Interior Designer Chris Umali-Co, seated on the Camaleonda sofa by Mario Bellini. Photo courtesy of B&B Italia
B&B Italia offers a selection of home furnishings to create a space that not only befits the holiday festivities but lasts for years to come
The mention of Christmas typically brings to mind the classic shades of red and green, with ornaments and decorations being somewhat limited to the same hues. However, with the growing relevance of timeless and adaptable home design, the season’s colors then find themselves in those who inhabit the space instead.
For veteran interior designer Chris Umali-Co, she believes that such a perspective could “allow homeowners to radiate their personalities throughout each section,” ultimately cultivating a space that is personal and intentional, rather than remaining within the holiday thematics. “Build over time and allow your decorations to tell a story,” she adds.
As the holidays draw closer, Italian contemporary furniture brand B&B Italia offers a selection of furnishings that cultivate a festive yet intimate atmosphere, all while highlighting each piece’s versatility that allows them to become a mainstay in the home for years to come. Detailed and curated below are spaces that blend the brand’s in-house collections alongside tips and inspirations from the interior designer.
Complimenting the capitonné-designed sofa, the Button Table by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby as well as the Grande Papilio Armchair by Naoto Fukasawa not only offer their varieties in texture to the space but also through dynamic yet subdued and symmetrical designs.
“A well-arranged coffee table can serve as the heart of the living room during holiday parties,” she shares. The Alanda ‘18 Coffee Table by Paolo Piva serves as an alternate centerpiece of the room, utilizing its steel frame and wide glass top. The coffee table becomes a substitute for the traditional Christmas tree that blends one’s personal accent pieces with more seasonal-themed ornaments and decorations.
Within the dining space, Umali-Co advises that these principles still apply when choosing furniture to create a cozy ambiance. Blending the works of Antonio Citterio, the Acanto Chairs serve as a complementary pairing with either rounded or angular table designs. “Opt for decor that can transition seamlessly into everyday settings,” shares Umali-Co.
Apart from the overall look of the space, Umali-Co also takes into consideration the impact that lighting could have on the sections it illuminates. The interior designer then suggests that homeowners could instead opt for an indirect approach toward their lighting. She emphasizes Louis Poulsen’s PH Artichoke and PH Snowball Pendant Lamps which utilize their symmetrical and sculptural design to create a dynamic yet subtle flourish to the space.
B&B Italia highlights a sustainable approach to home furnishing by adopting an eye that seeks quality and versatility. Looking beyond its intended purpose for the holiday season, Umali-Co also believes that the longevity of a piece is integral in giving it a new identity with each generation. “Select pieces that not only look beautiful but also have lasting value,” the designer expounds.
Visit the B&B Italia website to view their seasonal catalog, and visit their Facebook and Instagram pages to learn more
