Design people love small nooks because the bijou proportions offer space to explore and create bold vignettes that might be overwhleming in a larger room. Teeny alcoves to tiny breakfast areas and miniscule corners are the design-minded individual's playpen.
For a brilliant example, we're looking back in time to the home of the late great Valentino Garavani, the pioneering Italian fashion designer. Valentino had a great love for interiors, which he exhibited across his homes in London, Rome, and France - today, we're peeking inside his villa in Capri, Italy. A photoshoot from 1991 captures a gorgeous alcove that Valentino transformed into a fantasy jewelbox by adorning its arches with green floral wallpaper.
Inside the nook, Valentino decorated with floral fabric, Moroccan furniture with mother-of-pearl inlay, and a unique collection of antique pieces. It's a study in elevating a small space into something truly special.
Recreate Valentino's Look at Home
If you want to turn a nook into a design-led celebration, you will need lots of patterns and pieces from a range of time periods and styles. Here is our edit for capturing the look, inspired by Valentino's home.
Any time I see a lattice wallpaper print, it instantly conjures images of vintage-inspired interiors – so I'm very much here for this design. I love the botanical references with subtle yellow nuances. It's a beautifully timeless print for your home.
Incorporating heritage pieces is a guaranteed way to create unforgettable spaces. This beautiful handmade chair from the mid-century period is similar to those in Valentino's space.
Floral ottomans appear throughout Valentino's nook, and this pretty ruffled one is ideal for replicating the look in a modern home. It's perfect for pairing with a floral chair.
We love this traditional, ornate-style frame, which gives any artwork a vintage feel. Valentino uses similar ones to house artwork on his wall, and I adore how this looks paired with floral wallpaper.
If you want to incorporate more feeling of tradition into your nook, nothing is better than this gorgeous pillow. It looks like it was watercolored for a timeless look.
A geometric rug brings Valentino's alcove to life, and this pretty one has a folky pattern that's great for emulating the look. I love the idea of pairing it with chintzy accents for a contrast.
You may have been told that small spaces should always be decorated in whites and creams to make them look larger - but Valentino's alcove proves that size doesn't always need to be the goal. Sometimes celebrating the tininess of a space with an overdose of color and pattern is the chicest option.
Design expert Shelley Cochrane explains: 'When it comes to color, it’s true that neutrals will open up the room and create the illusion of more space, but they’re not your only color option. I’d advise leaning into the petite nature of the living room and color-drenching the entire space in a deep and dramatic hue instead. This draws the walls and ceiling in cocoon-style to create a living room that feels cozy, welcoming and inviting.'
Valentino's space also shows that decorating with florals can be incredibly versatile; they can be customized based on how you want the space the area to look. Dita Miska, Designer at Fancy Walls, recommends incorporating florals into the home by first asking, 'What mood am I looking to create?'
She explains: 'For example, if it's a sense of calm you're after, a light, small-scale pattern will work the best. If you’re looking to create a sense of boldness, then opt for larger patterns and daring, vibrant colors.'
Turning back to these icons of design can give insight into the best ways to transform our homes in the future.
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