Giovanni Barbieri’s ‘Blooming’ weaves artistry and durability in a wooden floor design

“In conjunction with the walls, ceiling, furniture and lighting, flooring has a significant influence on the general appearance of a room, because of its surface area. Wooden floors create a natural, warm ambience making the ground look inviting to walk on and are furthermore extremely resilient and durable”, this is what prompted Italian stone and tile designer, Giovanni Barbieri to create the ‘Blooming’ collection. Nurturing wooden floor designs to a whole new level, the collection combines the best of both worlds - the efficiency of prefabricated parquet and the timeless allure of bespoke craftsmanship.

The genesis of the collection lies in the desire to achieve never-repetitive shapes while maintaining a standard production process. This ambitious research led to the discovery of a design secret which allows for custom-made results with just three standardized models. Inspired by the ephemeral beauty of flowers and the natural world, Barbieri set out to create a collection that would capture the essence of nature and bring it into contemporary living spaces. ‘Blooming’ is the culmination of this vision resulting in a harmonious union of form and function. When STIR asked the designer on why he chose the name ‘Blooming’, he said, “the name perfectly captures the essence of growth, transformation and innovation that the collection embodies. The combination of natural style with wood inspires curiosity and confidence, while symbolizing genuine and passionate expansion”.

The collection’s foundation lies in prefabricated parquet, a practical and efficient approach to wooden floor design created by Barbieri. Comprising of a unique composition of materials, each square boasts a thickness of 14mm, consisting of 4mm hardwood and 10mm birch plywood. Depending on the design’s complexity, some squares may require an additional layer of hardwood to ensure balance and avoid deformation. To ensure its long –term durability, the parquet is glued and can also easily be installed with underfloor heating.

Twelve different wood colours and four different surface finishes offer a variety of design options to suit individual preferences. Depending on how the various colours of the oak are combined, it is possible to achieve either a striking, powerful and rhythmic effect, or by selecting similar colours, a more uniform appearance. While prefabrication may form the groundwork, Barbieri’s dedication to craftsmanship elevates the collection's essence and performance. Each piece is meticulously crafted by skilled artisans ensuring uniqueness and attention to detail within every plank. These carefully crafted floral patterns breathe life into the wooden surface, making each floor a work of art.

The ‘Blooming’ collection exudes a sense of tranquility and warmth. The organic patterns and earthy tones resonate with Barbieri’s Biophilic design philosophy, fostering a connection between humans and nature, while displaying the concept of well-being and relaxation. One of the collection’s defining features is its ability to create a captivating ambience in varied interior settings. Whether adorning a modern urban apartment or an opulent countryside retreat, the collection’s artistry seamlessly complements and enhances the surrounding spaces.

Born and raised in Italy, Giovanni Barbieri belongs to a Veneto artisan family specializing in stone design. He developed an early fascination with the inherent beauty of natural materials. He has been creating his designs since 1989. Blooming marks the designer’s debut in wooden floor design. The collection earned the coveted 2023 Red Dot: Best of the Best award. This accolade recognizes Barbieri’s ability to blend aesthetics, functionality and sustainability. The path to perfection was not without obstacles for the designer as numerous production and installation tests lead to delays in bringing the collection to the market. In a rapidly evolving architecture and design landscape, ‘Blooming’ by Giovanni Barbieri establishes a unique niche, defying conventional norms and pushing the boundaries of creativity and craftsmanship.

“With ‘Blooming’, customers can enjoy the luxury of custom-made floor at the cost of standard production. Beyond the practicality, the emotional experience of witnessing this parquet system’s aesthetic value is truly unique”, says Barbieri in the excitement of creation. As the designer continues to expand his portfolio, he eagerly anticipates working on projects, including a presidential suite in Four Seasons Hotel in Singapore and a collaboration with a prominent French fashion brand. Additionally, a revolutionary marble mosaic finish is on the horizon.

By combining prefabricated parquet with his artisanal touch, Barbieri’s innovation in fusing tradition and creativity in wooden floor design redefines contemporary aesthetics. His ‘Blooming’ collection imbues creativity, sustainability and the enduring beauty of nature and is an evolution in modern wooden flooring aesthetics.