Paola Navone: The Global Nomad Who Blends Cultures into Chic Interiors

Paola Navone is not just a designer—she’s a storyteller whose canvas spans continents. Known for her eclectic, fearless aesthetic and multicultural inspirations, Navone has become a trailblazer in interior and furniture design. With a career stretching over four decades, she has mastered the art of blending East and West, old and new, rustic and modern into spaces that feel alive, authentic, and unmistakably hers.

A Life of Design Without Borders

From Milan to Hong Kong, from the shores of the Mediterranean to bustling Asian markets, Paola Navone draws her creative energy from her travels and cross-cultural encounters. Often described as a “design nomad,” she views the world as a vast archive of textures, colors, shapes, and emotions waiting to be reimagined. Her design philosophy is rooted in curiosity and a deep respect for craftsmanship, whether she’s working with handwoven Thai fabrics, Moroccan ceramics, or industrial metals.

Her studio, OTTO, based in Milan, is a reflection of her open-minded ethos. The name itself (Italian for “eight”) symbolizes infinity—an ever-evolving process of experimentation and reinvention.

Style Signatures: Imperfection, Texture, and Contrast

Navone’s interiors are instantly recognizable for their relaxed sophistication and tactile richness. She delights in imperfection, celebrating the handmade and the irregular. Wabi-sabi meets Italian glamour in her spaces, where a rough-hewn table might sit under a crystal chandelier, and where indigo-dyed textiles complement sleek whitewashed walls.

Her use of contrast is not accidental—it’s intentional storytelling. She juxtaposes cultures, materials, and design histories, creating dialogue within a room. A beachside hotel in Phuket might feature African masks and Venetian glass. A Parisian loft might mix Bauhaus lines with tribal patterns. Nothing is ever too coordinated, yet everything feels perfectly at home.

Collaborations That Define Her Legacy

Paola Navone’s impact reaches far beyond private residences. She has collaborated with leading design houses like Baxter, Gervasoni, Alessi, Poliform, and Crate & Barrel, bringing her global sensibility to product lines that range from plush sofas to playful kitchenware.

One of her most iconic partnerships is with Gervasoni, for whom she has served as creative director for many years. Her Ghost sofa collection—simple, elegant, and utterly comfortable—has become a modern classic, embodying her belief that design should be both beautiful and livable.

Interiors That Tell a Story

From boutique hotels to retail spaces and urban lofts, Navone’s interiors often feel like curated exhibits of a life well-traveled. She embraces local materials, celebrates cultural heritage, and brings warmth and soul to even the most contemporary spaces.

Notable projects include:

• Point Yamu by COMO in Thailand – a serene, ocean-facing resort where Thai traditions meet Mediterranean aesthetics.

• 10 Corso Como Café in Seoul – a stylish gathering spot that reflects the energy of the global fashion capital.

• The Art House in Milan – her personal home and studio, filled with flea market finds, prototypes, and experimental ideas.

Why Paola Navone Matters Today

In a world increasingly dominated by minimalist trends and digital design, Paola Navone offers a refreshing alternative: authenticity, emotion, and tactile richness. She invites us to embrace imperfection, celebrate craftsmanship, and view design as a form of cultural exchange.

As sustainability and storytelling become more critical in the design world, Navone’s approach—rooted in reuse, human touch, and multiculturalism—feels not only timeless but visionary.