Contemporary Italian Interior Design in an Alpine Setting
Val di Non, located in northern Italy’s Trentino region, is known for its expansive views, clean air and natural light. The architecture of this private house embraces those qualities: wide glazing, restrained material palettes and a calm, open-plan layout.
The kitchen forms the heart of the home. Pale timber cabinetry runs wall to wall, creating a seamless backdrop for a striking marble island with deep green veining. The space feels precise but never austere. It is softened by upholstery, curved forms and carefully selected seating.
This is where the Aky stool and Marlen chair become integral to the composition.
The Aky Stool: Sculptural Lightness for Kitchen Islands
A modern contract stool with architectural presence
The Aky stool, the latest addition to the Aky Contract collection, completes the family of tables and seating with three available heights, 48 cm, 67 cm and 78 cm. This flexibility makes it ideal for both residential kitchens and contract environments such as hospitality or workplace projects.
What distinguishes the Aky stool visually is its structure. The painted metal legs converge towards the centre, creating a subtle tapering effect. The geometry feels light and stable at once, echoing the linear language of the kitchen island in this Val di Non home.
The round seat in solid ash introduces natural tactility. For projects that require additional comfort or colour layering, the seat is also available in an upholstered padded version with a coloured central button. This detail adds a refined focal point without overwhelming the simplicity of the form.
Proportion and placement in open-plan living
In this project, the darker metal finish of the stools contrasts elegantly with the pale cabinetry and polished marble. Positioned along the island, they create a visual rhythm that draws the eye horizontally across the space.
Because the stools are available in multiple heights, they can be specified precisely to suit island dimensions or breakfast bars. For interior designers, this is not a minor detail. Correct seat height in relation to worktop level ensures both comfort and ergonomic integrity.
The Aky stool proves that a piece can be understated yet still define the character of a space.
The Marlen Chair: Comfort and Retro Influence Reimagined
Fifties inspiration, contemporary execution
The Marlen chair by EP Studio introduces a softer counterpoint to the linear kitchen architecture. Its silhouette carries a subtle Fifties influence, particularly in the gentle curvature of the backrest and the generous padding of both seat and back.
The four-legged structure in metal rod feels light and dynamic. In other configurations, the frame can also be specified in solid ash, offering a warmer, more tactile presence. Finishes such as brass or brushed copper add a nuanced vintage tone, ideal for designers looking to layer texture and colour.
In the Val di Non house, the Marlen chairs sit around the dining table, their upholstered forms softening the geometry of the room. The result is a dining area that feels inviting rather than formal.
Ergonomics and durability for residential and contract use
Marlen is not simply about aesthetics. Designed under the banner of comfort, ergonomics and resistance, it performs equally well in high-use settings. The stackable version expands its applicability for hospitality and commercial projects.
For private homes, the generously padded seat height of 47 cm offers everyday comfort, whether for family dinners or longer social gatherings. For contract interiors, its robust construction ensures longevity.
At The Design Net, we often advise clients on balancing visual impact with long-term performance. Marlen demonstrates that the two need not be mutually exclusive.
Material Dialogue: Metal, Ash and Marble
One of the strengths of this private house in Val di Non, Italy lies in its material dialogue. Solid ash, painted metal, marble and upholstery are used in conversation rather than competition.
The Aky stool’s ash seat subtly echoes the vertical timber cabinetry. Its painted metal base references the darker tones of the island. Meanwhile, the Marlen chair introduces upholstered softness and curved lines, preventing the interior from feeling overly rigid.
For architects and designers, this project illustrates an important principle in contemporary Italian interior design: cohesion is achieved not through uniformity, but through carefully calibrated contrast.
Why Seating Matters in Modern Residential Design
Seating is often treated as secondary to architecture. Yet in open-plan homes, it becomes a primary visual and functional anchor.
Kitchen islands are social hubs. Dining tables are gathering points. The specification of stools and chairs therefore influences:
-
The way people interact within the space
-
The visual weight and balance of the room
-
The tactile experience of everyday living
In the Val di Non project, the combination of Aky stools and Marlen chairs creates a layered seating strategy. One is precise and architectural. The other is generous and enveloping. Together, they form a cohesive whole.
Working with Italian Furniture Brands in the UK
As a bespoke furniture provider and brand partner, we support UK-based interior designers and architects in sourcing and specifying Italian furniture for residential and contract projects.
Our role is not limited to supply. We assist with:
-
Product selection aligned to design intent
-
Technical specifications and dimensional coordination
-
Material and finish guidance
-
Integration with bespoke joinery or custom elements
Projects such as this private house in Val di Non, Italy demonstrate how contemporary Italian interior design can be both expressive and disciplined. For UK projects seeking a similar balance, we help translate that vision into practical specification.
We recommend exploring related content on our website, including our bespoke furniture services and insights into turnkey contract solutions, for further context on how we support design-led projects.
Contemporary Italian Interior Design with Substance
This private house in Val di Non, Italy is a compelling example of contemporary Italian interior design executed with restraint and depth. The Aky stool and Marlen chair do not compete for attention. Instead, they reinforce the architecture, enhance comfort and contribute to a coherent material story.
For designers and homeowners alike, the lesson is clear: thoughtful seating selection shapes not only how a space looks, but how it feels and functions.
At The Design Net, we believe that furniture should be specified with the same rigour as architecture. When done well, as in this project, the result is an interior that feels both refined and lived in.
FAQ: How We Support Designers as a Brand Partner
How do we help designers specify the right stool height or chair configuration?
We guide designers through proportions and technical details to ensure the correct seat height and structure are selected for the project. Whether it is a 67 cm kitchen island stool or a 78 cm bar height version, we assist with dimensional coordination so the specification works seamlessly with cabinetry and joinery.
Can we assist with finish and material selection?
Yes. We provide guidance on painted metal finishes, ash tones, upholstery options and enriched details such as brass or brushed copper. Our role is to ensure that material choices align with the wider architectural language of the project.
Do we support both residential and contract projects?
Absolutely. Pieces such as the Aky stool and Marlen chair are designed for durability as well as aesthetics. We advise on suitability for high-traffic contract settings as well as private homes, helping designers make informed decisions based on usage requirements.
Can we coordinate these pieces alongside bespoke furniture?
Yes. As a bespoke furniture provider and brand partner, we frequently integrate branded seating with custom joinery or made-to-measure elements. This ensures a cohesive outcome rather than a collection of disconnected items.
What does working with us look like in practice?
We act as a bridge between Italian brands and UK-based designers and architects. That means clear communication, technical clarification, lead time management and support through specification to delivery.