The main image showcases a state-of-the-art luxury integrated kitchen on display at the Ricca Design Los Angeles showroom. The kitchen was designed and created by TM Italia and Joanna Parol. Image courtesy of Ricca Design. 

Italian luxury has always been more than a matter of style—it is a philosophy rooted in artistry, craftsmanship, deep cultural pride, and the seamless integration of beauty with function. Today, that legacy is being revisited through a new lens, where heritage techniques meet contemporary design and where every day spaces become expressions of collectible décor. From the precision of architectural elements to the poetry of decorative objects, modern Italian luxury continues to blur the boundaries between art, décor, imagination, and happy, healthy living.

This renewed perspective comes vividly to life in three distinctive expressions of Italian design excellence now being offered at Ricca Design in Los Angeles:

  1. The surreal, limited-edition décor of Fornasetti transforms interiors into curated galleries, where each object carries the character of a rare artwork rather than a mere accessory.
  2. At the architectural threshold, Oikos continues to redefine the home entrance with artisanal steel doors that combine advanced engineering with meticulous hand-crafted finishes.
  3. Within the heart of the home, TM Italia creates meticulous integrated kitchens where design, technology, and artistry merge into a refined culinary environment that feels truly magical.

Purgula was delighted to join Ricca Design for their recent launch activities in Los Angeles, gaining an up-close appreciation of these impressive Italian brands. Included in this recap are exclusive perspectives from Pierluigi Biasiolo, Founder and Principal of Ricca Design, who shares insights on his team’s approach to collaborative partnerships and the deepening residential market for luxury Italian design in the US.

Together, these brands illustrate how Italian luxury is evolving—not by abandoning tradition, but by elevating it. In this landscape, décor becomes collectible art pieces, doors become architectural statements, and kitchens become sophisticated, transformable living spaces. The result is a vision of luxury that is deeply rooted in Italian culture, yet unmistakably contemporary: thoughtful, artistic, enjoyable to experience, and designed to endure.

Table of Contents

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The Enduring Allure of Italian Design

In the competitive landscape of US luxury interiors—where affluent homeowners have a myriad of choices to invest thoughtfully in spaces that reflect status, personality, and legacy—Italian design stands apart as the premier choice. Best-in-class Italian companies continue to invest heavily in penetrating this lucrative market, establishing dedicated showrooms (like Ricca Design in Los Angeles) and forging partnerships to bring authentic Made in Italy excellence directly to discerning clients.

Due to the importance of strategic partnerships, we asked Biasiolo how Ricca forges partnerships that last and ultimately surpass the expectations of customers:

At Ricca, we approach brand partnerships with a highly curated and integrative mindset. We are not simply selecting products—we are selecting long-term collaborations. We look for brands that share our values in terms of craftsmanship, material integrity, and design culture, plus a willingness to engage in a collaborative process. —Pierluigi Biasiolo, Ricca Design

He added that there are three key traits that make for a long-term successful fit:

  1. Design Excellence
  2. Production Reliability
  3. Flexibility

Elegantly modern master bath suite by TM Italia expertly designed with modern lines and luxurious textures with a soothing view of the Pacific ocean from this beachfront home in Santa Monica, California

Elegantly modern master bath suite by TM Italia, expertly designed with modern lines and luxurious textures with a soothing view of the Pacific ocean from this beachfront home in Santa Monica, California
Image courtesy of TM Italia

Why Prioritize Luxury Italian Brands?

Luxury Italian brands deliver more than aesthetics: they offer heirloom-quality pieces rooted in centuries of mastery, blending bold innovation with unbreakable tradition, and providing true investment value through durability, timeless appeal, and cultural depth that mass-produced alternatives simply cannot match.

The finest Italian designers and manufacturers take profound pride in continually deepening their mastery of materials, tools, and techniques—harnessing both the innate beauty and superior performance of natural elements like marble, travertine, quartzite, wood, stone, and a wide array of metals. At the highest levels, these creators thrive on the challenge of visionary partners and discerning clients. It is precisely this foundation—long-earned expertise combined with genuine openness to fresh ideas and bold applications—that sparks extraordinary innovation.

