Maria Vittoria Paggini’s formative years were steeped in the rich artistic heritage and craftsmanship of Arezzo, Tuscany, a town renowned for its historical significance and aesthetic vibrancy. Growing up in this culturally rich environment profoundly influenced her creative sensibilities and passion for design. Arezzo’s legacy of artistry and craftsmanship served as the backdrop for her childhood, where she developed a keen appreciation for beauty, precision, and the intricate interplay between form and function.

In her design philosophy, “the expression of instinct” plays a crucial role. This concept involves allowing intuition to guide the creative process, drawing inspiration from the world around her and translating it into her projects. Paggini trusts her instincts to determine what feels right for a space, often eschewing conventional design rules in favour of a more personalized, client-centred approach.

 

 

Paggini’s exploration of themes such as “porno-chic” for events like Casa Ornella Milan Design Week showcases her willingness to challenge conventional notions of sensuality and aesthetics in design. Collaborating with artist Tatiana Brodatch, she incorporated bold, expressive artistry into her work, enhancing the atmosphere of Casa Ornella and pushing the boundaries of traditional interior design.

 

How did growing up in Arezzo, Tuscany, and being involved in your family’s goldsmith business influence your passion for design and creativity? 

Growing up in Arezzo, a town renowned for its rich artistic heritage and craftsmanship, deeply influenced my aesthetic sensibilities. Being immersed in my family’s goldsmith business from a young age provided me with a profound understanding of precision, attention to detail, and the importance of materials. This environment nurtured my passion for design and creativity, teaching me to appreciate beauty in both form and function. I paid homage to my roots in the world of goldsmithing by drawing inspiration from it for the design of a faucet I created for the company Mamoli Milano.

 

 

Can you elaborate on how your experience with different materials in the goldsmith business helped shape your approach to multi-sensory and experiential aesthetics in interior design?

Working with various materials in the goldsmith business honed my ability to understand and manipulate textures, colours, and finishes. This experience translates into my approach to interior design, where I strive to create spaces that engage multiple senses. The empathetic connection is a guiding principle for me, whether it is with the client or with the design itself.

I aim to engage all five senses, so I carefully select materials and finishes that not only look beautiful but also offer tactile and sensory experiences, making the spaces I design feel more immersive and alive. Through the use of specific materials, shapes, and colours, my goal remains to touch the sensitivity of both the public and my clients.

 

 

What does “the expression of instinct” mean to you in the context of your design work, and how do you incorporate it into your projects?

“The expression of instinct” in my design work means allowing my intuition to guide the creative process, gaining inspiration from the world and translating what I see in my own projects. It involves trusting my gut feelings about what feels right for a space, rather than strictly adhering to conventional design rules. I typically refuse convention, I like to relate to the clients, know them and translate in a design what I see in them. I incorporate this into my projects by being open to spontaneous ideas, experimenting with unconventional materials layouts, and colours, and ensuring that each design element resonates on a deeper, instinctual level with the intended atmosphere and purpose of the space.

 

 

Can you describe how you balance your instinctual design approach with your profound technical expertise in your projects? 

Balancing instinctual design with technical expertise involves a harmonious blend of creativity and precision at the same time. Sometimes I dream of ambitious designs that are not always easy to reproduce, and I often encounter challenges with feasibility. However, I believe it is essential not to surrender in the face of difficulties but to continually strive to push boundaries further.

I start with a strong conceptual vision driven by instinct and refine it through detailed planning, technical drawings, and rigorous material selection to achieve a cohesive and well-executed final product.

 

 

How do you achieve a balance between visual dynamism and textural soothing in your limited-edition decor and furniture collections?

Achieving this balance involves a careful selection of materials, colours, and forms that evoke sensibility. I use dynamic shapes and bold colours to create visual interest while incorporating soothing textures and natural materials that I like to mix for a visual equilibrium. This combination ensures that each piece is not only visually striking but also invites touch and interaction, creating a holistic sensory experience.

