From Michelangelo and the Sistine Chapel to the columns of the Colosseum, Italian architecture is a vast subject, and it’s easier than you think to bring a little bit of renaissance flair into your home. If you’re looking to renovate your whole house or add a few touches here and there, here are a few tips on turning your home into a European design haven.
Frescos
Frescos are large mural paintings on walls and ceilings. When you think of Italian architecture, one of the first things that spring to mind is the incredible ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Painted by Michelangelo between 1508-12, it features many religious scenes, great colors, and intricate details. If you don’t fancy painting a similar masterpiece on your own ceiling, why not find some replica artwork to hang in your living room? Replicas are available in many forms, such as postcards and canvases, or even wall murals, rugs, and clothing. It’s really easy to incorporate this style into your home and everyday life, showing off your favorite artwork and supporting artists at the same time.
Color
A more subtle nod to the Italian renaissance period can come through your color scheme. Take a look at your favorite artwork or buildings, and see what colors are commonly used. Terracotta is a common feature in Italian buildings and can add a gorgeous, warm tone to your home. Lots of golds, blues and pinks are used in several Renaissance paintings, all of which complement each other beautifully. You could allocate a color to a room or combine the colors throughout your house to make it feel like you are walking through a painting.
Columns
There are several types of columns present in Italian architecture. One is the Doric column, which is the classic rounded column with vertical undulations all around it. Columns were used in place of walls, which opened up spaces and created more room. You can bring this vision into your home with a column radiator from warmrooms.co.uk, either horizontal or vertical, to give the illusion of a Doric column. If you want to add a real column to your home, they look great in pretty much any room. Entryways and kitchens look especially grand and can complement a high ceiling by giving an even more expansive impression.
Marble
Used in ancient Greece and Rome for its beauty and strength, marble was a hugely popular building material. It was mined from the ground, and the colors depended on the types of minerals present. Lighter colors like white and grey were often used for exteriors of buildings, with deeper colors used to make intricate floor patterns and designs. Nowadays, we can give the impression of marble, without digging it up. Marble countertops are very popular in kitchens and bathrooms and are available in a huge range of colors and finishes. Accessories and extras such as bottles and mugs, stationery and phone cases are also available in a marble print, making this a really simple way to pay homage to Italian architecture.