X
Emily Henderson Header Image Emily Henderson Emily Henderson

Inspiration for every room Rooms

Shop our favorite home decor Shop

Emily Henderson Emily Henderson
  • Blog
  • Vacay Giveaway
  • Shop
  • Gift Guides
  • Rooms
  • About
  • Press
  • STYLE QUIZ
  • About
      • About
      • Press
      • Contact
      Emily Henderson

      Hi. We are a design/style LA based company specializing in mixing eclectic styles on moderate budgets. Also we have a strange amount of fun blogging about all our design and style adventures. Right now I’m happy to say that I’m Target’s home spokesperson, bringing accessible/stylish design to the masses.

      Read More

      Emily_Henderson_Good_Housekeeping_Fall_2015

      Good Housekeeping

      Click through to see recent press articles that feature and highlight Emily’s work

      Learn More

      For design inquiries please contact us at

      design@emilyhendersondesign.com

      For all blog partnership and sponsor requests, please contact Michael at

      michael@emilyhendersondesign.com

      For all general inquires, product reviews, and gifting please contact us at

      hello@emilyhendersondesign.com

      For all press inquiries, please contact Jess at

      jess@emilyhendersondesign.com

      For TV appearances contact Benjamin Simone

      bsimone@WMEentertainment.com

      For all commercial, brand endorsement or speaking appearance requests, please contact Strand Conover at

      sconover@wneentertainment.com
   

When in Rome...

August 3, 2017
 
Pin
Share
Tweet
Share
45 Shares

Budget Design Rooms: Italian Modern Living Room

Emily Henderson Budget Room Living Room Modern Italian Structural Rich Tones Traditional Gif 1

Admittedly ‘Italian Mod’ hasn’t been my go-to style. It’s not how I would define myself in any way. But I’m a style polygamist so I fall in love hard and can easily add it to my love collection (am I allowed to say that if I was raised Mormon?). Right now I’m designing these two houses and one of them might have some elements of this Italian Modern design. Thus our budget post for all y’all who are into it.

‘Italian Modern’ means sculptural and even futuristic furniture,  sleek finishes, good flow and smart function. Typically the ‘budget’ version is bad (a lot of contemporary/cheesy finishes), so we thought we’d offer our budget design skills, and show you how to do it right, regardless of budget.

First up the not-so-schmancy-but-still-kinda-schmancy version:Emily Henderson Budget Room Living Room Modern Italian Structural Rich Tones Traditional Under 5k1

Sofa | Rug | Accent Chairs | Coffee Table | Accent Table | Media Cabinet | Floor Lamp | Table Lamp | Mirror | Planter | Tray | Candlesticks | Leather Pillow | Black Pillow | Burgundy Pillow | Picture Frame | Throw Blanket

MY LATEST VIDEOS
MY LATEST VIDEOS

Oh, my apologies. I forget to mention that ‘Italian Modern’ is typically crazy expensive. It’s not normally done on a budget because it needs special pieces to pull off the minimal nature of the style. While you might think the first version is expensive, the individual pieces aren’t.

But that doesn’t mean that we can’t make it even cheaper. Thus …

Emily Henderson Budget Room Living Room Modern Italian Structural Rich Tones Traditional Under 3k1

Sofa | Rug | Accent Chairs | Coffee Table | Accent Table | Media Cabinet | Floor Lamp | Table Lamp | Mirror | Planter | Tray | Candlesticks | Leather Pillow | Black Pillow | Burgundy Pillow | Picture Frame | Throw Blanket

Good news is that I like those cheaper chairs even better. Sure, they can go ‘Star Trek’ but that’s a good thing when you are going ‘mod’. I like the sofa from the most expensive version more, but overall I love this look too.

But let’s knock another grand off and give you a real budget version.

Emily Henderson Budget Room Living Room Modern Italian Structural Rich Tones Traditional Under 2k

Sofa | Rug | Accent Chairs | Coffee Table | Accent Table | Media Cabinet | Floor Lamp | Table Lamp | Mirror | Planter | Tray | Candlesticks | Leather Pillow | Black Pillow | Burgundy Pillow | Picture Frame | Throw Blanket

NOT BAD, FOLKS. For those of you into this look you should feel proud that you can have this room with an affordable budget. It’s ‘Italian Mod’ without the pretentious price tags, and yet still interesting and pulled together. That lamp for $36 is ridiculously good, so is that credenza. While many of this wouldn’t work in my English Tudor, if I had an apartment in Rome this is what I would do.

