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Writer's pictureSasha Huang
May 3

Designer Biagio Forino's Top 5 Tips on Bringing Italian Design, La Dolce Vita, To Your Home & More

TOP TIPS




At the Hilton Molino Stucky Venice, the newly unveiled suite interiors, crafted by the esteemed designer Biagio Forino, showcase a tranquil palette of creams and teals that mirror the serene hues of Venice’s lagoon. Exposed wooden beams and luxurious touches like black lacquer tables and crystal chandeliers blend the building's rich milling history with modern opulence, providing guests with a sophisticated retreat.


Forino, a native of Salerno with a celebrated design studio in Milan, has been shaping elite interiors since 1987. Known for his dynamic range and ability to weave narrative into design, Forino infuses each space with elements that reflect the locale's heritage and his own visionary aesthetic. After designing the iconic Molino Presidential Suite, his latest project at the Hilton Molino continues to intertwine Venice's historical charm with contemporary luxury.


Here, Forino shares his top 5 tips on incorporating Italian design into your home, celebrating 'La Dolce Vita', and more, drawing from his extensive experience.





1. Absorb the Soul of the Place


When I approach a renovation or restyling project, I like spending time alone in the apartment, villa, or hotel, trying to absorb the soul of the place, what the Latins called "Genius Loci". My inspiration can originate from a simple detail such as the design of the stair railing or from the stuccos on the ceilings or even from the view that can be enjoyed from the windows, as in Venice.




2. Create Feeling


The success of my work has been determined by my willingness to listen to the wishes of my clients, establishing a harmony with them as much as possible, creating a feeling. For me it is very important to be able to create a project that corresponds as much as possible to their desires, obviously filtering them through my taste and skills.

During our first meeting I always tell them: "The house is a dream, and I must be the interpreter of your dreams".




3. Taste, Elegance & Culture


My job has led me to work in several cities, both in Italy (Portofino, Venice, Florence, Rome and Sorrento) and abroad (London, Kiev, Rhodes, St. Barth), giving me the opportunity to deal with very different realities.

But in all the works I undertook in these cities, I have always tried to bring what is called “Made in Italy” - taste, elegance, and culture. A setting of timeless classic elegance with a contemporary twist.


Some works certainly remain unforgettable and, due to their location in unique cities in the world, they inspired me more than others.


I'm talking for example about Venice where I'm renovating the suites of the Hilton Molino Stucky hotel and in particular the Presidential Suite which with its 300 m2 space is the largest in Venice. An example of grandeur combined with sobriety and elegance.




4. Be Inspired


Having the studio in Milan has been fundamental for my job and my creativity.In fact, even just walking through the streets of design provides continuous inspiration.


Furthermore, Brianza district, an area of highly specialized producing furniture and accessories, gives me a pivotal support for the completion of my projects.


It is wonderful to see the materialization of my ideas thanks to the cooperation and synergies that I created with special crafts people who are enthusiastically committed to the completion of my projects.




5. Materials Selection


My work involves passion and enthusiasm but also commitment and technique.

Once the project is approved by the clients, my team finalizes it to allow the completion of what I designed.


I really enjoy looking for new materials that stimulate my creativity.


For example, for Hilton Molino Stucky Venice I chose furniture made with carbon fiber used to build racing sailing boats. For one new project in Smeralda Coast I decided to use straw marquetry which evokes the sea and in the bathroom of a major Milanese penthouse, gray mother-of-pearl for the sinks and abaca fabric between two glass panels for the cabinet doors.





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All imagery is provided by Charlotte Rous Communications.



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