Contemporary Visions of Murano Glass

Stories of Italy is a Milan-based design studio that seamlessly blends tradition with modern design, drawing deep inspiration from Italy’s rich archaeological and cultural heritage. Specializing in Murano blown glass, the studio reinterprets historical symbols into bold, minimalist forms that are both functional and artistic. Through close collaboration with skilled local artisans, Stories of Italy preserves Italy's timeless craftsmanship, infusing it with contemporary flair to create pieces that elegantly bridge the past and present, making history a part of modern living.

Your name suggests a strong narrative dimension: how much does the “story” behind each piece matter compared to its final form?

Over the past ten years, we have evolved. In the beginning, our stories were more explicit and declarative; today, narration has become more subtle and implicit. We have come to realize that Murano glass carries such a powerful DNA that its story is already inscribed within the material itself. Especially in our high-end lighting projects, the final form does not need to “explain” anything—it simply allows the depth and intrinsic value of a material that speaks for itself to emerge.

How does a Stories of Italy project begin: with an aesthetic idea, a material, or a cultural narrative?

Everything starts with the material. We begin with glass as a substance and with historical Murano techniques, using them as a way to challenge conventional perceptions. Historical inspiration forms the substrate of our work, but the ultimate goal is always a new aesthetic synthesis: to transform glass into an object or a lighting system capable of engaging in dialogue with the most sophisticated contemporary interiors.

In what way do you manage to use design as a tool to express Italian identity in a contemporary key?

For us, Italian identity is not decoration—it is a method. We express Italy through imagination, the intrinsic richness of an artisanal approach, and the flexibility of bespoke creation. Murano glass, in particular, remains a profoundly contemporary language. This approach allows us to operate in multiple directions: from retail to collectible design—unique pieces and limited editions—to large-scale interior projects in private residences and hospitality. Our design embraces bold colors and aesthetic codes, demonstrating that Italian craftsmanship is not merely a legacy of memory, but an essential instrument of both the present and the future.