The Playful Wallcoverings of Abnormals Anonymous

One of my very favorite wallcovering manufacturers is Abnormals Anonymous. There’s something undeniably joyful about the offerings from this company that was founded by the duo known only as Henrietta and Paco. Their studio was born out of a serendipitous meeting in a hotel elevator, and their work continues to celebrate life’s little surprises with humor, whimsy, and a distinct design sensibility. In fact they list "Delight" as one of their Core Values. And I have always been delighted by their designs but in particular one called Bruce, showing a whale skeleton freely gliding through the waves.

So I was truly delighted when a client allowed me to hang it in a powder room of his coastal home (seen here)...he is a surfer after all and is used to sharing his waves!

Another equally whimsical design is the fabulous Buggy. An interlocking repetition of a beetle creates a chevron effect. It would be fun in a powder room, but how about in a mudroom, or even a dining room above a wainscot? it is available in either a light or dark ground, but also printed in gold or copper metallic!

And another whimsical animal...Mr. Blow puffs his way across walls in this wallcovering that comes in white, sepia, blue, or teal grounds, and an optional antiqued silver or gold metallic print!

They offer some wonderful visual textures as well! Made in collaboration with Seattle artist Anna Redmond, Flashdance originated from a hand-drawn pattern. Its flow and energy could fit in a multitude of spaces and is available in many colors as well as, yes, a metallic print which would look amazing in a dining room at night.

There are so many more great patterns to choose from but I will close with this fun option: a rainshower of popcorn! King of Pop is a large scale print while Pop It Like It's Hot is a smaller scale. Use anywhere you might need a little "pop!" (Ha, see what I did there...."pop"...yeah, I know.)

If you're craving some delight and fun in your life, give me a call, we can see how we bring some pop!

Happy designing!

Know Your Chairs: The Africa dining chair

For this installation of Know Your Chairs, I am presenting a truly gorgeous seat, a sculptural work of art: the Africa dining chair.

Few pieces of furniture so effortlessly blend a handmade/organic sense with modernist refinement as the Africa Dining Chair by renowned Italian husband and wife designers Afra and Tobia Scarpa which shows the Scarpas' ability to bridge tradition and innovation, resulting in a piece that is as functional as it is poetic.

The Africa Chair was designed in 1976, during a fertile period in the Scarpa duo’s career when they were deeply engaged in redefining Italian modernism. The chair was produced by Maxalto, a division of B&B Italia launched that same year with the goal of creating fine furniture using traditional cabinetmaking techniques. Maxalto means “the highest” in Venetian dialect—a fitting name for a collection that emphasized artisanal quality and sculptural beauty.

With the Africa Chair, the Scarpas set out to create a dining chair that would honor both form and craftsmanship. Constructed from richly stained wood, often walnut or mahogany, and paired with a simple leather or upholstered seat, the chair combines clean lines with subtle curves, exuding a quiet sophistication. The name “Africa” conjures a certain primitivist style, evoking natural forms and a tactile simplicity that contrasts with more industrial mid-century aesthetics.

What sets the Africa Chair apart is its joinery and attention to proportion. Its silhouette is straightforward—minimalist, but its construction is intricate, revealing the Scarpas’ reverence for historical craftsmanship and their deep understanding of materials. It stands as an object of contemplation as much as comfort.

The Africa dining chair in the home of architect Alexander Liberman.
via Architectural Digest

The Africa dining chair at the Parisian home of Lenny Kravitz.
via Architectural Digest

Because the Africa Dining Chair was out of production for many years, it remains a coveted collector’s item and a testament to the enduring legacy of Afra and Tobia Scarpa. Of course originals fetch high prices at auction but the distinguished Italian furniture manufacturer Tacchini has revived the design for sale at select retailers around the world!

Africa chair by Tacchini

Happy designing!

Designed For You: A Refreshed Fiorito Interior Design Website

I'm excited to introduce to you a newly refreshed website—a thoughtful update designed with you in mind. Along with a refined, contemporary look, the site now features enhanced functionality, making it easier than ever to explore my portfolio, learn about my services, and connect with me. With improved navigation and a more intuitive user experience, you can move seamlessly through each space and story. I invite you to take a look around and experience Fiorito Interior Design in a whole new way. And if a project is on your horizon, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’d love to help bring your vision to life.

Know Your Sofas: The Florence Knoll Sofa

For this installation of Know Your Sofas, I introduce you to one Florence Knoll (1917 – 2019), a pioneering American architect, interior designer, and furniture designer who transformed the look and function of the modern workplace as well as residences around the world. A protégée of Bauhaus pioneers and design legends Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Eliel Saarinen, she co-founded Knoll Associates with her husband Hans. Her approach integrated architecture, interiors, textiles, and furniture into cohesive, functional spaces. And she created one of the most iconic, simple--and most knocked off--pieces of furniture that appeared in nearly every Mid-Century home or office: the Florence Knoll sofa.

