Giorgio Armani's 1980s Living Room Still Feels Modern and Enduringly Stylish – And It's So Easy to Recreate Now
Unsurprisingly, Giorgio Armani's living room in his 1980s Milan is artfully balanced. It's filled with replicable ideas we can use in today's designs
It comes as no surprise that Giorgio Armani's Milan home was just as luxurious as his clothes themselves. From a state-of-the-art library decked out with an impressive collection of editions to a home office with an iconic gallery wall at its center, every inch of his Italian apartment was masterfully curated and oh-so considered.
Sifting through the archive of photos that share a glimpse of the fashion designer's eventful life, I couldn't help but be drawn to his transitional living room that felt like a snapshot of a room I'd see in my own inbox or social media feed today, and which is reminiscent of his Casa furniture line. Despite being over 40 years old, Armani's effortlessly chic space proves that truly good style never dates.
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Decades later, Giorgio Armani's living room still feels contemporary and effortlessly stylish. Featuring a red coffee table, Japanese-inspired sofa bed and midcentury lighting, it teaches us a lesson in truly chic design that never dates. While Giorgio's pieces were undeniably one-of-a-kind, you'll be pleased to know that recreating the look is more than possible with these stylish picks.
With a fiery red lacquer finish, this chic accent table is the perfect way to pay homage to Giorgio's living room. Place a floral arrangement at its center or a midcentury lamp for a sophisticated set-up.
Giorgio's living room perfectly balances color. To channel the look, pair neutral soft furnishings like this delicately woven pillow cover with more striking red tones.
Featuring a delicately pleated shade and metal base, the Otto lamp is a subtle nod to Giorgio's midcentury lamp. Place it in the corner of your living room for a similar set-up to the designer himself.
Despite its simplicity, there's much to say about Armani's living room. From the living room color palette (a blend of warm neutrals and a fiery red) to the artful mix of furniture styles, balanced is the first word that comes to mind.
With wabi-sabi characteristics, Armani's space emphasises serenity without compromising on homeliness or personality. The bamboo blinds bring a modern, organic feel, matched by the Japanese-style day bed that offers the utmost comfort and practicality. The jute rug creates a similar effect, tying in with the natural, pared-back furnishings.
If you're looking to create a balanced space like Armani's, interior designer Rosanna Bossom says, 'Start with neutral foundations, such as calm paint colors or natural materials like wood, and then introduce brighter, more patterned yet functional furniture. Play with proportions to add visual interest – pairing larger, sleeker pieces with smaller, more intricate ones. Curate your items thoughtfully, avoiding clutter while still allowing meaningful, bolder pieces to shine.'
The silk striped cushions add that all-important touch of luxury that makes the space feel particularly Armani-coded. Paired with the midcentury chrome floor lamp and the striking lacquer table that offsets the neutrals, it's a truly accomplished space that honors the designer's enduring elegance and ingenuity.
Giorgio Armani's 1984 living room still feels on trend, decades later. Featuring a mix of furnishings and decorations, it's a truly fearless design that has encouraged me to layer even the most contrasting styles.
