Gina Lollobrigida's Living Room Embodied Retro Elegance with Clever Record Storage, Floral Curtains, and a Gallery Wall – 65 Years Later, It's Still Inspiring
Photos of the actress's home from 1960 offer insight into her timeless style and how to create cozy, lived-in interiors through layering
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Long before Francesca Lollobrigida was winning Olympic Gold Medals, her great aunt, film star Gina Lollobrigida, was shining on a different stage. Though most people know her for her roles in old Hollywood films such as Beat the Devil, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Come September, Gina's approach to interior design was equally commendable. As retro silhouettes recirculate into fashion, we revisit her gorgeous living room for period-appropriate inspiration.
An archival photo of Gina's house in Rome from 1960 shows a space alive with texture and pattern. The actress's living room idea acts as a gallery wall for her abstract paintings and a storage area for her impressive record collection. Floral curtains and a wooden sideboard add an intentionally defined feel. Light streams into the room from French doors at the back of the space. Overall, it feels invitingly warm and lived in, yet stylish.
Gina Lollobrigida playing records at her house in Rome, 1960
Recreate Gina's Look at Home
A vinyl record player is a must-have to channel a retro vibe in your home. This one is highly rated at a good price, so you can channel '60s elegance no matter your budget.
I love the combination of colors in these stylish cafe curtains that let just the right amount of light into your living room. They would be stunning paired with a wooden dresser, or other mid-century furnishings.
This elegant brass picture frame is so sophisticated and will delicately catch the light, allowing your picture to shine without dominating. It would be ideal for adding a touch of glamour to a gallery wall.
Just like Gina's, this stylish record cart has wheels for easy moving, and a wire surface for a mid-century modern style. It's the perfect pick if you want your home to feel at once modern and retro.
Your soundscape is equally important to the visuals of your home in terms of curating a chic and inviting vibe. Start with the music of Duke Ellington to kick it off with a classic.
This sleek, wood sideboard/TV is low-profile and ideal for displaying decorative objects. It would be ideal for featuring your record player while keeping clutter tucked away.
Though they may be in the background, Gina's floral curtains are doing heavy work. The integration of pattern warms up wood, brightens storage, and adds intentionality to interiors. Luckily, this look is easy to recreate in a variety of prints.
Amy Holton, Head of Creative at Lust Home, explains: 'From geometrics to florals, retro prints are always in style, and can transform any space into a nostalgic haven. Embrace the boldness of the prints, and experiment with contrasting colours, patterns, and scales to add depth. Create a striking contrast by pairing them with solid-coloured furniture, allowing the wallpaper to stand out as a focal point of the room. Don’t shy away from blending eras, for example, pair 1970s-inspired wallpaper with mid-century modern furniture to create an eclectic aesthetic.'
The addition of records as decor is also a huge part of what makes this home feel lived-in and period-appropriate. Amy recommends: 'When it comes to smaller accessories, incorporate complementary touches that echo the era with vintage-inspired pieces, such as retro clocks, artwork, and lamps. Experiment with texture by combining various materials such as velvet, leather, and natural fibres to introduce a tactile appeal to your space.'
Decorating with retro flair requires taking inspiration from actual retro spaces. From Gina Lollobrigida's '60s living room to Audrey Hepburn's '70s nursery, Homes & Gardens is full of inspiration from eras throughout history. If you enjoy our celebrity news and interior design advice, why not sign up to our newsletter so you never miss the latest features? It's just a click away.