Like ‘Memphis’ (which I wrote about last week) I feel like this is controversial, design-wise. Are you into it, or it it too Mod and cold for your eyes (and butts)?

You may also like:

  • AI2A0127
    A Bold and Traditional Master Bedroom Introduction
  • Emily-Henderson_Hamptons_Outdoor-Dining_Blue_White_Neutrals_GIF
    Budget Room: Hamptons Outdoor Dining Room
  • Emily Henderson_Target_Find Your Style_Vignette_Traditional_Classic_Ornate_Sophisticated_Orderly_Pics_1
    Find Your Style: Traditional
Pin
Share
Tweet
Share
45 Shares
Rooms Home

Introducing the brand new

Room By Room

Design, trends & how-tos for every room

Shop Home

Introducing the brand new

Shop

A curated selection of decor favorites

57 Comments
 
Pin
Share
Tweet
Share
45 Shares
  1. Marci says:
    August 3, 2017 at 5:00 am

    I’m into many of the pieces here (that marble side table and the cheaper credenza for example), but I’m not into the look as a whole. I can still appreciate this style though. I think the white rugs are lovely but would never last in my home with kids and pets! Thanks for bringing us different perspectives – one of the many reasons I love this blog.

  2. Katy says:
    August 3, 2017 at 5:21 am

    I love the look! I would love to stay at a hotel designed like this for a few days, but I don’t think I would want it for my own home. My favorite is the $5k version, but I would switch out the pebble coffee table for the round black and gold coffee table. Love to see your take on different styles!

    1. Rach says:
      August 4, 2017 at 5:28 am

      Yes! Agree to that swap, and the cheaper credenza

  3. Jen M says:
    August 3, 2017 at 5:23 am

    I dig it. Not what I would go for in my own home but I do appreciate it. Amazing job showcasing this look at three different budget points. It’s funny – I think blue is considered a “cool” color, but somehow adding that punch of color in with the accent chairs and throw blanket makes the overall look feel warmer and cozier somehow. It’s a clean, modern, handsome look – I appreciate it.

  4. Nicole says:
    August 3, 2017 at 5:23 am

    I feel like I learned something from this post! Not my personal style, but really cool to see something different pulled together for us.

  5. Brandyn says:
    August 3, 2017 at 5:25 am

    I like most of the individual pieces, but overall I kind of give it a shoulder shrug.

    Favorite pieces: The “expensive” floor lamp and media cabinet. The least expensive chairs. The legs on the expense chairs are out of proportion with the body of the chair and it just looks wrong to me. Like a chair on stilts:)

  6. Janine says:
    August 3, 2017 at 5:38 am

    I love the Budget series, even if is not my style, I love to see how these rooms come together. And there are always some pieces that catch the eye, like those floor lamps! Very cool.

    Never get rid of this feature! It’s one of my faves

    1. Jessvii says:
      August 3, 2017 at 10:37 am

      ^^This

  7. Giulia Doyle says:
    August 3, 2017 at 5:55 am

    Ha, I grew up in a house that was pretty much Italian Mod. We had an Anfibio leather sofa that set the tone for everything else!

  8. Mallory says:
    August 3, 2017 at 6:06 am

    Not totally my style, but those last club chairs are FABULOUS! Definitely buying a pair for my master bedroom’s little seating area. Love love love these budget rooms, keep ’em coming!

  9. Katie says:
    August 3, 2017 at 6:24 am

    I love this style! But I think the thing that really makes it is sweet art of which there isn’t much in this post. Probably because that would jack the price wayyyy up! I definitely like the most expensive version (figures.)

  10. Diana says:
    August 3, 2017 at 6:42 am

    I’m obsessed with that West Elm sofa, what a great find! I feel like it would do well with cat claws..

    1. Diana says:
      August 3, 2017 at 6:42 am

      The second West Elm sofa, obviously not the linen-ey one:p

  11. Brooke says:
    August 3, 2017 at 6:50 am

    I’m not a huge fan of Italian Mod either but I really like a lot of the individual pieces and quite a few of them could cross over to an MCM home.

