East meets West

The Modern Oriental trend has evolved, combining Japanese lacquer and ornate gilt details with a sprinkling of classic Italian glamour

The Modern Oriental trend has evolved, combining Japanese lacquer and ornate gilt details with a sprinkling of classic Italian glamour

Last year, we highlighted the rise of the Modern Oriental design movement in our November issue. It was becoming clear that a new simplicity and elegance was emerging in interiors – an aesthetic that owed a lot to Japanese style. Ornate intricacy – as seen in the delicate sheen of lacquerwork, or the precise brushstrokes of a hand-painted mural – perfectly matched with contemporary design. This year, we’re seeing a further evolution of the trend: a mixing in of traditional Italian glamour. The result is a look that combines glimmering luxury with Zen-like calm.

A prime example is this top-floor apartment in a 1960s block in Milan. Its owner, Clara Ceccherini, commissioned Eligo Studio, a local interior design firm, to renovate her home. The brief asked that they research the style of traditional Italian interiors, while also incorporating different global influences. This is how the deep burgundy, delicate gilt details, black lacquer and flax-coloured wallcoverings associated with Japonisme found themselves sharing space with a 1940s Italian chandelier, Murano glass lighting and walls painted the same pale blue as Lombardy skies.

This new take on the Modern Oriental style translates very well into small space living – Japanese-style screens and partitions can zone apartments into specific areas. In this home, the panels are all able to rotate 180 degrees, allowing them to direct the flow of light around the flat as needed. Clara calls the finished project ‘shimmering’, referring to the apartment’s natural brightness, silk walls and balanced use of colour. ‘It’s a true expression of what I love,’ she adds.

Here, the strict principles of Japanese design have been adapted to allow for personal taste and a blending of styles. ‘It’s a rational and organised way to decorate,’ says Clara, ‘with the freedom to experiment allowing for just a hint of the unexpected.’ eligostudio.it

Dining area Around the marble-topped ‘Romeo’ table by Roberto Lazzeroni for Baxter sits a collection of ‘Leggerissima’ chairs and ‘Tigullina’ armchairs, both by Eligo Studio. The doors leading to the living room are made of Murano glass Stockist details on p169 ➤

The addition of

Italian glamour to the Modern Oriental trend results in a look that combines glimmering luxury and Zen-like calm

This trend translates well to small-space living – Japanese-style screens and partitions can zone apartments into different areas

Kitchen The red marble counter was designed by Eligo Studio, as was the cabinet’s perforated front, created by carpenter Giacomo Moor Stockist details on p169 ➤

Bedroom The bed frame is by Eligo Studio. The ‘Helix’ lamp and ‘Sutra Love’ screen are by Valentina Giovando and the bedlinen is by Avant-toi Home Stockist details on p169