Valentino Transformed A Tiny Nook at His Capri Villa Into a Fantasy Jewelbox – Step Inside the Verdant Alcove

Design people love small nooks because the bijou proportions offer space to explore and create bold vignettes that might be overwhleming in a larger room. Teeny alcoves to tiny breakfast areas and miniscule corners are the design-minded individual's playpen.

For a brilliant example, we're looking back in time to the home of the late great Valentino Garavani, the pioneering Italian fashion designer. Valentino had a great love for interiors, which he exhibited across his homes in London, Rome, and France - today, we're peeking inside his villa in Capri, Italy. A photoshoot from 1991 captures a gorgeous alcove that Valentino transformed into a fantasy jewelbox by adorning its arches with green floral wallpaper.

Inside the nook, Valentino decorated with floral fabric, Moroccan furniture with mother-of-pearl inlay, and a unique collection of antique pieces. It's a study in elevating a small space into something truly special.

Recreate Valentino's Look at Home

If you want to turn a nook into a design-led celebration, you will need lots of patterns and pieces from a range of time periods and styles. Here is our edit for capturing the look, inspired by Valentino's home.

You may have been told that small spaces should always be decorated in whites and creams to make them look larger - but Valentino's alcove proves that size doesn't always need to be the goal. Sometimes celebrating the tininess of a space with an overdose of color and pattern is the chicest option.

Design expert Shelley Cochrane explains: 'When it comes to color, it’s true that neutrals will open up the room and create the illusion of more space, but they’re not your only color option. I’d advise leaning into the petite nature of the living room and color-drenching the entire space in a deep and dramatic hue instead. This draws the walls and ceiling in cocoon-style to create a living room that feels cozy, welcoming and inviting.'

Valentino's space also shows that decorating with florals can be incredibly versatile; they can be customized based on how you want the space the area to look. Dita Miska, Designer at Fancy Walls, recommends incorporating florals into the home by first asking, 'What mood am I looking to create?'

She explains: 'For example, if it's a sense of calm you're after, a light, small-scale pattern will work the best. If you’re looking to create a sense of boldness, then opt for larger patterns and daring, vibrant colors.'

Turning back to these icons of design can give insight into the best ways to transform our homes in the future.

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