 

 

Could you explain your belief in a “living house” and how you express emotions through the colours and designs of a home?

A “living house” is one that evolves and adapts with its inhabitants, reflecting their emotions, experiences, and lifestyle. I express emotions through colours and designs that resonate with the desired mood of each space. For example, warm tones and organic shapes can create a sense of intimacy and comfort, while bold colours and geometric patterns can energise and inspire. Each element and combination of colours is chosen to evoke specific feelings and support the emotional well-being of those who live there.

 

 

What inspired the “porno-chic” theme for Casa Ornella Milan Design Week, and what message are you hoping to convey through this theme? How did the collaboration with artist Tatiana Brodatch and the use of her graphic wallpaper influence the overall design of Casa Ornella?

The “porno-chic” theme for Casa Ornella was inspired by a desire to challenge conventional notions of sensuality and aesthetics in design. It aims to provoke thought and elicit a visceral response, exploring the intersection of art, intimacy, and interior space making nudity an organic and natural element rather than something to be hidden. Collaborating with Tatiana Brodatch and using her graphic for my Frenesia wallpaper added a layer of bold, expressive artistry to the design, enhancing the atmosphere of Casa Ornella. Her artwork in my wallpaper brought a visual narrative that complemented and amplified the sensuality of the theme together with my aesthetic touch through colours and geometric patterns.

 

 

How does the use of peepholes to reveal murals and other design elements in Casa Ornella enhance the sensual atmosphere of the home?

The peephole concept subtly taps into the voyeuristic tendencies inherent in humans, playing on the desire to peek into others’ lives or observe their intimacy, adding another layer of fascination and desire to enter in. The use of peepholes in Casa Ornella adds an element of mystery and intrigue, inviting viewers to observe from the outside an intimate space in a playful manner.

 

 

How do you merge contemporary essentialism with traditional craftsmanship in your design pieces to create visually dynamic yet minimalist shapes?

Merging contemporary essentialism with traditional craftsmanship involves distilling designs to their purest forms while incorporating time-honoured techniques and materials. My product design philosophy blends contemporary essentialism with traditional craftsmanship, distilling designs to their purest forms and integrating time-honoured techniques and materials. I focus on clean lines, simple shapes, and functional elegance, using quality materials and ensuring that each piece is both aesthetically pleasing and practical. My aim is to avoid banality and the commonplace through innovation while maintaining a foundation of clean and functional design.

 

 

What current design trends do you find most exciting, and how do you integrate them into your work while maintaining your unique design identity?

In order to keep my design identity unique, I try to stay focused on it. There are certainly interesting design trends, but following them is not part of who I am; on the contrary, I try to avoid trends. In everything I do, I seek myself and try to distance myself from conventions.

 

 

What are your aspirations for the future of your design practice, and are there any new directions or projects you are particularly excited about exploring?

I am particularly excited about exploring new collaborations as well as developing multidisciplinary projects. I believe that teamwork is an excellent tool for personal growth because it allows you to see new perspectives and explore new paths. The combination of multiple domains and diverse individuals is a great starting point for creating innovation.

 

 

Paggini’s work is characterized by her commitment to creating multi-sensory and experiential spaces that engage all the senses, making them immersive and alive. Her ability to balance visual dynamism with textural soothing, especially in her limited-edition decor and furniture collections, demonstrates her skill in crafting holistic sensory experiences. The concept of a “living house,” where design evolves with its inhabitants, reflects her dedication to creating environments that are both functional and emotionally resonant.

 

 

Looking to the future, Maria Vittoria Paggini is excited about exploring new collaborations and multidisciplinary projects. She believes that teamwork and the combination of diverse perspectives are essential for innovation and personal growth. As she continues to evolve as a designer, Paggini remains committed to maintaining her unique design identity, staying true to her roots while embracing new opportunities for creativity and exploration.

 

Image Credits: Maria Vittoria Paggini