How Mixing Materials Brings Luxury to Interior Design

MILAN HAS A GRITTY GLAMOUR that doesn’t endear itself to every visitor, but on my first visit I was surprised how much I liked it. From the imposing, imperial stone behemoth of Milano Centrale train station, I walked down the dusty, grand streets straight to the Villa Necchi Campiglio, a 1930s house and walled garden set like an emerald in the heart of Milan.

I’d wanted to go ever since I saw Luca Guadagnino’s 2009 film “I Am Love,” in which the house served as both the set and soul of the story, a restrained but sumptuous vision of Italian architecture. Designed by fashionable Milanese architect Piero Portaluppi and built between 1932 and 1935 for the wealthy industrialist Angelo Campiglio, his wife and her sibling (the Necchi sisters) the house affirms that the jewels of Milan are often found behind lock and key.

Thanks to heritage foundation FAI (Fondo Ambiente Italiano), the luxurious glass doors of the once-private residence now admit visitors. As I wound my way through its garden, golden light filtered through century-old plane trees, dappling Japanese anemones and ferns. Bands of marble, granite and ceppo stone wrap the facade of the home, its otherwise forebodingly glamorous entry softened by semicircular steps. I braced myself and entered.

Elegance is rarely more faultless than the home’s soaring ground floor, from its walnut and rosewood parquet to its briar-root panelled walls and broad staircase with Greek-key balustrade. Works by Morandi and Modigliani, found throughout, add another layer of refinement.

“The story of the house tells the story of Milan,” said Marco Fincato of the FAI. “It combines the power of industry, fashion and design.” Portaluppi’s gift was mixing luxurious materials and references, from the sensuality of Art Deco to the rigour of Italian Rationalist architecture. Rationalism was essentially a fascist movement, said Mr. Fincato, and while Mussolini’s regime proved ruinous for Italy, the resulting influx of money and power gave architects a brief chance to shine.

Shine, the Villa Necchi does. A wall of brass-trimmed, double-paned windows defines the sparkling glass veranda. As if in a greenhouse, plants grow in the 12 or so inches of space between the two panes. Uninterrupted views of the garden, jadeite s-curved upholstery and the geometric check of the green marble floors boost the sense of verdure. A lapis lazuli side table faces an 18th-century Japanese lacquer cabinet, exemplifying the way the Villa’s materials complement, and contrast with, each other.

It feels as though Portaluppi has dressed the house with different finishes to send her off for a glittering night of opera at La Scala. Each room features sliding doors inset with mercury mirror or interlocking bricks of silver alloy. They open with a whisper and lock down like a fortress. Goatskin-parchment paneling swaths the dining room, whose plaster ceiling is spangled with constellations. Even the radiators sport bespoke brass chain-mail covers that swish like earrings.

As Marianna Kennedy, a designer whose eponymous atelier in London is renowned for lacquer, mirror and bronze work, later told me, “The wonderful detailing and restrained lines of the Portaluppi interiors are quite simple, but the finishes make it extraordinary.”

I climbed the stairs, letting my hand sweep the walnut balustrade. The sleeping quarters function as separate apartments, and while the relatively humble bedrooms feel almost spartan, the bathrooms are dazzling. Thick blush-marble slabs create towering stalls for the showers and toilets; luxuriant bathtubs anchor the rooms. “Only in Italy could bathrooms like this be made, with the availability of so much marble,” said Mr. Fincato.

I stayed until the setting sun glinted across the polished floors and distant, celebratory pops of prosecco could be heard from the garden. There would be a private party that evening, and I could almost feel the house’s soul stir back to life. Was I invited? No, but it didn’t matter. I was taking a spark of insight home with me. The magic of the place is in its heady cocktail of materials—mirror, lacquer, stone, leather, metals, glass. I vowed to avoid living the rest of my life surrounded only by old, brown wooden furniture.

As I left, waiters in dinner jackets poured coups at the bar as chic partygoers arrived. “The house feels timeless yet so of its place,” said Ms. Kennedy. “Milan looks austere and unforgiving in a way, but you go through a courtyard door, and a hidden, beautiful world unfolds.”

Art can transform more than just walls—it shapes mood, evokes memory, and elevates the everyday. Discover how thoughtfully curated interiors can become living expressions of personal meaning and refined luxury, from sculptural furniture to bespoke murals.

Artful Abundance: The Sophisticated Joy of Artful Interiors

Imagine a hushed hospital corridor, its sterile walls awash in the glow of flickering fluorescent lights. In that unexpected moment, a solitary Monet painting emerged—a luminous tableau of delicate lilies dancing in quiet defiance.

As the clinical austerity yielded to the graceful presence of art, this single work transformed into a vessel of solace and hope amid overwhelming uncertainty.

That moment continues to resonate with me—a vivid reminder that art transcends mere aesthetics to become a profound catalyst for emotional healing and inspiration. It is this transformative experience that fuels my passion as a biophilic interior designer.

