Summer Trends: Italian Riviera

The Italian Riviera is a sun-drenched dream that’s captured hearts for generations, and this year whether you’re basking in Portofino or on your own porch, it makes no difference – focus on the mood. The Italian Riviera’s effortless aesthetic is defined by understated charm and warmth (as opposed to French alternative, which is much more glamour-focused). It channels la dolce vita with a laid-back style that reflects the peaceful sophistication of Italian living, and is a ticket to winding down, saying ciao to the easy pace of summer, and bringing the timeless beauty of the Mediterranean coast to your home, and attitude.

Rooted in coastal heritage and craft, the Italian Riviera feel celebrates simplicity without sacrificing on good looks, curating serene spaces that effortlessly fuse tranquillity and refinement with unhurried grace, long after your tan has faded. The aesthetic summons a breezy sense of calm, allowing you just be in a way that’s completely effortless and impossible to say no to. Never trying too hard, and always ready to host an impromptu aperitivo as dusk falls.

To decoratively embody the essence of the Italian Riviera, focus on summoning a light and airy atmosphere through a gentle palette inspired by the sea and sky (and a few splashes of gold or yellow to emulate the sun, for the joy factor). Blend lightly washed pastels like seafoam greens, pale corals, and muted terracottas with neutrals, natural materials such as timber, wicker, and linen and crisp white, and complement with understated furniture, to create rooms that are both fresh and enduring. Layer in flourishes that reflect coastal living for a space that feels invigorated, timeless, and contentedly says ‘ahh’.

Set the tone, lie back and unwind on the aptly named Escape sunbed by Rikke Frost for Cane-Line, its woven, rounded form emulating the smooth movement of the sea, or a warming Mediterranean breeze. As an indoor option, bring in Cattelan Italia’s Mykonos sofa, its clean lines, balance and statuesque-style calling on us to settle down, gaze at horizon, and be fed grapes in a pleasant, neoclassical recline.

Link to nature with B&B Italia’s pared-back Tufty-Time 20 small tables by Patricia Urquiola, their pale wood and slimline silhouettes echoing coastal pines and beached driftwood. Kartell’s Teresa special edition lamp by Ferruccio Laviani in Sky Blue also captures the Riviera airiness, with Zanotta’s Cuculia bowl by Alessandro Mendini hiding vivid coral within a soft green exterior for a subtle and chic hit of colour.