The A List

The A List: Antonino Buzzetta

Antonino was born in Brooklyn into a family who emigrated from Palermo in the early 1970's. Italian was his first language and he was attracted to art and design even before he had the vocabulary to describe what he was seeing and feeling.

Living Room: Vintage Italian reading light, custom square arm sofa, Venetian plaster wall treatment, Murano accessories

Antonino Buzzetta

Antonino was born in Brooklyn into a family who emigrated from Palermo in the early 1970's. Italian was his first language and from the onset he was attracted to art and design even before he had the vocabulary to describe what he was seeing and feeling. When it came to college Antonino was driven to an interior design program at the acclaimed Harrington College of Design in Chicago, IL where he remained for a few years after graduating working at his first design position. Shortly after moving back to New York, he opened the doors to his eponymous design firm in late 2010. Since then he has collaborated with his clients to achieve a balance of timeless elegance with a distinctly modern sensibility. Antonino believes that the end product should be a setting that reflects the homeowners personality, the character of the space and showcases the objects within it.

Custom rugs by Edward Field, Carolina Herrera by Bradley Theodore, custom metal arm chairs, curved sofa on brass plated plinth base, black furry chair and faux malachite lacquered desk all by Bradley USA. Aziza club chair by Promemoria, custom vinyl floor tiles designed by Antonino for Mirth Studio.

I was raised in a home of tradition with everyone baking, cooking, gardening... simply doing everything with their own hands and in my work I feel it is so important to keep these traditions alive, in many ways designers are the gatekeepers for this knowledge by encouraging the artisans

Living Room: Vintage Modernist chairs, Italian circa 1970’s, Donghia fabric

What does Made in Italy mean to you?

For me, Italy is the definition of high quality, the most luxurious cloths and materials, innovation, craftsmanship, passion and history. Literally the best of the best.

Mirror, sconces, chandelier and chairs by Bradley USA, coffee tables by Dennis Miller, murano vases

Entry Hall: Dedar wall covering, vintage sputnik ceiling fixture

What is your idea of ultimate luxury?

The way people treat things is the ultimate expression of luxury, that respect and appreciation for craftsmanship. You can still be luxurious without buying the most expensive things; but to me when you truly value and care for great pieces: art, antiques, accessories or a fabulous bespoke sofa you are respecting the craft and its history.

Who has inspired you the most?

Anyone who is passionate, driven and loves what they do and displays this in the works they create whether is be an artisan or designer.

What is your design approach and philosophy?

My philosophy? I’m a traditionalist wrapped in a cloak of modernity: my look is classic with a bold twist. Strongly influenced from fashion, art and design, my interiors reveal the possibilities of combining modern elements with the classic and traditional. My style is eclectic and while attracted to many different styles and periods, color comes first. I use it in bold ways, from strong and unusual combinations to selecting shades you really can’t define. I love the way color effects our mood and personality. Playing with scale and pattern is also something I love to do. It adds depth, drama and character to any space. I’m constantly on the hunt for something that moves and inspires me, to cultivate my eye - this is where fashion comes into place, it allows me to feel confident while taking a risk. I love the unexpected and the reaction that generates.