Close up view of one of two exquisite pieces of Patagonia quartzite curated by TM Italia for their new luxury integrated kitchen in Ricca Design's Los Angeles showroom

Close up view of one of two exquisite pieces of Patagonia quartzite curated by TM Italia for their new luxury integrated kitchen in Ricca Design’s Los Angeles showroom

From fearless material pairings to sustainable practices that prioritize products built to last generations, Italian design fuse centuries-old artisanal techniques with cutting-edge advancements, creating timeless interiors that blend emotional depth, superior performance, and true environmental responsibility through durability rather than disposability.

An expansive Synua safety pivot door by Oikos

An expansive Synua safety pivot door by Oikos that showcases the multidisciplinary expertise of this leading “architect of entrances” that allows them to push the boundaries of materials, engineering and design—where their discerning clients dream of going.
Image courtesy of Oikos

Prerequisite Traits of the Very Best in Italian Design

Here are several traits we admire that define the ethos and culture of luxury Italian design, driving its ongoing innovation and prestige:

  • Commitment to Excellence
  • Cultural Pride & Confidence
  • Expertise
  • Openness to Partnerships & New Ideas
  • Maniacal Focus on Details
  • Never Forgetting the Past; Never Ignoring the Future
  • Investment in New Technology, Tools, and Methods
  • Continual Learning, Training, and Experimentation

What Purgula Respects Most About Luxury Italian Design

If we had to distill the single most compelling trait of luxury Italian design, it would be pride—a joyful, unshakeable devotion to craft, heritage, and legacy.

Having met with numerous representatives of some of Italy’s most respected, enduring luxury brands, we consistently encounter this common thread: a deep, familial dedication to excellence that spans generations. Italians are in it for the long haul, committed to timeless design and the most authentic form of sustainability—creating objects built to last, endure, and be cherished, rather than be replaced on a whim.

This same profound pride and multigenerational commitment shine through in other iconic cultural pursuits around the world, where mastery is revered as a national treasure:

  • If you want to master whisky, go to Scotland
  • If you want to be a pastry chef, study in France
  • If you want to craft legendary timepieces, apprentice in Switzerland
  • And if you want to surround your home with objects of unparalleled artistry, craftsmanship, and enduring elegance, turn to Italy’s masters of interior, decorative and architectural design

These pursuits—whether in spirits, timekeeping or patisserie—are not mere professions; they are callings sustained by families, workshops, and communities that guard techniques, materials, and philosophies across centuries. The artisans speak with the same quiet confidence and cultural reverence we encounter in Italy’s finest design houses: a belief that true excellence demands patience, precision, innovation within tradition, and an unwavering refusal to compromise.

In an era of fleeting trends and mass production, this kind of pride feels more vital than ever—especially for US luxury homeowners seeking pieces that tell a story, appreciate in meaning (and often in value), and stand as testaments to human dedication. Whether a Fornasetti plate, an Oikos entrance door, a TM Italia kitchen, or any piece from Ricca Design’s curated collection in Los Angeles, these objects carry profound narratives of commitment.

By embracing luxury Italian design today, we align ourselves with a timeless ethos—one that honors the past, engages the present, and builds lasting value for the future.

Biasiolo shared his perspectives on how the American luxury market has evolved over recent years:

The American luxury residential market—particularly in Los Angeles—has become increasingly sophisticated and globally aware. Clients today are more informed, more design-conscious, and more interested in authenticity and provenance. We have noticed a growing appreciation for Italian design, not only for its aesthetic value, but for the depth of its craftsmanship and manufacturing culture. What we are seeing is a shift from purely visual appeal to a more holistic understanding of quality—how something is made, where it comes from, and how it performs over time.

 

Fornasetti

Fornasetti is an iconic Italian décor brand celebrated for transforming everyday household objects into imaginative works of art.

