From tile patterns to cabinet hardware, pasta shapes are influencing contemporary home décor collections
Pasta is finding a place beyond the kitchen as designers increasingly draw inspiration from its shapes and textures for home décor products.
The trend gained attention when Artistic Tile, a luxury stone and tile company, showcased a new product concept called Al Dente on Instagram in April. The design featured mosaic tiles inspired by pasta shapes such as macaroni and farfalle arranged in sauce-like patterns. Although the post was initially shared as an April Fools’ joke, the response from followers prompted the company to turn the concept into a real offering.
The idea originated with Zach Epstein, Artistic Tile’s president and chief product officer, while reviewing a rendering for another design featuring a boomerang-shaped pattern. He believed a macaroni-inspired motif would work better. Following strong public interest, Artistic Tile introduced the pasta-themed designs through its Tailored To program, which focuses on customized products.
The collection was expanded to include additional options such as vodka rigatoni made from limestone inlaid in blush Rosa Perlino and butter noodle-inspired designs crafted from Limone Marmi marble.
Discussing the design concept, Epstein noted, “At the end of the day it’s a very useful, abstract pattern.”
The development reflects a broader design movement in which pasta serves as inspiration for architectural details, furniture forms and decorative accessories. Designers have highlighted the geometric qualities of pasta shapes as a source of creative exploration.
Canadian Italian artist and industrial designer Chris Fusaro has experimented with cylindrical mezzi paccheri shapes as part of product design concepts, including a strainer design. Meanwhile, other designers have incorporated pasta-inspired forms, ridges and textures into furniture and home accessories.
Australian hardware brand Lo & Co Interiors recently launched a collection also named Al Dente, featuring cabinet hardware inspired by pasta varieties. The range includes orecchiette-shaped knobs and lasagne-inspired pulls, reflecting the growing interest in food-inspired interior design.
Commenting on the appeal of the concept, Teegan Cocchiaro, codirector of Lo & Co Interiors, said, “Pasta is the most democratic form of artistry. Everyone has a memory of it, everyone has an opinion on it.”
