italian restraint

Over the last 10 months here in Florence, I've been amassing a collection of shots featuring things that appeal to me visually.  Everything from doors to courtyards to decorative hardware and of course, flooring.  Floor tiles of all kinds are used throughout Italy in an amazing array of pattern and colour.  In Tuscany, simple terra cotta tiles are most common but here and there you also see more decorative applications.  Everything from marble mosaic to glazed ceramic and stamped terra cotta.  What is almost always surprising and delightful is that you find most of these special floors hidden in the most simple of environments.  The entry of an appartment block, an otherwise plainly decorated bakery or a sparse former convent.  Here are a few of my local favourites!

Beautiful pattern and colour combination on this forno (bakery) floor -- this would look great in a kitchen!

Marble laid in geometric patterns are the most common...this one is simple since the door, clearly is not.

But sometimes the patterns can surprise you!

I've said it before - Italians love Bling.  You see bejeweled tee-shirts, studded everything and designer labels everywhere you look.  But somehow, this love of things flashy is usually limited to items worn on the body.  When it comes to interiors, Italians seem to have in innate sense of restraint and balance.  The fancy floors you see pictured here are the focal points of the spaces in which they are set.  Walls and other finishes are kept neutral and toned down.  

Oversized tiles make this traditional pattern surprising and playful.

A lovely organic pattern in an elegant colour.  Great for an entryway!

Detail of the black and white floor above - the raised texture makes it even more interesting

While I'm on the theme of restrained Italian decor, I thought I'd include a couple of additional shots.  These simple vingnettes are so appealing in a decorative yet utilitarian way.  There is nothing over-though or over-styled going on here, which is why they both work so well.  These are also great inspiration shots for anyone wanting to loosen up an "over designed" space.  Try putting useful things out in the open where they're most, well, useful...and don't over-plan your art walls.  Just let them evolve naturally.  The results might surprise you!  

Rustic, utilitarian and perfect.  Obviously the stove is to the left....;-)

A collection of decorative plates hung in a perfectly imperfect display.