Fresco by Naxos

Beginning in Italy in the 14th century, the Renaissance was a period of cultural, artistic, political and economic advancement. Credited with bridging the gap between the Middle Ages and modernity, some of the greatest thinkers, authors, statesmen, scientists and artists in human history thrived during the Renaissance period under the patronage of the most influential families.

Artists Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael and Donatello dominated the era and their works, which still inspire today, graced the walls of the wealthiest homes. However, it was equally a time when artistic expression could be found in even the humblest of abodes, such was the enthusiasm for human expression.

Fresco, a new collection by Naxos, celebrates and evokes these environments steeped in history, along with more recent stories that have left their indelible traces on every surface, says Carl Whiteman, Director of Casa Italiana.

"Fresco embodies a contemporary style that seeks elegance in the contrast between materials and finishes, enhances the pairing of ancient and modern and focuses on small, unique imperfections that are the root of the very concept of beauty.”

“Available exclusively through Casa Italiana in an assortment of six colourways—Este, Aragona, Gonzaga, Visconti, Scaligeri, and Regio—Fresco pays homage to the Italian Renaissance through sophisticated shades and graphics that recall the great masterpieces, frescoes that hide unique details in their backgrounds, in the mixture of colours and small lacerations caused by the passage of time.

“We believe there is nothing currently available in the New Zealand market like Fresco and see it being used to create elegant and stylish bathrooms and statement walls, much like the hand-painted frescoes of the 1500s,” says Carl.

Released in 2019, Fresco has a timeless style, which Carl says will appeal to specifiers and homeowners alike who are looking to go beyond ordinary interiors.

“Fresco is a cohesive collection in its own right with a base range of refined character augmented by feature tiles of nuanced depth for interiors that form atmospheres suspended in time.”

Fresco is available now through Casa Italiana for nationwide delivery and ready to view at either of their Auckland showrooms—Greenlane and Albany.

“We are offering an initial six options in a convenient 600mm x 1200mm format as a stock product and will have other sizes available through indent,” says Carl. “We will also look at offering further options from the collection via indent order if the need arises.”

Casa Italiana has a comprehensive range of tiles sourced from Italy and the world and frequently updates its offering, maintaining a reputation for quality and customer service, whether your project is a new build or renovation or residential or commercial.

Learn more about the Fresco Collection from Naxos.