace. It is especially appropriate in the dining room, where walnut wood, paintings in frames with gold, an obligatory bookcase, an elegant floor lamp. However, in the kitchenette, even the smallest one, it will also look good;
• tableware. Porcelain or clay - it doesn't matter, the main thing is to fit into the overall concept;
• curtains. Heavy curtains, light curtains that separate the banquet hall from the stairs to the guest rooms, beaded curtains that hide the nursery and the kitchen. Their decoration alone can take an addicted person for several weeks;
• figurines. Lovely shepherds, lambs and dogs, figures of Roman statues, references to antiquity. Even in a one-room studio, they will look appropriate, if not overdone. And if the owner is going to furnish his own two-story or one-story cottage, there won’t be many of them at all;
• Natural flowers. Putting in the house not just fresh flowers, but real small trees is a trend that is very popular in the Italian style. It allows you to build the illusion of a summer garden even in January and breathe radiant summer colors into life. Even in a two-level apartment, which is not so big, you should not feel sorry for square meters - without this feature, the style will not be fully revealed.

It doesn't matter if it's a cottage with its own staircase or a small studio with a single couch. It is important whether a person has enough skill to be able to apply all the features of the Italian style to his own benefit and get a result that is really worth it.