I create environments where every element, from bespoke murals to sculptural installations, harnesses art’s power to elevate the human spirit, spark creativity, and enrich lives. Let us journey together into the world of luxurious interiors that define modern elegance.

2. Art as Wellness: A Daily Ritual of Rejuvenation

At its core, art is a daily ritual that renews both mind and spirit. Scientific research consistently confirms that nature-inspired art reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and kindles creativity.

The simple act of beholding a tranquil landscape or a subtle floral motif transforms your space into a private retreat, offering solace amidst a hectic world.

In my practice, I meticulously select artworks chosen not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their potent, therapeutic benefits.

Each piece serves as daily inspiration—a quiet invitation to experience calm and well-being. For example, our Hilton project demonstrates how hospitality resorts integrate nature-inspired art not only for its visual impact but also as a medium of healing; here, a collaboration with a local artist produced a masterful installation that functions both as a statement piece and a source of well-being.

3. Bespoke Brilliance: Celebrating Your Unique Narrative

Luxury design is profoundly personal. Bespoke art transcends mass-produced décor by capturing your unique story—whether through a custom mural reminiscent of your favourite botanical garden or silk wallpapers that evoke the allure of exotic landscapes.

Each personalised creation turns your walls into a living narrative of cherished memories and distinctive taste. Consider how a thoughtfully designed space can reflect your individuality and elevate your living experience.

4. Sculptural Elegance: Redefining Spatial Dynamics

Art is not confined to two dimensions. Three-dimensional sculptural works bring vitality to interiors by adding depth, texture, and tactile allure.

Picture a gracefully sculpted piece—a marble table echoing the gentle rhythm of ocean waves or a repurposed bronze branch serving as an elegant room divider.

Such statement sculptures command attention while seamlessly integrating form with function and providing a natural conversation starter in any refined space.

5. Architectural Artistry: When Structure Meets Art

A truly sophisticated home elegantly merges art with architecture. Imagine a residence where bespoke staircases curve with elegance, where hand-carved wooden doors evoke the intricate beauty of nature, and where expansive windows frame breathtaking vistas.

In these spaces, every architectural detail contributes to a cohesive canvas of artistic expression. As you envision your own home, consider how your surroundings can be thoughtfully designed to reflect both beauty and purpose.

6. Furniture as Functional Art: Merging Practicality with Mastery

In luxury interiors, even the functional becomes exceptional through artful design. Consider a one-of-a-kind, hand-carved pink marble swivel chair—a masterpiece where practicality meets refined craftsmanship.

More than just a piece of furniture, this chair sparks conversation and serves as an emblem of creative innovation and exclusivity.

Let this be a symbol of how every element in your home might reflect your dedication to exquisite artistry.

7. Digital Sophistication: The Future of Artistic Expression

In an age defined by rapid technological advancement, digital art installations offer a contemporary twist on traditional forms.

High-resolution displays now present dynamic landscapes—a cascade of waterfalls, the quiet majesty of a forest, or a serene digital ocean vista—that adapt and evolve with your environment.

This modern element seamlessly aligns cutting-edge technology with timeless aesthetics, ensuring your space remains as innovative as it is elegant.

8. Luxurious Textiles and Furnishings: The Essence of Understated Elegance

Luxury is often revealed in the details: the textures, colours, and fabrics that together create a haven of understated splendour.

Bespoke silk cushions with intricate botanical embroidery, sumptuous velvet throws that evoke tropical charm, and bedding that mirrors the ethereal beauty of cloudscapes all contribute to an atmosphere of refined elegance and comfort.

Every tactile detail is chosen to evoke warmth and stand as a testament to your taste for excellence.

9. Refined Heritage: Honouring Timeless Craftsmanship

In the realm of luxury, tradition and modernity exist in perfect harmony. Integrating timeless antiques—such as a rare Vladimir Kagan couch or a coveted Hans Wegner chair—with contemporary design creates a dialogue that honours both heritage and innovation.

These storied pieces carry with them a legacy of masterful craftsmanship, adding layers of significance and depth to your living environment. They remind us that true elegance is built upon a foundation of enduring quality.

10. The Art of Personal Meaning: Crafting Your Legacy

Ultimately, art is the language through which you express your unique legacy.

Every carefully chosen piece reflects a part of your personal journey, turning your living space into a narrative as emotionally resonant as it is visually stunning.

It imbues your environment with memories, aspirations, and the essence of who you are—a living masterpiece that evolves with time.

Reflect on how these elements might not only beautify your home but also stand as timeless expressions of your personal story.

Now is the moment to immerse yourself fully in the joy of art. Elevate your surroundings and transform your residence into your greatest masterpiece.

Your heart, your legacy, and your space deserve nothing less than extraordinary artistry.

Ozge Fettahlioglu is the founder of Cocoplum | Biophilic Design Studio and Boxareno | Custom Modular Constructions. A wellness and biophilic design leader, she creates bespoke spaces that inspire, heal, and elevate daily living. Ozge is also a board member of Biophilic Cities Australia.