Italian bathroom design! Bellissimo!!

Friday!

Generally I tend to leave the "nice stuff" for this last day of the working week. I'm currently working on a large renovation project in Cambridge, UK. My clients, a fantastic Italian family, are particularly keen on incorporating a modern Italian bathroom within the project.

And here I am! I just can’t wait o start playing with gorgeous tiles, porcelain sanitary-ware and elegant taps!

Italian bathrooms are particularly different and extremely attractive.  Italians do like their shower! Funnily enough we are not bath people. We commonly have a bidet (97% of the households in Italy have one!) and our bathroom is generally quite large and luxurious. 

Below some inspiring bathrooms from prestigious companies. 

Ciao!

MCMM

www.boffi.com

www.agapedesign.it/bathrooms 

www.mastella.it

www.zucchettikos.com

Getting creative with IKEA

Most designers and architects will hate me for saying it but I really like IKEA products. So clever! So original! So happy! So economical!

You can dare to buy a really bright yellow quirky chair, enjoy it for as long as you wish and then change it with something else, maybe a hot pink stool!
IKEA gives the chance to play with your interiors and decor and at the same time being extremely practical.
Life changes so quickly for everybody. People are moving a lot more and not always staying in the same house for many years. IKEA offers you the chance of having an interesting space without breaking the bank!

I personally have IKEA products in my home and I love them but what I like the most is trying and be creative with them..
Here are some suggestions for you to get on with a small DIY project! 

All reference to relevant websites are listed below as usual.


Ciao!
MCMM

  

 

www.ikeahackers.net
www.apartmenttherapy.com
www.upcyclista.org
www.kellianderson.com/blog/2013/12/a-stand-up-desk-ikea-hack

TERRAZZA, VARANDA & BALCÒN

Rainy day here in Cambridge and I am currently working away on a fantastic project in Sardinia, Italy. I'm designing a terrace for a notable restaurant in Olbia on the Costa Smeralda, one of the most amazing spot in the whole world!! 
 

Italians and Southern Europeans love spending time outside. Dining, chatting with friends, working, the balcony is a very popular area of the house.

Tarrazzas can be covered, paved and landscaped. They are the ideal spot to relax and enjoy family and friends. If sheltered they can be used as protection during rainy autumns as well as shade during hot summers.

Varandas are not only typical in house design but café’ and restaurants also like to seat guests under a green roof. Those areas can be heated in winter creating a cozy and interesting atmosphere.

Portugal, Spain, Italy, the Balkans, Romania and Greece all display a traditional type of balcony which enhance the overall architecture and landscape.  

I better get my flight book real soon for a survey. I'm desperate for some sunny warm weather! 

Ciao!

MCMMargherita

 

Colorful textured 3D Italian tiles!

Ceramic, stone, metal, fired clay and even glass. Italian tiles can really surprise you! 

Stunning design, colors and textures will enhance any bathroom, kitchen and floor. Tiles can range from simple square tiles to complex mosaics which form amazing patterns and design.

Versace, Armani, Valentino and Roberto Cavalli in conjunction with tile manufactures create a new concept of fashion for home design. Gorgeous!

Arabesques, leopard print, complex geometries create a gorgeous and luxurious atmosphere. Fascinating 3D printing techniques can nowadays generate the most amazing design and patterns.

So easy to fall in love with all of those beautiful concepts, the difficult task is choosing the right tile! 

For those who are keen on design and love tiles, there is a an interesting competition organised by Confindustria Ceramica (the Italian Association of Ceramics) where you can win $15,000 in prizes and 3 trips to Italy! The link is below. Good luck!

Ciao!
MCMMargherita

Marazzi


 
Roberto Cavalli


 
Ceramiche Lea


 
Bisazza


 
Cottoveneto


 
Caesar



www.marazzi.it
www.cavalli.ricchetti.it
www.ceramichelea.it
www.bisazza.com
www.cottovenetogroup.it
www.caesar.it

If intersted in teh competition, follow this link:
www.tilecompetition.com

How about an Italian stylish fireplace?

One of the things I am missing the most from Italy is the traditional fireplace. 

In Italy, like most of the Southern Europe it is common to have an open fireplace in the kitchen, living room and/or in the basement. The fireplace can be of different style, shape and material. 

Originally the fireplace was a necessity to the household, it was used for cooking and to keep the house warm during cold winters. Nowadays the fireplace is a comfort feature and a visual element. Fireplaces can be also found in the garden or patio and are mostly used for cooking and grilling meat and vegetables as well as baking pizzas and bread. Yum! 

Fireplace become a social focal point, both inside and/or outside the house. 

While working for a client in Italy who lives in the Treviso area, I have been collecting a series of beautiful and stylish fireplaces which I like to share with you all.

Ciao!

MCMMargherita  

Montegrappa

Toppino

 Artefuoco

Piazzetta

 Nonsolocamini

For more info and stunning fireplaces, visit:

www.caminettimontegrappa.it

www.toppino.it

www.artefuoco.com 

www.piazzetta.it

www.nonsolocamini.it