Close up view of a new line of Lina Cavalieri designs for glass, shared at the Ricca Design Los Angeles showroom

Close up view of a new line of Lina Cavalieri designs for glass, shared recently by Fornasetti at the Ricca Design Los Angeles showroom

Founded by Italian artist and designer Piero Fornasetti in the 1940s and later continued by his son Barnaba Fornasetti in 1988, the Fornasetti aesthetic blends classical references, surrealist imagery, and meticulous craftsmanship. The brand is perhaps most recognizable for its recurring motif featuring the idyllic face of opera singer Lina Cavalieri, which appears in hundreds of playful variations across plates, furniture, wallpaper, and home accessories.

Fornasetti private dining room in Seta restaurant, a 2-star Michelin rated restaurant, located in the Mandarin Oriental Milan hotel

View of the enchanting Fornasetti private dining room in Seta restaurant, a 2-star Michelin-rated restaurant, located in the Mandarin Oriental Milan hotel
Image courtesy of Fornasetti and the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group

At its core, Fornasetti design celebrates the idea that functional objects can also be storytelling pieces. Each item is hand-decorated in Italy using traditional artisan techniques, resulting in décor that feels both timeless and whimsical.

Fornasetti curved Palazzo side table on display at the Ricca Deisgn Los Angeles showroom

A masterfully crafted Fornasetti curved Palazzo side table on display at the Ricca Design Los Angeles showroom

Motifs often draw from architecture, sun and moon imagery, classical sculpture, and trompe-l’œil illusions, creating a visual language that merges history with fantasy and irony.

Fornasetti representative Marcella Farinaro gives a culturally rich presentation of all-things Fornasetti - its rich history, present day expansion, and a future of unlimited imaginative possibilities, held at Ricca Design Los Angeles showroom

Fornasetti representative Marcella Farinaro gives a culturally rich presentation of all-things Fornasetti: its intriguing history, present day successes, and a future full of unlimited, imaginative possibilities, held at Ricca Design Los Angeles showroom
Image courtesy of Ricca Design

Significance in Today’s Modern Residential Home

In contemporary interior design, Fornasetti pieces serve as statement accents that bring personality and artistic depth to otherwise sparse modern spaces. As many modern homes emphasize clean lines, neutral palettes, and simplicity, a Fornasetti object—whether a decorative plate, cabinet, or candle—can introduce visual intrigue and narrative without overwhelming the design.

Fornasetti scented candles on display at Ricca Design Los Angeles showroom

Fornasetti scented candles on display at Ricca Design Los Angeles showroom, art pieces that creatively address the growing focus on home wellness and emotional comfort

Key reasons the brand remains so influential today include:

  • Collectible Décor as Art: Fornasetti blurs the line between décor and collectible art. Discerning homeowners increasingly seek objects that feel curated and expressive, and Fornasetti numbered pieces deliver this by turning everyday items into keepsakes that also serve as engaging conversation starters.
  • Timeless Eclecticism: While modern interiors often lean toward minimalism, designers frequently incorporate a single bold or surreal element to create contrast. The brand’s classical yet playfully ironic imagery integrates well with styles ranging from mid-century modern to contemporary luxury.
  • Craftsmanship and Heritage: In an era of mass production, Fornasetti represents rarified artisanal skill and heritage design. Each piece reflects a tradition of Italian excellence in craftsmanship that appeals to homeowners who value authenticity, enduring design, and unparalleled quality.
  • Personal Expression: Because many Fornasetti motifs are imaginative and symbolic, they invariably transform interiors into more personal, gallery-like environments. Aligning with current trends toward expressive, curated living spaces, Fornasetti design pieces transform the ordinary into unforgettable experiences fueled by bold, yet elegant, imagination.

Ultimately, Fornasetti décor brings a sense of wit, sophistication, and artistic storytelling into the modern home. By combining historical inspiration with surreal creativity, the brand continues to show that interior design can be both functional and delightfully imaginative.

