In our ongoing series, stylish women reveal how they blend design, comfort and luxurious fabrics to create the ultimate private sanctuary…
VALERIA CARBONARO-LAWS
Co-owner and director, Studio Italia
What is your day job?
As one of the directors of Studio Italia my job is to inspire New Zealanders by importing some of the most exquisite furniture from Italy and making it available for them to purchase for their homes.
Describe your personal style.
I was exposed to modern Italian furniture while I was growing up and the more I’m involved with it, the more I love it. My style is definitely contemporary, although I do have a few antique pieces. I prefer the modern classics from Bertoia, Van der Rohe and the Saarinen collection. I also love colour and texture, which I use a lot in my projects and in my own home.
How does this translate to your bedroom?
My bedroom is definitely a modern space. I enjoyed playing with the finishes in this room – pressed metal behind the bed, Mongolian wool on the Katrin chair, cushions and upholstered ottoman, and 100 per cent linen to dress the bed. It really is a symphony of textures.
Where do you get your design inspiration?
I’m very fortunate because I travel to the Milan furniture fair every year and that definitely inspires me for work and home. I always come back with so many new and inspiring ideas and fresh new ways to put them together.
What do you love about your bedroom?
I love my latest purchase, the Katrin chair designed by Carlo Colombo. I love curling up in it and it looks great against the black carpet.
Where do you shop for linen, soft furnishings and fragrance etc?
The Poliform collection at Studio Italia – the colour range is divine. Because of the nature of my job, I tend to shop in Italy a lot.
Describe your bedroom style in three words.
Eclectic, elegant, modern.
What is always on your bedside table?
A book, a bottle of water and my favourite picture of me and my mum.
From the editors of Simply You Living.
