Meet Ida Corti, CEO and Creative Director of Lisa Corti, Milan

Did you always know you wanted to work in collaboration with your mother? 

Not at all! I always knew I had a natural inclination for home decorating, art and colours but, after graduating in Art History, I worked in the movie industry for 25 years as 1st Assistant Director. 

You must have grown up surrounded by your mother's bright patterns. What do print/colours mean to you?

I have always loved art, architecture, patterns and colours so it was a natural evolution for me to make this into a full time activity. The years spent in the Film industry taught me organization, scheduling, team work and lots of other very important skills that have helped me a lot when I formally joined Lisa Corti in 2007.

What were your first memories in India? Did you get as inspired as your mother did when she went for the first time? 

I would say so. For my mother India was the coming alive of all her memories from her childhood and she felt immediately at home. For me it was the revealing of an enchanted world. I was 14yo and it was 1977. India was still that huge and culturally rich subcontinent with hardly any cars and millions of colorful sarees and turbans.

What is your number one advice for someone wanting to wear or play with patterns in their homes? 

Don’t be afraid. Be bold and dare. There isn’t a “wrong” or “right” way. There is your way and if you try to follow any strange esthetic rule that you don’t feel it will never work.

How do you like hosting people at your home?

Depending on the occasion. Often very informally. I love cooking for my friends and experimenting new recipes.

What would be your one piece of advice about setting the perfect table? 

Don’t be afraid of mixing and matching.

The table is the heart  of any get together. Make sure it gives the mood you want. Prints and patterns will allow you to play with your creativity. Napkins can be in contrast for an extra touch. Have fun!

Where do you shop for interiors?

I don’t shop… Flee markets…. Garage sales… Antiques... Old family furniture...Travel findings...