Creating interiors that are as rarefied as they are warm and welcoming is no small feat, but Italian-born designer Alessandra Branca has made this elusive combination something of a signature. Splitting her time between the U.S. and her home in Rome, the Elle Decor A-Lister draws on an array of international inspiration when designing spaces, which are as likely to feature Indian block prints as they are a Fortuny damask. To accompany her Chairish collection of favorites, we asked this decorating doyenne to share a few favorites, including her tips for a little springtime decor refresh, and what restaurants and markets to hit when in Rome.
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What’s your favorite thing about shopping on Chairish?
It is fun and there is always the feel that you will discover something we would not have expected!
Favorite thing about designing with vintage pieces?
Vintage pieces give the design depth…it is like painting with a different palette.
Favorite way to add drama to a room?
Pattern plays. Using organic and graphic patterns together adds interest. Play with scale as well; it lends modernity.
Favorite three items on Chairish right now?
Variation on a Circle: Citrine and Sky Painting by Stephanie Henderson, Carl Malmsten 1950s Lounge Chairs, Silver Four-Panel Chinese Screen by Gracie
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Design
Favorite pattern and how you love to use it?
I love to mix graphic and organic patterns, like our Branca stripes, with a wonderful retro chintz.
Favorite color combo?
So many… rose and acid green, pale blue and coral, deep green and pale blue , violet and dark grey, off white and taupe with touches of color.
Favorite way to mix high and low?
An 18th Century painted Georgian table placed between a pair of wicker chairs, with a glass base lamp on the table, topped with great Ikat pleated shade, and a vintage gilt faux bamboo mirror hung above.
Favorite sources for design inspiration?
Vintage magazines, museums, houses, travel!
What are three easy ways to refresh your space for spring?
Flowers, flowers, flowers! Also, clean up. Take everything out of a room and then only put back what feels right…this never fails to help lighten things up!
Vintage pieces give the design depth…it is like painting with a different palette.
Lifestyle
Favorite travel destination:
My home in Rome, the Bahamas, NYC, and everywhere I have NOT been!
Favorite hotel to check into:
Casa Howard in Florence
Favorite app:
Instagram
Favorite morning beverage (and how you take it):
Half a lemon with some water or fresh coconut water.
Favorite way to treat yourself:
To read a book in bed.
Take everything out of a room and then only put back what feels right…this never fails to help lighten things up!
Favorite thank you or hostess gift:
Flowers or vintage books and magazines from my daughter’s business Perfume Drinker.
Favorite adult beverage:
Negroni
Favorite entertaining essential:
Great vintage dishes, silver, collections of small vases, and salt and pepper shakers.
Spring entertaining essentials:
Tulips, light table linens in pastels, and glass candlesticks with colored candles!
Favorite TV show:
Anything historical like Versailles, The Crown, or Victoria
Favorite artist:
So many, from Bronzino to Candida Höfer.
Favorite thing to collect:
Dishes and tabletop items.
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Local Favorites: Rome, Italy
Favorite restaurant:
Dal Bolognese
Favorite hotel to recommend to visiting friends:
Hotel de Russie
Favorite local attraction:
Everything in ROME!
Favorite local flea market:
Porta Portese
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Lead Photo by Thibault Jeanson
