By Marco Credendino
As someone deeply passionate about craftsmanship and cultural heritage, I’ve always believed that the most inspiring interiors are those that tell stories from around the world. Injecting international elements into your home doesn’t mean losing identity; it means enriching it. From sculptural furniture to artisan-made decor, each piece becomes a dialogue between cultures.
Here, I share my thoughts on decorating the hallway of this historical seven-bedroom house in Rome, which is on the market for €5.1mn. Bathed in natural light, the space is centred around a sweeping staircase with wrought-iron balustrades. The stage is set for grandeur, yet it’s precisely within such a classic architectural setting that global design influences can add richness.
Elevate the entry with a sculptural piece
The hallway is the first chapter of your home’s story, a space that sets the tone for what lies beyond. Elevating it with a sculptural piece adds immediate presence and a sense of intention. Segment: Console Table by Apparatus is an example of how a visual play of density and lightness can change the perception of a room. A sculptural work like this acts as a visual anchor.
Integrate artworks by international artists
Art has the power to transcend borders, offering a lens into the cultural, emotional and political landscapes of different parts of the world. Integrating artworks by international artists such as Sergio Fiorentino and Corine Van Voorbergen enhances the aesthetic depth of a space and reflects an openness to diverse voices and perspectives. These pieces can introduce unexpected colour palettes, forms or themes, challenge conventions and spark meaningful dialogue.
Include a piece that tells a story
A home becomes relevant when it includes objects that do more than decorate. Whether it’s something handmade passed down through generations, a work born from an artisan’s personal journey or a piece inspired by the cultural identity of a faraway land, its presence adds authenticity and narrative weight. Turtle Giant Syracus floor lamp by Christian Pellizzari is part of the Clori lighting collection, inspired by Botticelli’s “Primavera”. Every floral detail is crafted from Murano blown glass, creating a lush garden that poetically embraces the space.
Showcase exceptional materials from around the world
Materials are the foundation of great design. Showcasing exceptional materials invites a tactile, sensorial journey into your home. From the luminous sheen of handblown Murano glass to the raw elegance of Brazilian quartzite or the warmth of African hardwoods, each material carries with it a sense of place, tradition and craftsmanship. An outstanding example of this is the DC2336 bench by Vincenzo De Cotiis. Crafted from black onyx and white bronze, this piece embodies the raw beauty of natural materials.
Weave together global design influences
Design thrives when it becomes a crossroads of cultures. Weaving together global influences is about creating a dialogue between traditions, techniques and perspectives from around the world. Whether it’s the minimalism of Japanese interiors, the warmth of Mediterranean homes or the intricate geometry of Middle Eastern design, each influence contributes a unique rhythm to the overall composition. When thoughtfully integrated, these elements don’t compete — they coexist, creating interiors that feel timeless, cosmopolitan and personal, as seen in the entertainment room of this apartment we designed.
Marco Credendino is CEO and co-founder of Artemest, a design company and online retailer of Italian interiors
Photography: Savills; Tomaso Lisca and Luca Argenton
