In the BOH series What I Love, we’re asking designers to build us a mood board of what’s inspiring them right now.
To say Arianne Bellizaire is a fan of the Italian Renaissance would be an understatement. Having just returned from a trip to Parma, Italy—a city that flourished during the 16th century movement—the Baton Rouge, Louisiana, designer saw firsthand the artistry behind the designs that defined the period of cultural rebirth. “From grand architectural gestures to delicate handmade details, the city’s rich history honors tradition while embracing modern relevance,” she tells Business of Home.
Inspired, she crafted her current flat lay around a vintage gemstone ring and an altar she saw at Parma Cathedral. “It’s a celebration of timeless craftsmanship, bold materiality and layered textures—a modern renaissance,” she explains. “I wanted to create an elevated narrative that’s both nostalgic and forward-thinking.”
Grounded in raw materials, the final scheme showcases an array of Renaissance-driven motifs—such as symmetrical patterns and gilded accents—in a rainbow of rich, earthy jewel tones. “Each piece is intentionally selected for its ability to tell a story, honor tradition, and create a sense of warmth and timelessness,” says Bellizaire. “It’s about soulful layering that bridges old-world grandeur with contemporary sophistication.”
Here, the Arianne Bellizaire Interiors founder breaks down the details, from fresh orchids to personal photographs.
1. FRESH ORCHIDS
“Fresh orchids add a softness and organic element to the story. Their delicate petals mirror the beauty and grace of Italian frescoes.”
2. CALACATTA VIOLA MARBLE BY TRITON STONE
“This marble’s bold veining is the heartbeat of the board. Its classical beauty anchors the entire composition in timeless Italian elegance.”
3. DUCHESS VELVET IN PURPLE BY LEE JOFA AT KRAVET
“Channeling the regal elegance of Renaissance textiles, this rich velvet’s deep purple hue adds a sense of quiet luxury and drama.”
4. VINTAGE BRASS HARDWARE PULL
“This vintage brass pull is like jewelry for the home—its hand-worn patina carries the story of centuries-old Italian craftsmanship.”
5. CASABLANCA 2.0 SQUARE TILE IN PALM HATCH BY NEMO TILE + STONE
“A modern take on traditional tilework, this piece brings geometric balance to the layered narrative.”
6. MONTAGE FABRIC IN GLINT BY KELLY WEARSTLER FOR LEE JOFA AT KRAVET
“This subtly shimmery fabric captures the play of light in Italy’s grand cathedrals. It adds just the right touch of modern refinement to the mix.”
7. URSULA FABRIC IN MULBERRY BY SCHUMACHER
“A bold pattern that adds a sense of movement and energy—its graphic motif nods to the ornate scrollwork found in Renaissance architecture.”
8. TRENTO BEADED TAPE IN GOLD BY SCHUMACHER
“The gold beading on this trim brings a refined shimmer, referencing the gilded details found throughout Parma’s cathedrals and historic palaces.”
9. EVERGREEN GLOSS TILE BY FIRECLAY TILE
“Handcrafted and timeless, this deep green tile captures the artisanal quality I fell in love with while exploring Italy’s ceramic traditions.”
10. VINTAGE GEMSTONE RING
“This ring is a personal treasure from Parma—its delicate design and storied past represent the soulfulness I strive to bring into every space I create.”
11. PINNACLE CALACATTA GOLD MARBLE DIMENSIONAL TILE BY ARTISTIC TILE
“A warm, classic marble with delicate golden veining that softens the bolder materials. It’s the quiet luxury that completes the story.”
12. VENETIAN FABRIC IN CABERNET BY KRAVET
“This deep cabernet velvet feels like the drapery you’d find in an Italian palazzo. It adds rich texture and a sense of old-world opulence.”
13. FRAMED PHOTOGRAPH OF THE ALTAR AT THE PARMA CATHEDRAL
“This altar was the spark for the entire mood board. Its layered materials, symbolic meaning, and craftsmanship inspired every choice I made here.”
14. WALNUT FINISH SAMPLE BY ABNER HENRY
“This richly grained walnut brings warmth and authenticity—its quiet strength is a nod to the masterful woodwork of Renaissance interiors.”
15. EXPLOSION BLUE QUARTZITE BY ANTOLINI ITALY
“Dramatic and moody, this stone reminds me of the painted ceilings I studied in Parma—complex, layered and endlessly inspiring.”
16. BRINJAL PAINT BY FARROW & BALL
“This moody plum is the essence of Renaissance romance—rich, layered and endlessly versatile.”
17. SAVOY SMALL STACK MOSAIC IN BRONZE-METALLIC BY ANN SACKS
“These bronze tiles bring a quiet shimmer, like sunlight hitting gilded altarpieces. They offer a hint of glamour without overpowering the story.”
18. FILIPPO TRIM IN VINO BY BENJAMIN JOHNSTON FOR S. HARRIS AT FABRICUT
“This embroidered trim is a nod to the intricate embroidery of Renaissance textiles. Layered over velvet, it’s a tactile reminder of craftsmanship and attention to detail.”
19. EINDHOVEN WALLCOVERING IN COPPER BY WOLF-GORDON
“With its metallic threads and dimensional weave, this wallcovering glows like a burnished relic. It’s subtle but adds depth and texture to the overall composition.”
20. BUKHARA FABRIC IN BERRY BY S. HARRIS AT FABRICUT
“This embroidered fabric ties everything together—it’s bold and rich, like the tapestries that adorned Renaissance halls, but reimagined for today’s spaces.”
21. NARRAGANSETT GREEN PAINT BY BENJAMIN MOORE
“This deep green is grounding and elegant—it’s the color of ancient doors and shutters I found throughout Parma’s historic streets.”