Knoll herself referred to her furniture as the “meat and potatoes” of design, by which she meant that her work was foundational, not flashy, designing furniture only when she “needed the piece of furniture for a job and it wasn’t there.” They were, “The fill-in pieces that no one else wants to do.” Yet this very philosophy is what made the sofa revolutionary. With its clean lines, tufted cushions, and sleek metal frame, the sofa brought a sense of order and structure to interior spaces that had often been cluttered and overly decorative. Here is an early sketch of what was to become her signature piece.

Designed in 1954 with an architect’s eye, the Florence Knoll Sofa is all about balance, proportion, and purpose. It provided a comfortable place to sit without disrupting the visual harmony of a room. Its geometric form was inspired by modernist principles, while its materials--often wool upholstery and chromed steel legs--spoke to both durability and modern sophistication. Its adaptability is one reason the Florence Knoll Sofa has endured. Equally at home in a corporate boardroom or a minimalist living room, it became a staple of modern interiors from the 1950s onward and helped define what modern furniture could be. It broke away from ornamentation and embraced clarity. It blurred the line between residential and commercial spaces, helping to usher in the idea of the “open plan” office. And perhaps most importantly, it showed that interior design deserved the same rigor and thoughtfulness as architecture--she was trained by Mies van der Rohe after all!

Image from the Knoll Archive

Florence Knoll seating designs installed in the office of Cowles Publications.
Image from the Knoll Archive

Florence Knoll sofa in a residential setting.
Image from the Knoll Archive

The Knoll sofa continues to be made by Knoll and is available from DWR. It looks marvelous in a sleek, Mid Century setting or in a Haussmannian apartment in Paris with ornate plasterwork!

Happy designing!

The Holy Trinity of White Marbles: Carrara, Calacatta, and Statuario

When selecting white marble for interiors, the standout marbles are certainly Carrara, Calacatta, and Statuario. While they all come from the storied quarries of the Apuan Alps in the Carrara region of Tuscany, each type of marble has a distinct personality — and choosing the right one can have a major impact on both aesthetics and budget.

First, Carrara marble is perhaps the most familiar and accessible of the three. Quarried from the vast network of marble sites around Carrara, it often carries a soft white to pale-gray background with delicate, feathery gray veining. Its more muted pattern gives it an understated elegance, making it a favorite for large surfaces like flooring or classic bathroom vanities. Because Carrara is quarried in relatively large quantities, it is also the most budget-friendly option: depending on grade and supplier, material prices (without installation) often range from around $40–$80 per square foot, though higher-end slabs can go up to or even beyond $120.

In contrast, Calacatta marble is the flamboyant, statement-making cousin. Also coming from the Carrara region, but from rarer, more exclusive quarry zones, Calacatta features a much brighter, whiter background and large, bold veins in grey, gold or even beige (called Calacatta Oro). That dramatic veining makes Calacatta highly prized for high-impact design: think kitchen islands, fireplace surrounds, or feature walls. But that rarity comes at a cost. True, Italian Calacatta slabs typically run from $175–$200 or more per square foot even for the raw material, per current market estimates.

Then there’s Statuario marble, which occupies a special place in the pantheon of luxurious Italian stone. Extracted from quarries in the Apuan Alps (especially near Seravezza), Statuario is prized for its luminous, near-pure white base and its fine, yet striking, grey veining — sometimes referred to as “venato” when the veins are bolder. This marble has traditionally been used for statuary (hence its name) because of its fine crystal structure and ability to take a high polish. Because of its relative rarity and the beauty of its veining, Statuario tends to fall in a high-end price bracket: common slab prices are often cited in the $50–$125 per square foot range, though premium or particularly rare varieties may go higher.

From a maintenance perspective, all three marbles demand care. Like all marbles, they are porous, and vulnerable to etching from acidic substances, so sealing is non-negotiable. For both Carrara and Calacatta, stone fabricators generally recommend resealing every six to twelve months, especially in heavily used areas like kitchens. Cleaning should be done with a pH-neutral stone cleaner or mild soap and water; avoid any abrasive or acidic cleaners. For Statuario, the same rules apply — but many over time prefer to use honed rather than polished finishes, as the matte surface can mask wear and etching more gracefully while still delivering its signature refined look.

In short: Carrara is your elegant workhorse — versatile, soft, and relatively affordable. Calacatta is for the design risk-takers, those who want drama and a bold focal point. Statuario offers a rare balance of purity and sophistication, combining a crisp white ground with refined veining in a way that feels quietly luxurious. Your choice will ultimately depend on your design goals, your budget, and how much maintenance you’re willing to commit to. I had a client assure me that she was fine with marble in the kitchen and looked forward to having that "lived-in, cooked-in" look that tells a story about the people and the meals that happened there. But her romantic story of marble countertops turned to reality when she had m e over for dinner a year later and said, "Look at all the rings on the counter!" So understanding these subtle differences not only visually but also how you plan to use and live with the material is the first step to making a stone choice that truly elevates your space.

