“…because it’s one more opportunity to talk about color, to persuade life and customs toward color, to bring everything and everyone’s taste back to color: everything in the world should be bursting with color…”

This is how Gio Ponti wrote 70 years ago in “Aria d’Italia”, the most colorful magazine in the world.

Through a direct dialogue with Andrea Marcante and Adelaide Testa, this course will teach you how to select and combine the most suitable colors and materials for your interior design projects.
The term environment refers to “what surrounds us,” and taking care of the environment begins with taking care of the floors, walls, and ceilings of the spaces we inhabit most. By understanding which colors and materials best suit our projects, we can create spaces that are both functional and inspiring.

In this course, we will focus on residential spaces, as the domestic dimension embodies the idea of a place that can provide comfort on both functional and psycho-emotional levels. By correctly combining colors, textures, and finishes, you will learn how to communicate the core concept of your project and transform any space into a unique experience.

Each participant will have the opportunity to develop a personal approach to colors and materials, crafting original, clear, and compelling narratives for their clients. The course aims to deepen your knowledge of emerging color trends, the technical performance of materials, and their finishes.

Like in a traditional atelier, Andrea Marcante and Adelaide Testa will guide you in transforming ideas into tangible projects that align with your design principles.
Over the span of four lessons—featuring concepts, case studies, and storytelling—you will envision and craft your idea of a perfect home!

THE ATELIER CONSISTS OF A TOTAL OF 8 HOURS DIVIDED INTO 4 WEEKLY SESSIONS,

EVERY WEDNESDAY FROM 7 PM TO 9 PM (CET), LIVE STREAMING.

IT IS DESIGNED FOR ARCHITECTS, INTERIOR DESIGNERS, AND ANYONE CURIOUS ABOUT THE FIELD.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION, PLEASE CONTACT: infoatelier@marcante-testa.it

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COURSE THEMES: 

Lesson 1 (March 5th, 2025)

COLOR AS A DESIGN TOOL: a more sustainable approach to interior architecture

In this introductory lesson, we will share two distinctive projects. While it’s often said that simply changing colors can transform the perception of a space—and this is likely true—we aim to go beyond. We’ll explore how colors can be used to preserve the memory of previous occupants while envisioning sustainable approaches to interior design.

Rather than demolishing and generating waste, we employ colors to bring dignity and modernity to existing elements. This approach challenges preconceived notions that materials, furniture, or spaces have no value unless replaced, offering a new perspective on layering and design renewal.

Lesson 2 (March 12th, 2025)

MATERIALS AND COLORS: essential tools to capture the spirit of a place

We believe that the domestic environment is the ultimate representation of a space that can provide maximum comfort, both functionally and emotionally. While comfort is subjective, we all experience a sense of well-being in spaces that reflect contemporary life while also echoing past traditions and times.

Interior spaces should not only be functional but also carry a symbolic-spiritual element, connecting us to the history of the city or region where we live.

A well-designed interior that tells the story of a place creates the ideal conditions for lasting well-being and cultural appreciation. In this lesson, we’ll demonstrate how materials and colors serve as indispensable tools for achieving this goal.

Lesson 3 (March 19th, 2025)

TEXTILES: remarkable materials for interior architecture with untapped potential

Often regarded merely as decorative elements in interior design, textiles offer a wealth of unexplored potential. In this lesson, we will investigate how textiles can become versatile, creative tools in the domestic environment.

Textiles transcend their decorative role, functioning as materials capable of defining spaces, creating partitions, and even constructing furniture. We will explore innovative uses for textiles, such as reimagined drapery and upholstery, drawing from a collaboration with a renowned Dutch textile designer and one of the world’s leading textile museums.

We will also delve into experimental applications of textiles, including their use as wall and even floor coverings, presenting a fresh perspective on their role in interior design.

Lesson 4 (March 26th, 2025)

BOLD EXPERIMENTS WITH MATERIALS. Resources and Inspirations.

Building on the textile innovations discussed in Lesson 3, we will share a project realized in Paris where we redefined the perception of wood veneer, extending its applications and possibilities for customization. This project was made possible thanks to a collaboration with the exceptional creative Sergio Perrero, whose contributions were instrumental in its success.

In this session, we will also introduce a curated selection of readings on color theory that inspire our work, as well as practical websites that provide valuable tools for harmoniously combining colors in residential spaces.

While we tend to discuss extensively during these lessons, we will ensure ample time for interaction and sharing of ideas and experiences from your professional practice.

Join us for this four-session journey to refine your design approach and create truly extraordinary spaces!