Close up view of a Fornasetti Lina Cavalieri plate on display at the Ricca Design Los Angeles showroom

Close up view of one of numerous Fornasetti Lina Cavalieri plates on display at the Ricca Design Los Angeles showroom

Fornasetti Resources

 

Oikos

Oikos is an esteemed Italian brand specializing in high-performance, custom architectural entrance doors. Founded in 1990 near Venice, Italy, Oikos (meaning “home” in Greek) has established itself as a leader in Made in Italy design, blending exceptional craftsmanship, advanced engineering, and extreme customization to create entryways that function as both secure structural elements and bold architectural statements.

The Oikos Vela sliding door in gray that is creating new possibilities for home builders, designers and homeowners.

The Oikos Vela sliding door—their latest product line—in gray that is creating new possibilities for home builders, designers and homeowners.
Image courtesy of Oikos

The brand excels in producing armored security doors, pivot systems (including oversized and concealed mechanisms), sliding entrances, and integrated solutions that prioritize safety, thermal insulation, acoustic performance, and cutting-edge features like smart access (fingerprint readers, touchpads, app-controlled systems).

Oikos Synua safety pivot door in gray, perfectly matching the stone cladding a custom designed home

The popular Oikos Synua safety pivot door in gray, perfectly matching the stone cladding of a custom home with distinct flair
Image courtesy of Oikos

Oikos doors are highly customizable in materials—ranging from natural stone, marble, onyx, metal cladding, lacquered finishes, glass, ceramics, and wood hybrids—allowing seamless integration with modern façades, large glazing, and minimalist or luxurious aesthetics. Each piece is engineered for durability and high security (often Class 3 or higher ratings), while embodying refined Italian elegance.

Interior view of a majestic Oikos Vela sliding door

Interior view of a majestic Oikos Vela sliding door “Nel segno di Scarpa”—meaning, in the spirit of renowned Italian architect and designer Carlo Scarpa
Image courtesy of Oikos

In the context of Ricca Design’s Los Angeles showroom, Oikos delivers premium Italian armored entry doors and entrance systems—typically customized— complementing the studio’s focus on authentic, bespoke Italian design for luxury residential and architectural projects. Oikos and Ricca recently installed a new Synua pivot door—consisting of dazzling backlit onyx—as the showroom’s statement front entrance piece. The imposing door confidently delivers daytime style, nighttime flair, and reassuring 24/7 safety and security, that is seamless to use and maintain.

Oikos Synua safety pivot door with backlit onyx, installed at the Ricca Design Los Angeles showroom

Oikos Synua safety pivot door with backlit onyx, recently installed at the Ricca Design Los Angeles showroom

Significance in Today’s Modern Residential Home

In contemporary residential architecture, Oikos entrance solutions elevate the home’s first impression and overall performance.

  • The Entrance as an Architectural Centerpiece: Modern homes treat the front door as a signature element. Oikos’ oversized pivot doors (like Synua or Nova) deliver dramatic, wide openings that create striking visual impact, while preserving clean lines and openness.
  • Integration of Design and Security: Homeowners demand both aesthetics and protection. Oikos combines sophisticated, customizable surfaces with advanced locking mechanisms, structural integrity, ballistic resistance options, and superior insulation—delivering high-performance security without sacrificing style.
  • Seamless Indoor–Outdoor Flow: Designed for contemporary living, Oikos systems integrate effortlessly with expansive glass elements, sliding mechanisms (like Vela), and minimalist exteriors, enhancing connectivity between interior spaces and the outdoors.
  • Customizable Material Expression: From bold stone or metal finishes to subtle textured or lacquered panels, Oikos enables architects and homeowners to tailor entrances to the home’s unique character—reflecting the trend toward personalized, one-of-a-kind residences.
  • Elevated Italian Craftsmanship: Amid mass-produced options, Oikos stands for artisanal precision and innovation. Every door balances industrial engineering with handcrafted detailing, reinforcing the timeless value of Made in Italy quality and turning functional entrances into statement design masterpieces.

