Andrea Parisio, creative director of Meridiani since 1996, has forged a career of timeless elegance and respect for Italian tradition. In this interview with Gunni & Trentino, he shares his vision of interior design as personal care, the importance of sustainability, and the defense of authentic identity in a globalized world.
How did your career as an interior designer begin, and why did you decide to dedicate yourself to this field?
My family home has always been carefully decorated, with special attention to the style and quality of its furniture and materials, and for me it's natural to see home as a place of well-being and order. A space that nurtures us and deserves to be nurtured, both in terms of the furnishings and the feelings it evokes, where interior design is a way of caring for others, helping people feel comfortable in what is the most important place in their lives: home.
What is the role of Italian culture and tradition in your design, and how can you maintain your identity in such a globalized market?
Culture and tradition have the power to connect us to our origins, nurturing our identity and expertise, and creating fertile ground for growth. This heritage allows us to stand out on the world stage through improvements and new inspirations that never compromise our unique and recognizable style.
What kind of emotions and feelings do you want to convey to those who interact with your projects?
Directly linked to concepts like family, intimacy, isolation, and sharing, home evokes very personal feelings and emotions. Each person identifies their home in a unique and subjective way, as a space where they feel comfortable, free, and welcomed, reflecting their identity and way of life.
What moments or decisions have been key in your career as a designer?
The most important moments in my career are usually linked to people, through relationships and encounters that always lead to something meaningful and transformative. Among them, I would highlight Renato and Laura Crosti, with whom I collaborated to found the Meridiani brand in 1996, and whose image I have been responsible for ever since.
How do you see furniture design in the future, and what role do you think sustainability will play in it?
If design has been conceived with people in mind—and I firmly believe this to be true—it will be deeply connected to sustainability as a form of respect, since nothing is more sustainable than a project consciously designed to last. Technology and research are evolving to offer increasingly intelligent materials and solutions that improve quality and reduce the environmental impact of the process, without sacrificing the natural beauty of the material and the value that craftsmanship brings.
How do you perceive the link between Italian design and the aesthetics of Gunni & Trentino's spaces in the Mediterranean?
Against the backdrop of the broad and varied cultural base, deep-rooted ethics, and constant pursuit of well-being of the Mediterranean, this link involves a profound exchange of opinions, objectives, and styles, which allows us to more than fulfill all expectations and promises made.
In conclusion, what message do you want to convey to younger designers who are searching for their own style in the world of design?
Authenticity and inspiration. Design is a language that tells stories, and it's important to express something new, but always remaining true to ourselves and consistent with our own identity. We must avoid following fleeting trends and build our own path with strength and passion.
