Smania is furnishing us with a blend of the contemporary and the traditional. It’s all well and good constantly updating, always searching for the latest, the most innovative. But at some point you have to stop buying into novelty. Ceaseless, ill-considered refreshment can leave interiors looking faddish. Which is why we’ve opened our door to Smania, a company that creates furniture that is not only built to last, but designed to last.

Founded in 1967 by Alberto Smania, the firm had the same principles then as it has now: to offer contemporary style while treasuring tradition. Its latest range, for example, picks up on the design circuit’s current obsession with lacquered furniture, but the production relies on complex, artisanal techniques more akin to those used in jewellery. Six layers of lacquer are applied, each with an immersion finish, and allowed to dry for a long time. Then the pieces are polished by hand with fine abrasive paper until a smooth, glossy, reflective surface
is achieved.

As this example proves, creating timeless design takes a lot of time. The team at Smania has to be always aware of progress and to incorporate this into its work. Italian artisanal techniques are blended seamlessly with technological innovations, while new substances and finishes are matched with time-honoured materials.
As well as the evolution in technique and design, Smania is also very aware of the changes in how we use and live with furniture. Over the years, its mission to create a comprehensive and varied product line has become a reality. Smania luxury is now available for most rooms of the house, and while each piece of furniture has its own personality, there’s a harmony and balance to the entire range.