Ultimately, Oikos redefines the home entrance—from a mere passage to a powerful architectural focal point. By merging Italian design heritage, state-of-the-art technology, and limitless customization, the brand helps create modern residences that balance security, sustainability, and sophisticated aesthetic presence.

Oikos Vela sliding door in dark wood, in the aesthetic style of

Oikos Vela sliding door in dark wood, in the aesthetic inspiration of “Raggi di Luce” (Rays of Light).
Image courtesy of Oikos

Oikos Resources

 

TM Italia

TM Italia is a contemporary Italian kitchen and interior systems brand known for merging high-end quality with architectural precision and technological innovation. Founded by brothers Giacomo and Gabriele Tondi, TM Italia has established itself as a leader in bespoke kitchen design, creating highly customized environments that integrate seamlessly within modern residential architecture.

TM Italia designed integrated luxury kitchen, with Patagonia quartzite and custom cabinetry, installed at the Ricca Design Los Angeles showroom

TM Italia designed integrated luxury kitchen, with Patagonia quartzite and custom cabinetry, on display at the Ricca Design Los Angeles showroom
Image courtesy of Ricca Design

Rooted in Italy’s long tradition of furniture making, TM Italia approaches the kitchen not simply as a functional space but as the central design hub of the home. The brand collaborates with architects and designers to produce kitchens that combine sculptural aesthetics with advanced engineering. Their work is distinguished by clean lines, refined proportions, and a careful selection of premium materials, including natural stone, metals, glass, and especially quartzite surfaces that offer both durability and striking natural patterns.

Integrated Kitchens and Transformable Design

One of the defining characteristics of TM Italia is its commitment to integrated kitchen architecture. Rather than standing apart as traditional cabinetry, TM Italia kitchens are designed to blend into the surrounding living space through concealed appliances, hidden storage, and flush surfaces. Panels often extend across walls and islands to create a cohesive architectural composition that feels more like custom furniture than conventional kitchen cabinetry.

TM Italia kitchen at Ricca Design Los Angeles showroom demonstrates their meticulously crafted transformable storage unit

TM Italia kitchen at the Ricca Design Los Angeles showroom demonstrates their precision cut, crafted, and engineered retractable storage unit

A signature feature of the brand is its approach to transformable design. Many TM Italia kitchens incorporate sliding panels, retractable doors, or concealed workstations that allow cooking areas to appear or disappear depending on how the space is being used. This flexibility reflects a modern lifestyle in which the kitchen functions as a social, multifunctional environment rather than a purely utilitarian workspace.

Quartzite is frequently used for countertops and islands because of its durability, resistance to heat and scratching, and naturally dramatic veining. In TM Italia kitchens, large quartzite slabs often become sculptural focal points that contrast with the brand’s minimalist cabinetry and precise geometry.

Significance in Today’s Modern Residential Home

In contemporary residential design, TM Italia kitchens represent the evolution of the kitchen into an architectural centerpiece.

  • Seamless Living Spaces: Modern homes often feature open floor plans that merge cooking, dining, and living areas. TM Italia’s integrated systems allow the kitchen to blend elegantly into the overall interior architecture.
  • Minimalist Elegance: The brand’s emphasis on clean lines, concealed functionality, and precise detailing aligns perfectly with contemporary design principles that favor simplicity and clarity.
  • Flexible, Transformable Environments: As homeowners increasingly use kitchens for entertaining, working, and gathering, TM Italia’s transformable elements provide adaptability without sacrificing visual harmony.
  • Material Sophistication: The use of premium materials such as quartzite, brushed metals, and engineered surfaces reflects a growing demand for kitchens that are both durable and visually refined.
  • Customizable Craftsmanship: Each TM Italia project is highly tailored, reinforcing the modern preference for bespoke interiors that reflect the homeowner’s lifestyle and architectural context.