Happy designing!

Choosing A Kitchen Backsplash: From Classic Tile to Unexpected Materials

The kitchen backsplash is no longer just a practical feature—it’s a style statement. Gone are the days of a skimpy four to six inch run of material above the counter. Whether you're contemplating a cosmetic refresh or a full-on kitchen remodel, choosing the right backsplash can completely transform the look and feel of the space. With so many materials available from timeless tile to bold concrete or sleek metals, there’s something for every style and budget.

1. Classic Tile: Endless Styles and Patterns
Tile is the most traditional and versatile option for a backsplash. Whether it’s classic subway tile, intricate mosaic patterns, or hand-painted ceramics, tile offers endless customization. The most popular choice for a tile backsplash is porcelain since it is such a durable, maintenance-free material. But you can also look at tiles of other materials such as glass, metal, or stone. Mixing a gloss and matte version of a single tile can look intriguing for the subtle play of light, but for more drama, you can mix different materials for a completely unique style. Using grout colors that either blend or contrast depending on the material and what kind of feeling you want to create offers another chance for self-expression.

Black subway tile with white grout in kitchen by Corey Damen Jenkins

Small stone mosaic backsplash in kitchen by Fiorito Interior Design

Glass subway tiles in kitchen by Fiorito Interior Design

2. Glass: Sleek, Modern, and Reflective
Glass backsplashes offer a sleek, seamless look and reflect light beautifully, making your kitchen feel brighter and more open. You can choose from clear, frosted, or back-painted glass in any color. A full-height glass slab backsplash (instead of just a strip) creates a bold, contemporary effect. Reverse painting (called eglomisé) offers an array of design possibilities.

Glass sheet backsplash by Steffen Welsch Architects

Glass sheet backsplash by Griffin Enright Architects

Hand-painted eglomise backsplash by Billet Collins

3. Natural Stone: Rich Texture and Elegance
Marble, travertine, granite, and slate backsplashes bring natural texture and a sense of luxury. Each stone is unique, so you get a one-of-a-kind design. For a high-end look, I like to use the same material for the backsplash that was used for the counter top material. It makes the space feel more expansive. If however you would like to use a different material for the splash, I always let one of the materials be the star of the show. If you want to use a highly patterned backsplash, then a quieter counter top with little to no movement allows the splash to shine without creating a fight between materials.

Slab splash and counter in kitchen by Cari Giannoulias

Bookmatched stone slabs in kitchen by Everage Design

4. Quartz: Durable and Low-Maintenance
Quartz backsplashes are non-porous, easy to clean, and just like the stone options shown above, can match or contrast with quartz countertops. They offer a seamless, polished look without the maintenance of natural stone. Make sure to buy a reputable, well-known brand that has a high quartz to binder ratio for structural integrity.

Empira White quartz by Caesarstone

Primordia quartz by Caesarstone

5. Stainless Steel: Industrial Meets Chic
Stainless steel is heat- and stain-resistant, easy to clean, and offers a cool, industrial vibe. It’s especially popular in chef-style kitchens. Go beyond plain panels—consider pressed patterns or a brushed finish to add depth.

Stainless steel backsplash in kitchen by Cary Bernstein Architect

6. Other Metals: Brass, Copper, and Tin
Metallic backsplashes can add warmth, glam, or vintage charm. Brass and copper age beautifully, while tin offers an ornate, old-world aesthetic.

Brass backsplash

Copper backsplash by Halman Thompson

Pressed tin backsplash

7. Concrete: Raw, Edgy, and Modern
Concrete brings a raw, urban feel to the kitchen. It can be cast in panels or troweled directly onto walls for a seamless finish. So your kitchen doesn't feel too cold or sterile, you can combine with wood or warm tones to soften the industrial edge. (If the thought of real concrete is too much, there are porcelain tiles and quartz materials that accurately mimic the look and color of concrete!)

Concrete backsplash

Waxed and sealed concrete backsplash

8. Wood: Warm and Unexpected
Wood as a backsplash is a very unconventional choice but offers incredible warmth and texture. Reclaimed wood offers a great, organic and rustic look, or try slatted panels for a sleek Mid-Century or Scandinavian style. Keep in mind however that wood is a natural and highly porous material so use around a wet area means your wood must be sealed, preferably with a marine-grade varnish to keep it stain-free. With the right sealant, this material can be surprisingly durable. Additionally, there are porcelain tiles that mimic the look of plank wood and slatted wood that will provide the same look without the worry.

Wood backsplash and live edge countertop

Slatted wood backsplash

I like to think that choosing a kitchen backsplash is about more than just protection—it’s a design decision that can define your kitchen's character. Whether you're going for classic elegance, modern minimalism, or something totally unique, there’s a material out there that’s perfect for your vision. If you'd like to explore these and even more options, give me a call!

Happy designing!