After a few sun-drenched days on the Amalfi Coast, I returned home with more than just a tan and a phone full of postcard-perfect photos – I brought back a whole new outlook on decorating.
Italian interior design style has always been about living with boldness, joy, and la dolce vita. It’s maximalism done right. And as someone in the middle of the reno, my Euro summer was the perfect dose of vacay inspo I was needing.
(Image credit: Colours of Arley)
What struck me most was how confidently the Italians embrace color and pattern.
From statement ceilings to sun-drenched palettes, here are the four design lessons I took away from the Amalfi Coast – and how I’m channeling that Italian magic at home.
1. Red and yellow
Beach huts at Peter’s Beach in Positano, Italy
(Image credit: Charlotte Olby)
If you’d asked me pre-trip whether I’d ever embrace a red and yellow color combination, I probably would’ve said absolutely not. The fear of my living room ending up looking like a fast food chain was just too real.
But in the Amalfi Coast, I saw these two colors used in a way that completely changed my perspective on the pairing. From faded crimson shutters against lemon-hued walls to patterned floor tiles that mixed the shades with terracotta and rich cream, this unexpected color combination feels sun-drenched, joyful, and grounded in heritage rather than kitsch.
Personally, I think the key to making it work at home is in small doses and crucial: muted tones. Think butter yellow paired with burgundy, or a soft yellow kitchen with a few red accessories dropped in. It doesn’t need to be bold and brash, but it’s a color pairing I had never considered working and one I’m keen to try out now I’m back home.
2. Painted ceilings
Hotel room at Marina Piccola 73 in Positano, Italy
(Image credit: Charlotte Olby)
“Look up!” was one of our most-used phrases in Italy, from frescos to beautiful architecture and, most surprisingly, painted accent ceilings.
From hotels to restaurants, painted ceilings were everywhere in hues of blue, yellow, or terracotta that brought unexpected drama and depth to even the smallest of rooms. And it’s made me rethink my approach to the ‘fifth wall’.
Back home, I couldn’t stop thinking about the ceiling in my dining room – a plain white expanse that suddenly felt like a missed opportunity to make a statement. I took the plunge with a muted buttery yellow that picks up tones from the rug and table decor, and the whole room instantly feels more thoughtful and cocooning.
3. Stripes, stripes, and more stripes
The view at Bagni Internazionali beach club in Capri, Italy
(Image credit: Charlotte Olby)
If the Amalfi Coast had a uniform, it would be stripes. From sun-bleached umbrellas on the beach to candy-striped cushions at cliffside cafes, decorating with stripes was everywhere and somehow never felt overdone.
But while we were most definitely by the seaside, Amalfi’s stripes are anything but nautical. In bold and bright hues of red, green, blue, and yellow, these stripes were mismatched in palette and sizes, and a perfect example of the stripe-drenching trend.
Seeing them used so freely made me realize how versatile stripes really are. You could start small by layering up some multi-striped table linens, or adding some striped edging to patterned curtains or upholstery. That’s the thing about stripes, too; they play so nicely with other patterns and interior design styles, meaning you can dip your toe in while keeping everything feeling cohesive.
Shop the Amalfi Coast look
Bistro Stripe Patio Umbrella by Business & Pleasure Co.
The first thing I knew I wanted to order as soon as I got home was a striped patio umbrella, and Business & Pleasure Co. does the very best. I love this green and pink colorway, but there are plenty more to choose from.
Yellow Lemon Stoneware Vase
Of course, I couldn’t not include something lemon-adorned like this large stone vase from H&M. It’s a lovely nod to the Amalfi Coast without being too in your face, and can easily be stashed away come winter.
Red can be a bold statement in any space, so for a small dip into this tomato red hue, I’m looking to accent pieces like this sweet side table that is made using a trio of stacked spheres for a playful look.
Vietri Campagna Dinner Plate
The boutiques on my travels were all stacked with beautifully hand-painted ceramics just like this sweet fish plate. Made literally on the Amalfi Coast by Vietri, Anthropologie is delivering a touch of Italy straight to your door with this piece.
Assouline Amalfi Coast Coffee Table Book
I’m a big collector of coffee table books, but missing from my collection is Assouline’s iconic Amalfi Coast title. This 260-page book is filled with beautiful imagery from the Mediterranean, think beaches, architecture, and plenty of limoncello.
La DoubleJ Placemats Set of 2
Kick start your summer table decor ideas with stripes on stripes, just like the Italians. Made in collaboration between Italian labels La DoubleJ and Mascioni, this 100% linen placemat has the chicest yet surprising combo of deep red and soft blue.
My trip to the Amalfi Coast left me with more than just memories and a full belly; it totally shifted how I think about decorating altogether. Whether it’s a splash of red and yellow, a striped textile, or something as unexpected as a painted ceiling, each design choice feels more personal, more playful – like a little souvenir from the places that inspired it.