Ultimately, TM Italia demonstrates how the modern kitchen—and increasingly, other spaces of the home—can function as both a technological workspace and a piece of architectural design. By combining Italian craftsmanship, transformable functionality, and sophisticated materials like quartzite, the brand creates kitchens that elevate the heart of the home into a refined, adaptable living environment.

A TM Italia luxury integrated kitchen in a newly built Santa Monica home, with serene views of the beach and Pacific Ocean.

A TM Italia luxury integrated kitchen in a newly built Santa Monica home, with serene views of the beach and Pacific Ocean.
Image courtesy of TM Italia

TM Italia Resources

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Ricca Design

Ricca Design is a Los Angeles–based design studio and showroom specializing in curated Italian-made architectural elements and luxury interior systems for residential spaces. Located at 138 South Robertson Boulevard in in the LA Design District, the company works closely with architects, interior designers, contractors, and homeowners to create bespoke interiors using premium Italian brands and materials.

Interior view of the Ricca Design Los Angeles showroom

Interior view of the Ricca Design Los Angeles showroom
Image courtesy of Ricca Design

As both a design consultant and sourcing partner, Ricca provides access to a carefully selected portfolio of renowned Italian manufacturers excelling in kitchens, flooring, doors, lighting, wall coverings, and architectural systems. Led by Founder and Principal Pierluigi Biasiolo, the team simplifies the complexities of global procurement, guiding clients through design visioning, customization, logistics, and installation to bring authentic Italian craftsmanship into modern American homes.

A Curated Gateway to Italian Design

Rather than offering a single product line, Ricca curates exclusive collections from Italy’s most prestigious brands and artisans, known for their mastery of materials and generational expertise. Offerings include integrated kitchens, natural wood flooring, glass and steel architectural doors, statement lighting, decorative wall treatments, and custom cabinetry—elements designed to shape a home’s overall architectural character.

This approach enables cohesive, harmonious environments where finishes, materials, and components align seamlessly, eliminating the challenges of piecing together unrelated vendors.

Purgula asked Biasiolo what are a few common misconcpetions American homeowners have regarding luxury Italian design:

One common misconception is that Italian design is primarily about aesthetics or style. While visual identity is certainly important, what truly defines Italian design is the underlying engineering, material research, and manufacturing expertise. Another misunderstanding is assuming that these products are inherently rigid or difficult to adapt. In reality, many Italian manufacturers are extremely flexible and capable of high levels of customization—often more so than what is typically available in the U.S. market. 

Significance in Today’s Modern Residential Home

In contemporary luxury residences, Ricca embodies key trends toward integrated, high-performance interiors and globally sourced excellence:

  • Authentic Italian Craftsmanship in American Homes: Ricca connects clients with brands celebrated for innovation, artistry, and precision manufacturing, infusing residences with timeless Made in Italy quality.
  • Architectural Unity: Kitchens, doors, flooring, and storage increasingly function as structural elements rather than add-ons; Ricca ensures they form a unified design language.
  • Bespoke Personalization: Homeowners demand spaces reflecting individual lifestyle; Ricca supports extensive customization in materials, finishes, and configurations for truly one-of-a-kind results.
  • Streamlined Global Access: Importing luxury Italian products can be daunting; Ricca handles sourcing, coordination, and logistics, making elite options accessible and stress-free.
  • Elevated Daily Living: From sophisticated culinary systems to artisanal surfaces and dramatic entrances, these elements transform functional spaces into refined, sensory experiences.

A Modern Design Resource

Ultimately, Ricca Design bridges Italian design heritage with the contemporary luxury American home. By combining exclusive brand partnerships, expert guidance, and architectural integration, the studio helps create sophisticated residences where craftsmanship, material beauty, and modern functionality coexist effortlessly. In today’s landscape—where the home serves as both sanctuary and personal statement—Ricca Design plays a vital role in delivering interiors that feel timeless, curated, and distinctly modern.

Oikos 35th year Thank You tribute to their partner Ricca Design

A heartfelt Thank You note in honor of Oikos 35th year in business on display at Ricca’s LA showroom

Ricca Design Resources

 

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