Designer Italian furniture at Studio Italia in Auckland includes Poliform, Varenna, Flexform, Knoll, Kettal, Zanotta

Every year the Salone del Mobile international furniture fair in Milan draws experts from all around the world, who come away inspired by the many innovative concepts and products on show.

But this hasn't been the only inspiration for the owners of designer furniture store Studio Italia. Valeria Carbonaro-Laws says visiting the Italian showrooms of leading furniture companies, such as Flexform and Poliform inspired the company to update its own Auckland showroom.

Studio Italia consequently commissioned architect Lawrence Sumich to design a new store interior, in new premises at 25 Nugent St, Grafton.

"We had been planning a move for some years, and the timing was right," says Carbonaro-Laws. "The new store has given us the space to separate the different brands, and create room settings that showcase each furniture collection."

To complement the high-end nature of the product, the design team created an eye-catching store interior, with a semi-industrial edge. Exposed steel window bracing, lighting platforms, a sculptural staircase and pop-out mezzanine create an ideal backdrop for the furniture.

All the furniture is designed and manufactured in Italy, and can be customised to suit clients' preferences. In addition to Flexform and Poliform, furniture brands at Studio Italia include Knoll, Kettal, Zanotta, Arflex and Varenna.

"These are designer classic pieces from renowned designers, such as Antonio Citterio, Patricia Urquiola, Marcel Wanders and Jean Marie Massaud," says Carbonaro-Laws. "They are designed to be passed on from one generation to the next. Because the furniture is so enduring, it becomes a sustainable design choice. Nothing is ever thrown away. And because these are investment pieces, if they are on-sold they invariably fetch more than the original cost of the item."

Studio Italia ffers kitchens and wardrobe systems from Poliform and Varenna. The store has an experienced kitchen designer Joanna Hoeft, who has spent many years working in Sydney with Italian kitchen manufacturer Varenna.

For more details, or to visit the showroom, contact Studio Italia, 23 Nugent St, Grafton, Auckland, phone (09) 523 2105. Web: www.studioitalia.co.nz

Story by: Trendsideas