Forget the Instagram aesthetic. This summer's biggest interiors trend has nothing to do with perfectly styled shelves or colour-coordinated kitchens.
Instead, it draws inspiration from Italian grandmothers' homes. Think mismatched crockery, objects with history and interiors built up over decades. Known as 'nonna-core', this aesthetic celebrates homes shaped by time rather than styled for camera.
But what does nonna-core actually look like and why is it proving so popular?
What is nonna-core?
Nonna-core isn't about recreating a traditional Italian house. It's more about embracing homes that evolve naturally over time.
Designer Justina Blakeney, founder of lifestyle brand Jungalow, spent seven years in Italy, where she visited many real nonnas' homes. "What struck me wasn't a particular style, but the way their homes had evolved over decades," she says. "Every object had a story. Each item – furniture, textiles, ceramics – was collected, inherited, repaired and loved."
Nonna-core layers vintage furniture, handcrafted details, colourful ceramics and traditional textiles. Its appeal comes from objects with texture, history and purpose: hand-painted plates, embroidered tablecloths and wooden utensils softened by years of use.
“What continues to inspire me about Italian homes is their effortless balance between craftsmanship and joy. Italy has such a deep appreciation for beautiful materials and exceptional makers – there's a real respect for things that are well designed and built to last.”
Unlike vintage maximalism, nonna-core isn't about accumulation. The magic lies in the mix. Nonna-core blends family heirlooms, everyday objects and design classics. “Italian interiors aren’t precious. You’ll often find iconic pieces from brands like Artemide or Alessi living comfortably alongside timeless objects such as a Bialetti moka pot, vintage heirlooms or an Arco floor lamp that’s been in the family for decades.”
This mix of old and new is what gives Italian interiors their distinctive character. As the designer explains, “it’s a look that feels collected rather than coordinated, sophisticated without taking itself too seriously.”
Why is the Italian grandmother aesthetic trending right now?
After years of minimalist interiors, there’s growing interest in homes that feel warmer, more individual and less polished.
"I think we're seeing a resurgence of this style because people are craving homes that feel deeply homey and human," Justina tells us. "In a world that's increasingly digital and AI-generated, I think people are longing for homes that reflect the humans who live inside them. Nonna-core celebrates craftsmanship and comfort, reminding us that the most meaningful homes are shaped by a lifetime of living, tinkering and loving a home."
Liberty London has flagged "Italian Nonna Chic" one of its homeware trends to watch, championing hand-painted ceramics, Murano glassware, embroidered linens and generous sharing platters.
Pinterest’s data also reflects this appetite for mixing old and new. Searches for ‘vintage maximalism’ have risen by 350%, while ‘vintage eclectic interiors’ are up 850%. The platform has also recorded a 530% increase in searches for mixing modern and antique furniture.
Justina shares how to bring nonna-core into your own home below:
The key ingredients of nonna's home
1. Embrace the rhythm of Italian life
"Embrace what Italians call ritmo italiano – the rhythm of Italian life. It's a slower pace. Allow your home to evolve naturally over time rather than trying to finish it all at once."
2. Collect rather than coordinate
"The most inviting homes are layered over time with things that hold meaning." This approach prioritises personal narrative over aesthetic coordination. It's the opposite of maximalism for its own sake.
3. Mix meaningful pieces
"Mix family heirlooms with contemporary pieces, put out treasures collected on your travels and incorporate handmade ceramics or vintage finds." Each one is a thread in your home's story. There's no rulebook for what goes where; the only rule is that it means something.
4. Blend patterns, colours and eras
"Don't be afraid to blend patterns, colours and different design eras. A home feels warm when it tells your story." The fearless optimism of designers like Missoni and Pucci shows this in vibrant textiles, patterned ceramics and layered fabrics.
Ruggable Vera Green & Plum Rug by Jungalow | Ruggable UK
Ruggable Vera Green & Plum Rug by Jungalow | Ruggable UK
To bring this to life, Justina designed the Vera rug for her Jungalow x Ruggable collection: dense, painterly florals and a cross-stitch-style border read like a modern take on your nonna's needlepoint – fresh, bold and fully machine-washable.
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