Why Italian Nonna Chic is the Trend to Know in 2023
Cottagecore is no more. Enter: Nonna Chic. The home-grown, nurturing trend born from a love of Italian traditions and family values that is taking over our homes this summer
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Why Italian Nonna Chic is the Trend to Know in 2023
Cottagecore is no more. Enter: Nonna Chic. The home-grown, nurturing trend born from a love of Italian traditions and family values that is taking over our homes this summer
By: Charlotte OlbyMeet the (newly-coined) trend of the year: Nonna Chic. The aesthetic that has firmly put Cottagecore back into the lockdown era, and is easing us into a summer of time well-spent and well-fed at home – rooted in warmth, Italian tradition and family. Strictly speaking, Italian Nonna Chic is a lifestyle more than a decor trend. But, one that epitomises family gatherings and celebrations centred around food; all nestled within the bosom of the matriarch of all Italian families, the Grandma (aka Nonna). While you may not have noticed it, Nonnas are taking over as the new influencers. In fact, you just have to visit @pastagrannies on Instagram, who have almost amassed 1 million followers, or visit the ever-popular chain of Big Mama restaurants (Gloria and Circolo Popolare to name a few) to see this is a trend du jour. Collections of items traditionally associated with that of an Italian grandmother’s home are finding fresh status within our homes. In order to emulate such eclecticism and character at your next big feast, employ classic linens, murano glassware, hand-painted crockery and sharing platters piled high with homemade pasta. Here is Liberty’s very best edit…
Cabana Blossom Dinner Plate Red, £85
Immediately evocative of a time and location – and steeped in Italian sophistication – Cabana’s blossom tableware range perfectly defines the sweet spot between traditional and modern iterations of Italian ceramics. Hand-painted in Umbria by a small team of skilled artisans, the blue and red palette adds a touch of warmth to the rustic design.
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HAY Tavern Glass Medium, £9
This isn’t the place for thin, crystal-cut glassware so instead look for classic bistro short-stemmed vessels that belong on a home-style table. The chubby stem and heavy weight means this HAY chalice is perfectly poised for serving wine, water, puddings and – crucially – is harder for guests to knock over.
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Soho Home Ember Contrast Circular Chopping Board, £155
Now, it wouldn’t be a traditional kitchen without somewhere to lovingly prepare fresh dishes. The sleek design of this wooden board (crafted from Italian walnut no less) is perfect for enhancing your countertop or, to serve up comfort and connection with your home-cooked creations.
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Les Ottomans Lemon Cermaic Tray, £55
Summer in a dish. Typically found growing in Sicily or the Amalfi Coast, if you’re looking to honour the Italian’s love affair with the citrus fruit, this handmade dish manages to feel both decadent and whimsical while celebrating our favourite season. There is nothing more summery nor more Italian than lemons.
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Astier de Villatte Grecque Linen Red Tea Towel, £40
This design style is all about bringing the warmth and charm of a classic Italian home into your space – every time you enter, it should feel like a hug. An authentic Italian kitchen is filled with staples like a large pasta pot, cheese graters, wooden spoons and classic white linens that have stood the test of time – just like Nonna herself.
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Vaisselle Oily Chéri Oil Dispenser, £75
The staple of any Mediterranean diet is olive oil. Italians don’t use their best olive oil for cooking, they instead use it crudo – meaning drizzled raw – on vegetables, salads, pastas and meat to add rich layers of flavour. With the prettiest of oil bottles, you can proudly display this as a centrepiece for your table.
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Soho Home Pavel Red Marble Wine Cooler, £110
To truly encapsulate this trend you want to emulate a lived-in Italian look, without it feeling pretentious – and, of course, ensure wine is on the menu. Expertly crafted from solid Rosso Levanto marble, the Pavel red marble wine cooler from Soho Home will keep the wine nicely chilled throughout every course.
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Bordallo Pinheiro Aubergine Platter, £72
Aubergine parmigiana is one of the most iconic Italian dishes and personifies comfort food at its very best. So it’s only right it gets its moment in the spotlight with Bordallo’s kitsch platter to add a dash of colour to your mealtime. Buon appetito!
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Casa Celva Murrina Textured Glass Tumbler, £45
Mouth-blown by master glass blowers in Murano, Italy, this tumbler is shaped by hand and accented with thousands of tiny fragments of murrina glass that produce a unique, textured effect. Use to serve strong Negronis (or a cocktail of your choice) to end the evening, reminiscent of sitting outdoors on a hot night in Italy.
Shop NowCabana Fiamma Hostess Book, £120
It’s the little details that truly make a great gathering. From cups of espresso passed round after-dark to good music and handwritten place cards, these are the things that award you hostess with the mostess status. The Cabana Hostess Book features a planning guide for the perfect soiree, from seating charts and menus to conversation starters.
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