From the Archive: The Fornasetti Family Home Is as Delightfully Surreal as You’d Expect

In his role as the leader of the family design firm, Barnaba Fornasetti possesses a natural talent for reimagining the whimsical furniture and decorative items crafted by his late father, Piero. Piero’s distinctive style has been a captivating force in the design world for many years. Reflecting this legacy, Barnaba has transformed his residence in Milan into a vibrant homage to the Fornasetti aesthetic, staying true to tradition while infusing the space with the unmistakable style that defines the Fornasetti name.

bedroom with dark wallpaper with a cloudy white print and a oval gilt mirror over a toile looking console and next to it a thing chair and table with classic objects with face designs on them

Nestled in the Città Studi district, the red Venetian-style villa exudes a sense of enchantment as it is surrounded by the sheltering embrace of an ancient garden. Upon entering, the rooms are adorned with a plethora of furniture and curios, ranging from screen-printed trays and ceramic vases to a bar cart embellished with trompe l’oeil bows. These elements gracefully navigate the fine line between mere decoration and elevated art. Barnaba describes the house as an immersive experience, almost overwhelming in its richness and diversity. However, he expresses a profound familiarity with this unique environment, asserting that living any other way would be unimaginable.

a table with a glass top and chairs on a brick patio

Barnaba Fornasetti, an individual of refined elegance, possesses a gentle demeanor complemented by a charismatic presence. Reflecting on his artistic journey, he reminisces about the inception of his collaboration with his father, Piero Fornasetti, which commenced when he was a mere four years old. It all began with a simple yet poignant moment: young Barnaba plucked a leaf with a tiny hydrangea flower, and his father ingeniously incorporated this motif into the design of a tray, marking the inception of their creative partnership.

a red carpeted staircase with paintings on the walls covered in a back and white toile like wall covering

Piero Fornasetti, a polymathic talent, seamlessly traversed the realms of art, design, printmaking, and decoration throughout his illustrious career. His creative genius was not confined to solitary endeavors; instead, he engaged in collaborative ventures with some of the eminent figures of his era. Among his notable collaborators were luminaries such as Lucio Fontana, Giorgio de Chirico, and Gio Ponti. The extensive repertoire of Piero’s artistic output exceeds 11,000 creations, spanning an array of items from plates to bureaus to folding screens. His distinctive creations artfully meld neoclassical and surrealist influences, infused with a touch of elegance and humor.

dining table with chairs all white with colorful butterfly shapes and a wall full of round and shaped mirrors and an inset fireplace with a guitar nearby

In the present day, Piero Fornasetti’s exquisite furnishings command staggering prices at esteemed auction houses, underscoring the enduring allure of his timeless designs. Not confined to the past, his creations from the 1950s to the 1980s continue to captivate contemporary audiences as they remain in production. Barnaba Fornasetti actively delves into the rich archives of the family firm, drawing inspiration to craft new limited-edition pieces in collaboration with international galleries. For Barnaba, the seamless continuation of his father’s legacy is not just a professional duty; it is an intrinsic part of his life. Viewing furniture and decoration as a way of being, he sees these elements as conduits for injecting joy into a world often preoccupied with minimalism.

a fireplace in a room with tufted leather sofa and art deco mirror over the mantel filled with objects

During the initial years of the atelier, Piero Fornasetti’s eccentric style may have initially appealed to a specific clientele. However, as time progressed, the company’s allure has expanded significantly, gaining a diverse fan base across the globe. Barnaba Fornasetti notes that while the pieces possess a contemporary aesthetic, they eschew fleeting trends, maintaining a timeless quality that resonates with individuals worldwide.

wall with metallic looking wallpaper with abstract leafy print and a blue char and trolley

Barnaba Fornasetti is dedicated to advancing the brand by infusing it with new life and innovation. He acknowledges his father, Piero Fornasetti, as a trailblazer in the field, known for skillfully blending iconography and historical references. Piero had a unique approach, incorporating images from various sources and sometimes making them more recognizable than his own original creations. In the present day, the credit for the brand’s direction and creative vision is unmistakably attributed to Barnaba himself.