What is the “Strega Nona” Design Trend?

Autumn is all over social media, heading into the Northern hemisphere’s favourite cosy season. Pumpkins abound, comforting decor and aesthetics are in high demand, and spooky inspirations gain traction in weeks around Halloween. However, Halloween is not the reason for the sudden virality of an Italian children’s book featuring a homely old witch. 

“Strega Nona Fall” is the new aesthetic of the season, this new trend focuses on fashion and decoration inspired by the story character and her home interior. 

Australia often finds itself on the opposite side of the seasonal TikTok trends, and Strega Nona Fall is no exception. Let’s look at what exactly this aesthetic is, and ways we can bring it into our Aussie Spring lifestyles. 

Strega Nona VIA Pinterest

Strega Nona, or “Grandma Witch”, is the provider of potions, cures, and magic in her Calabrian hometown. She is known for her comforting home, grandmotherly clothing, and her magical ever-full pasta pot which becomes the source of chaos in the story. 

The fashion world has jumped on the trend, taking inspiration from Strega Nona with chunky sweaters, headscarves, flowy dresses and floral motifs. Now, the interior design world has begun to follow suit, namely in the kitchen. 

Trends in the Home

Everyday Inspo VIA Pinterest

The book’s illustrations feature the highlights of the Italian countryside, complete with terracotta shingles, jewel-toned peacocks, and earthy colours. The kitchen is adorned with hanging herbs and exposed cookware, and tastefully scattered knick-knacks which evoke a homely, lived-in feeling.  

The fairytale clearly indicates at least one thing from Strega Nona and her relationship with her village: the importance of big pots. While her never-ending pasta pot caused enough trouble within the story, large cookware is conducive to feeding your gathering of loved ones.  

Exposed kitchen decor can be polarising in interior design. In minimalist trends, cookware and crockery are tucked away neatly in cupboards, and tasteful decor used sparingly for the less-is-more aesthetic. In Strega Nona design, it’s all about effortless living, featuring open shelving, apothecary bottles and jars, and fresh ingredients.

Wheel & Barrow

91 Magazine VIA Pinterest

Strega Nona was clearly an herbalist, sporting a variety of fresh and dried herbs throughout the kitchen. Channel this through use of not only herbs, but by taking advantage of natural Spring decor. 

Cookware and tableware are crucial to the grandmotherly aesthetic. Think vintage crockery, floral patterns, and tablecloths. If you want to keep the knick-knacks to a minimum, brightly coloured or decorated plates are a practical form of decor. These don’t have to match and can be found in both commercial stores and second-hand op-shops. 

Bowls and Plates VIA Pinterest

Mismatched Dinner Plates VIA Pinterest

Kitchen VIA Pinterest

Colour Palettes

Strega Nona Fall and Strega Nona Spring find one of their biggest differences in colour palette. Autumnal displays of Tuscan-inspired oranges, paired with yellows and deep reds, lean into the natural colour palette of the season. In keeping the same warm, homely feeling within a Spring palette, opting for sage greens or light terracotta can brighten up the space, alongside the original yellows. 

The aesthetic encompasses natural elements of stone and wood, which transcends the seasonal division. Existing brick or stone features should be highlighted, such as in wall or floor materials. Alternatively, choosing stony ceramics and tableware can lean into this element. 

Photo: Danielle Jackson VIA Architectural Digest

Wooden benches and shelving display an array of cookware, from copper pots to vintage teapots and jars of fresh ingredients. If there are few existing wooden elements in your kitchen already, think wooden chopping boards, salt and pepper grinders, and vases of wooden utensils. 

Brushed Stoneware Crock

Ayr Barns VIA Pinterest

A place to gather 

Dining room tables are the ultimate communal space. Leave the kitchen island for cooking and bring out the comfy chairs for your next gathering. These could be mismatched and sourced from other rooms or second-hand stores if necessary. 

Don’t have a dining room? That’s okay! It’s about the atmosphere, not the furniture. A new room may not be a feasible addition to your new home, but the communal feelings of Strega Nona’s home can be evoked in other ways. Plan communal spaces around conversation and togetherness stretching far into the evenings, embracing the Italian lifestyle of leisurely gatherings. 

Cottages & Bungalows Dining Room

Mismatched Chairs VIA Pinterest

As the Northern Hemisphere dives into the cosy vibes of “Strega Nona Fall,” here in Australia, we can embrace this charming aesthetic with our own seasonal twist. By blending Strega Nona’s nostalgic, rustic style with Spring’s lighter palette, we bring a sense of warmth and character to our homes, embodying a space that feels welcoming and lived-in. From earthy colours and exposed cookware to inviting communal spaces, the Strega Nona aesthetic is about creating a home that invites connection, celebrates simplicity, and honours nature.

So, whether you’re decorating for a gathering of friends or simply looking to bring a little of Strega Nona’s magic into your daily life, these touches of vintage charm and natural elements will have you embracing the art of slow living all season long.

This post was inspired by 

Elle Decor: Strega Nona Fall Kitchen TikTok Trend 

https://www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/trends/a62583613/strega-nona-fall-kitchen-tiktok-trend/?src=dashhudson 

House Beautiful: Strega Nona Fall Trend

https://www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle/entertainment/a62449150/strega-nona-fall-trend/ 

All photography and image credits to their respective owners