    I do however love the post in general. I really like seeing the 3 options for price so that someone who has less disposable cash can afford a similar look to those who can afford to spend more. Plus it’s great to see that some of the lower end items look better than some of the higher priced ones so you could mix and match your higher and lower price points in one room.

  12. Josh says:
    August 3, 2017 at 7:03 am

    Great job. I’m not a fan of the chunky sofa, but otherwise, this style isn’t bad. I’d replace the sofa with more of a mid century, thinner arm design and be good to go. The chairs in the middle design are my favorite of the three because of the scale and overall design. The more budget conscious one doesn’t have the same style. Overall, I like this. It’s MCM, but more contemporary.

    1. Lane says:
      August 3, 2017 at 4:06 pm

      I like the sofa, but wouldn’t buy it either. I’d replace it with something you suggest also. Love modern design that’s at the same time timeless. Traditional furniture look a little old fashioned for my taste

  13. Paige says:
    August 3, 2017 at 7:05 am

    I love the console tables that you chose! I’ve been dying to get one for our house!

    Paige
    http://thehappyflammily.com

  14. Molly says:
    August 3, 2017 at 7:08 am

    Oooooo!!! I LOVE Italian modern elements! Admittedly I live in Miami, where this style looks pretty sweet mixed with the Art Deco architecture. Thank you for giving it a shout out today! I hope to see more of it.

  15. Molly says:
    August 3, 2017 at 7:16 am

    Just FYI, in the middle look the chairs that you have linked are not the chairs in the collage. I think what matches are actually these: https://www.wayfair.com/Mercer41™-Soham-Velvet-Retro-Mid-Century-Lounge-Chair-MRCR7825.html#readmoremodal1 at $433.71

    1. Drew says:
      August 3, 2017 at 7:56 am

      thanks, I should have read the comments before I posted that the link was wrong!

  16. Lisa says:
    August 3, 2017 at 7:23 am

    I might like some of the pieces mixed in with my eclectic mix some day.

  17. Katrina Berlin Benco says:
    August 3, 2017 at 7:33 am

    Love love love!!!! I love a lot of it – but lean towards having more patterns so guess I can’t do the solid minimalist look in totality. I am mostly mid century mod now but when I get a new couch – these rounded mod ones are on my list.

  18. Drew says:
    August 3, 2017 at 7:55 am

    HI,

    The Star Wars chairs (from the middle of the road priced room) are not linked to the correct chairs. Do you happen to have the link to the chairs in the photo?

    Drew

  19. Stephanie says:
    August 3, 2017 at 8:25 am

    I love those blue chairs in the “budget” version. They just look super comfy and would probably be perfect for my bedroom.

    http://aneducationindomestication.com

    1. Maggie S says:
      August 3, 2017 at 9:53 am

      I agree -I just ordered them!!

      1. Maggie S says:
        August 3, 2017 at 9:55 am

        PS. I LOVE these posts –even when I don’t love the overall style, there are always some gems at each price point!!

  20. Abi says:
    August 3, 2017 at 9:18 am

    I actually love this style but it definitely needs a home that can handle it (sadly mine cannot). Amazing job with the round up, eying some pieces.

  21. Meredith Still says:
    August 3, 2017 at 10:35 am

    What software do you use to do the renderings like this? please please please respond!!!

    1. Miranda says:
      August 3, 2017 at 12:07 pm

      You can use Photoshop.

  22. Caro says:
    August 3, 2017 at 11:02 am

    One of those styles that I love the look of but, somehow, would never choose for myself. Still, it’s fun to see it and to realize I love the accent chairs in the first, more expensive version and could see them in my house.

  23. Ella says:
    August 3, 2017 at 11:30 am

    The last one is more me! I like it so much! Love the chairs!

  24. Miranda says:
    August 3, 2017 at 12:07 pm

    This is fantastic! Italian mid-century is a favorite style (I just can’t get enough of those skinny brass legs). Love this. You’re right, it’s def not a cheap look, esp. if you’re getting true vintage. Love look #2! 🙂

  25. Sarah says:
    August 3, 2017 at 12:28 pm

    I really like this style! It has a hint of glamour to it, but also seems approachable. Love to color palette too!

