I grew up between France and Italy, spending every summer in Italy on the Adriatic Coast and the Amalfi Coast. The visceral experience of being enveloped in the sun, surrounded by mountains seemingly draped in white alabaster homes, hearing waves lap against the shore will never leave me.
Any chance I get to travel to Europe, I take my family to sink our toes into the smooth rocks of the beaches off the Italian coast, taking in the mingling scents of sea salt and simmering food.
Italy is a place of regional diversity, where multiple cultures exist alongside one another, often mingling as you cross from town to town. I love this about Italy, and often feel the same about myself. I am an individual of many cultures, and within me, these cultures meld to form the foundation of who I am.
The history of Italian Renaissance is embedded in me.
I feel a deep, almost spiritual connection to old architecture, and incredible landscapes, particularly the rolling hills of centuries-old wineries. From an early age, I was immersed in this cultural context, teaching me to appreciate the ancient, and as I grew and the world evolved, I came to understand the true value of integrating modern-world elements with ancient aesthetics.
On my most recent trip to Italy, I immersed myself in a study of color, gaining inspiration from the calming properties of earthy tones and textures.
Italy’s unique beauty is built on rich, singular color, often in multi-textural layers, painted evenly on the exteriors of houses. This color contrasts the geographical and cultural context, creating a stark juxtaposition against the green landscapes and lush, ancient wineries. Further, when food is served outdoors, the natural, yet dynamic colors on the plate often offer further contrast to the exquisite earthy backdrop.
Prevalent colors in Italian architecture can’t help but evoke a sense of artisan charm.
These include stone, which grounds, Terracotta, which is both energizing when orange is more pronounced and calming when clay tones are more muted, yellow, which excites, and white, which creates a sense of space.
Famously, marble is ever-present and is long revered for its amazing diversity of color, texture and general variety.
My interactions with marble in Italy are vital as I bring back greater perspective on the role any type of marble can play in a home or commercial space, and how certain surroundings bring key details to the forefront.
Italy is, and will forever be, a part of me.
In an instant, I can close my eyes and transport myself to the cobblestone streets, running my hands along a stucco wall, smelling fresh bread and salted fish. The rich culture gives way to constant inspiration as I seek alignment in my own life and in the lives of others.
