Design and Travel Inspiration Near and Far: The Amalfi Coast
Me, enjoying a bit of shade during an afternoon walk along the sea in Positano, Italy.
Every time I travel, it’s a shift in perspective and refresh for my soul.
This year I traveled to Italy’s Amalfi Coast with my family and close friends in the last days of summer before the school year kicked back in. We enjoyed plenty of good food, fresh sea air, history, culture, art and artisan-watching. From the hand-painted tiles to the ancient architecture, everywhere I went the experience sparked curiosity and new design ideas.
A quiet courtyard in Villa Cimbrone, a historic villa in Ravello, Italy, dating back to the 11th century.
Photo credit: Andrea Maaseide
For generations Biagio (left) and his family have been teaching Ravello’s visitors how to make fresh mozzarella. The building where they host classes was once a chapel!
In between learning about the local history, and other fun activities like pasta eating and mozzarella making (yum!) we explored some of the centuries-old artisan techniques and wares.
Local sea creature-inspired ceramics.
Photo credit: Andrea Maaseide
I love the Italians’ appreciation for handmade, high-quality goods that are memorable and will stand up to time. In today’s blog I’ll be sharing a few of my inspirational Italian finds. I hope you enjoy them and also feel a shift in perspective as we visit together.
The Amalfi Coast’s famous Sfusato Amalfitano lemons adorn these bright ceramic dishes.
Photo credit: Andrea Maaseide
Travel Inspiration #1: Ceramics
Every day, beautiful things trend on Pinterest and in what feels like seconds, knockoffs pop up somewhere else. Lately though I’m picking up on a shift in the universe and noticing an increased appreciation for investing in unique, handmade pieces for the home.
Ceramiche d’Arte Ravello’s (Ceramic Art of Ravello) charming storefront.
Photo credit: Andrea Maaseide
In that spirit, Ceramiche d’Arte Ravello’s (Ceramic Art of Ravello) made our top 10 “places to visit” list. They have been in business for more than 40 years, and their collection includes ceramics designed by owner and artist Pasquale Sorrentino.
I bought these colorful “rainbow collection” bowls to add an element of fun to our home (and a refreshing break from all-white dishes), and will likely use them for desserts. You can pick a special pattern and they’ll even customize colors.
Photo credit: Ceramiche d’Arte Ravello
All items are 100% handmade in Italy, using the same techniques that have been used for centuries, and can be personalized. Their team of potters mold the clay, and then their artisans bring the pieces to life with rich paints. Fun fact: well-known visitors from Sarah Jessica Parker to Oprah Winfrey and Bruce Springsteen have also visited the shop.
Linen-blend reversible napkins (50% linen 50% cotton), in a Sfusato Amalfitano lemon pattern typical to the Amalfi Coast, are available in a variety of colors.
Photo credit: La Bottega delle Arti
Travel Inspiration #2: Linens
A number of regions in Italy are known for their textile-making, including Campania’s Amalfi Coast. La Bottega delle Arti, another trip highlight, was started by an Amalfi coast native, Rosanna Buonocare. She has a “passion for high-quality handcrafted products” and works exclusively with local artisan-run businesses who have decades of experience in the “honored tradition of textile making.”
Linen blend Majolica tablecloth (above) and runner (below).
Photo credit: La Bottega delle Arti
Linens provide a great opportunity to showcase your own unique, personal style at home. I personally love to incorporate colorful linens in my own home to help dress up my tablescape, or add a special touch to our guest bathroom.
La Bottega delle Arti’s designs incorporate images famous to the Amalfi Coast region, from olives to fish, bees, Sfusato Amalfitano lemons, flowers and even the “Majolica” style. This geometric pattern is derived from the famous Majolica tiles (Italian tin-glazed colorful earthenware) found decorating many of the monuments, bell towers, domes and churches in the area. The distinct shapes are believed to have originated in the Middle East, and came to Italy via Spain in the 14th century.
The store offers an element of customization, and sells made-to-measure items such as sheets, tablecloths and runners in a variety of colors. Their linens also come in natural fabrics ranging from cotton to linen, mixed or pure, and silk.
Caption: A sunset view of Positano and its dramatic cliffs and homes overlooking the sea.
Photo credit: Andrea Maaseide
Travel Inspiration #3: The Amalfi Coast, a Recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Amalfi Coast became an official UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. There are a number of reasons for this special designation, including how local communities ingeniously adapted to the region's dramatic coastline, with colorful homes that creep up the area’s steep cliffs. The effect is striking, and reminds me of how angles, proportions and height can heavily impact design.
Across the Amalfi Coast, new construction, other than renovations, restoration and conservation, has been almost non-existent, especially since receiving World Heritage Site status. Under these conditions, it becomes even more evident that what remains was built to last, and shows character.
These beautiful mosaic floors, constructed thousands of years ago in the Amalfi Coast’s ancient city of Herculaneum, have a patina to them but the beauty remains.
After history-infused trips like this one to the Amalfi Coast, I’m reminded of how we have the ability to use and pick materials that will last generations and age beautifully.
Our Irvin St. Project’s kitchen countertops, in bright Bianco Rhino marble.
Photo Credit: Robert Radifera for Stylish Productions
With this idea and inspiration in mind, I don’t shy away from choosing marble countertops for my own home, against the advice of many who worried about wear and tear.
I love things when they age and show use. It proves that something was loved and there are a lot of memories tied into that. It shows a home that was lived in and cherished, hopefully for many years, and after many inspiring trips and unique finds to make it even more our own!
If you're ready to infuse your passions, travels, and personality into your home, we are only a phone call away. We look forward to hearing from you!
Until next time!