  26. Gigi says:
    August 3, 2017 at 12:43 pm

    I love the cheaper credenza, it’s actually been on my wish list at All modern for a few weeks! Great post! I think some of the items individually are good.

  27. Kristen says:
    August 3, 2017 at 1:01 pm

    Really like the first option, but the couch and mirror links are not working!

  28. Milky says:
    August 3, 2017 at 1:27 pm

    Isn’t this so funny? In my part of the world, this is how most “designed” places look and is what everyone’s going for – my place looks a bit like this but more mid-century because we are in a 60s house. To my eye, most American design is very fussy and old fashioned, and this is more like it! But definitely with lots of art. So to the US does this look too modern and cold? Here, really high-end modern is a open concept with concrete floors, one enormous Toga couch (in mustard, because the 70s are back) and expensive art.

    1. Lane says:
      August 3, 2017 at 4:03 pm

      Being from Europe and liking modern design, I like this as well, and I also find american homes old fashioned and too traditional. I like quality, and good style, lots of art, and some eclecticism, but not old fashioned American style. In American cities (downtowns) it’s easier to find something more modern. And it’s easier to pull off modern because large windows and modern sky scraper architecture just makes it easy. In the suburbs it’s difficult to find modern kitchens and most people decorate in a traditional/ old fashioned manner. Old architecture doesn’t help make rooms look more modern

    2. Liz says:
      August 4, 2017 at 1:10 am

      Yes, I agree after living in the states for 17 years and then living in Europe and studying design, this is a look most Europeans are trying to achieve in their homes. I love the minimalist approach, but the American in me still loves some traditional elements. I must admit though that most homes here seem to always look the same, modular wall shelving with LED lighting and cheap high gloss finishes (usually people with no background or interest in design or they can’t afford the high-end version -which is fine, just an oberservation). I swear I know atleast 8 people with the same exact sofa.

  29. Michelle says:
    August 3, 2017 at 1:56 pm

    Not my style but I do appreciate the chance to see other “styles” and an explanation of what makes them unique. Plus, thanks for the laugh!! (I’m mormon and the polygamist joke made me snort/giggle)

  30. Cynthia says:
    August 3, 2017 at 2:26 pm

    Yes! Mid-century Italian is a style that I love! There is a local auction here that specializes in original furniture from this era. The prices are incredibly inexpensive.

    I can’t do an entire room in this style, but I’m trying to find a way to incorporate some crazy armchairs into an living room with some much older pieces. I have to say, I think the look sings with more color than this, though. Not a criticism, just an observation.

  31. Elisha says:
    August 3, 2017 at 5:21 pm

    I have been loving seeing you highlight design styles outside your usual style! It’s introducing me to a lot of new styles and I am super into this one! Definitely buying that lamp!

  32. Nicole says:
    August 3, 2017 at 6:21 pm

    I NEVER would have called my style modern Italian, but I love love love this post. The sofa and table in the first room – swoon. Love the mix of styles in there posts, nice exploration!

  33. http://word-cookies-answers.com says:
    August 3, 2017 at 6:47 pm

    Thank you for sharing valuable information. Nice post. I enjoyed reading this post.

  34. Kelyn says:
    August 3, 2017 at 6:50 pm

    I love the first media console but was so surprised it was target for $850. I didn’t know target sold furniture that expensive. Do you know anything about the quality or that particular line?

    1. Jacqui says:
      August 8, 2017 at 2:48 pm

      Hi Kelyn! It’s by Zuo Modern, and they tend to make nice-ish stuff (like West Elm + quality, I would say). They also sell on Domino, Amazon, and through Home Depot. 🙂

  35. jennifer says:
    August 4, 2017 at 7:19 am

    love these posts. Don’t like the Mod style except for a hotel room. Don’t really like many of the other styles you’ve done either, but that doesn’t matter. I love how you show how to get the look and how to use different price points to get the same look. Really great stuff.

  36. Christa says:
    August 4, 2017 at 7:40 am

    I like this look. It’s masculine and sleek. I can’t believe you were able to present a budget version. Nice!

