How the Italians have led the world of furniture design for centuries
What inspires and influences the
Italians to produce the most stylish furniture in the world? Looking back
through history to the late 15th century, the Renaissance period brought major
influences from around the world, including Japanese furniture designers.
Ancient Roman and Greek art designs began to show up in furniture designers'
work. Yet, the Renaissance soon made way for more contemporary furniture
designs influenced by local culture.
Today the Italians still lead the world,
with brands like Calligaris,
Porada and Cattelan
Italia. But how did it all begin?
Shortly after the Renaissance, the influence
of the Roman Catholic Church grew so much that modern architects brought a new
look to modern furniture style centred around the influence of the Church. The
Catholic Church led a revitalisation and redesign of Rome that spread a Baroque
influence throughout Italy and further into Europe during the 17th century.
As new forms of woodworking flourished
in Rome, cabinets, bookshelves and other modern furniture styles were
embellished with Baroque accents. Famous Italian furniture makers created
gilded frames, Italian chests, Florentine consoles and cabinets as well as lion
commodes all with creative and extensive carvings to create a majestic and
royal design.
While these were large, dominating
pieces, the Baroque period turned to what is known as the Empire and Neo
classicism style where shapes and forms began to dominate the work of famous
designers. Contemporary furniture style were skilled in their design technique
that had been passed down. In the 19th Century, Italian furniture designers
returned to their Renaissance roots with Gothic influences. Oriental, in
particular, Japanese interior design began to influence Italian design. Italy
is known worldwide as a premier hub for fashion, design and creativity.
Gio Ponti is one of the most famous
Italian furniture designers of the modern world. While he was primarily an
architect, Ponti brought great influence to modern furniture styles. Ponti was
best known for his chairs, in particular the Distex armchair, his "Due
Foglie" sofa, glass bottles and unique lamps as well as ceramic
accessories and a line of home furniture. His Superleggera (SuperLight) chair
was also another well-known design created by this furniture designer.
Ponti, however, is only one of many
Italian furniture designers that have influenced today’s furniture designers.
A strong focus on detail, quality and design bring strength to Italian
furniture. Italian furniture, with its Baroque accents, is still popular with
Classic, Tuscan, Renaissance and modern contemporary architects the most
popular today.
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