  37. Sasha says:
    August 4, 2017 at 8:39 am

    It was fun to learn more about this style, and I think a lot of the pieces are gorgeous on their own, but it’s a little too stark for me all together. Super interesting to read about, though!

  38. Marion says:
    August 4, 2017 at 9:51 am

    Hello Emily!
    I couldn’t find a “Message me” page, so I’m leaving this here: I absolutely love your styling tips, but sometimes find them hard to apply to my tiny (as in, REALLY tiny) space… Could you write a piece on how to style small spaces? Like petite nightstands and cramped bedrooms, bathrooms with no windows and more generally spaces with not enough storage! I ADORE the Californian Casual style, but when you live in a tiny Parisian apartment with zero storage, it’s hard to get the minimal and airy feel… Thank you!!

    1. Tanja says:
      August 5, 2017 at 2:05 am

      Yes, it would be sooo helpful to have a post about tiny space decorating! Great idea!

  39. tubemate 2017 says:
    August 5, 2017 at 2:26 am

    nice
    http://www.tubemateforpcfreedownload.com/

  40. judith says:
    August 5, 2017 at 8:36 am

    Repeating what others have said, I don’t like the style. It wouldn’t look right in my 1928 English Cottage Revival, and it looks uncomfortable. BUT, I really, really like it that you are educating us on “how to get the look for less.” It shows that normal everyday people without a large income can actually get a designer look. And that is why I hope you will keep doing posts like this.

  41. Alex says:
    August 6, 2017 at 11:35 pm

    I feel like I discovered something from this publish! Now not my non-public fashion, but virtually cool to peer something special pulled collectively for me.

  42. nikki says:
    August 8, 2017 at 6:01 am

    They’re all great options, but for once, I actually love the least expensive option best!

    http://www.shopthecoconutroom.com

  43. Jacqui says:
    August 9, 2017 at 1:56 pm

    I know that you guys are going through big changes, but please-oh-please-oh-please keep these posts! I love them dearly, and have implemented a few of your budget room ideas into my own home!

  44. Jacqui says:
    August 11, 2017 at 10:47 am

    Also, does anyone know what type of plant that is? And will I kill it easily? Haha…

Comments are closed.

Hello!

Emily is a stylist, author and T.V. host with a strong commitment to vintage inspired approachable home style for every single person. Perfection is boring; Let’s get weird. learn more

Interior Design Blog by Emily Henderson

I started this interior design blog in 2010 as a journal of my style and home projects with the belief that design should be approachable, informational and accessible no matter what budget.

As a home style expert who has a strong commitment to peeling back the intimidating layers of the world of home decor, and showing how every person can have a beautiful home that represents their personality, no matter what the budget.

After styling for magazines and catalogues for years, I started my own interior design blog, won HGTV Design Star, and have gone on to host my own hit TV show Secrets from a Stylist, Author the book STYLED, and create the design firm Emily Henderson Design.

My motto has always been to write and publish on my blog what I personally want to read about.

My interior design blog remains personal, totally transparent and honest - documenting both proud and embarrassing design moments/mistakes and giving real life pricing and expectations.

I believe that your home should look like you, that every room is soul-less without something vintage or antique. I also believe in having fun. Like, a lot of fun.

  • Fashion
  • Advice
  • My Family
  • Book
  • Press
  • Trends
  • Roundups
  • The Mountain House
  • The Portland House
  • Lifestyle
  • Life
  • Food
  • Makeovers
  • Shopping
  • My House
  • Styling
  • DIY

I Design,

You Decide

You have a say...

It's a "choose your own adventure,"

but for our new house.

weigh in
Subscribe to our Newsletter

Favorite Posts

My House, Styling

My Style Evolution, Where It’s Going, and a Big Return to OG EHD

Read More.
The Portland House, Makeovers, Shopping

Portland Project: The Living Room Reveal

Read More.
Makeovers

House Tour: Mel’s New Place Makes Us Want to Declutter Immediately

Read More.

instafeed

@em_henderson
 2411
 6862
 9001
 3969
 8534
 5694
  • Blog
  • About
  • Press

© 2017 Emily Henderson. All rights reserved

Emily Henderson
    Bloglovin Bloglovin Feedly Feedly  
@EM_HENDERSON

Go To Top
[3041]
[3041]
[3041]
[3041]
[3041]
[3041]