Today we’re joined by Elisabetta Bono, Managing Director of Schumacher—the iconic American design house founded in 1889 and known around the world for its top-quality fabrics, wallpapers, and finishes.
Q: Good morning Elisabetta! Let’s start from the beginning—can you tell us a bit about your career journey?
A: Let’s start with the present. I joined Schumacher on January 8, 2024, drawn by the exciting opportunity to shape the company’s strategy for the Italian market, build a dedicated team, and grow the brand from the ground up. I’ve always been passionate about creating something new—building professional realities from scratch is something that energizes me, and this was a chance I couldn’t pass up.
It might seem surprising that a company with 135 years of history would offer such freedom, but that’s exactly what captivated me about Schumacher. It’s a heritage brand, yes—but it feels young, dynamic, and constantly evolving.
Today, we’re a team of five, based in a beautiful showroom in the heart of Brera, Milan, and we’re fully immersed in projects that truly excite us.
Before this, I worked at Gessi, where I launched their contract division, and then continued my journey with FontanaArte, UnoPiù, and Dedar.
Q: Your career seems to be closely tied to beauty and design.
A: Absolutely. I’ve always loved the idea of using my eye for beauty in every aspect of life and work. When I walk into a room, my gaze instinctively seeks the details that make it special—and just as instinctively, I imagine how to make it even more welcoming (sometimes by simply removing what doesn’t belong!).
Q: Where do you find inspiration?
A: I’d say modern art, above all. For me, it’s a perfect expression of harmony and balance. If I had to name a single influence, it would be Gio Ponti. I really came to appreciate his genius during my time at FontanaArte. Of course, I also admire many other icons of Italian design, but Ponti holds a special place.
Q: What sets Schumacher apart?
A: Schumacher’s real strength is its boundless creativity—and the incredible freedom the company gives us to explore it. Whether you’re a manager or a designer, you’re encouraged to experiment and express yourself.
Unlike many brands that define a signature style and then stick to variations of it, Schumacher celebrates variety. Our product collections reflect the richness and uniqueness of craftsmanship from all over the world. The only limits we set are excellence and savoir-faire.
Everything starts with the user. We design with the idea that many forms of artistry can coexist—if they’re combined thoughtfully, with a touch of imagination. That’s how we create bold, unexpected interiors full of character. It’s all made possible by the deep research and extraordinary skills the company has developed, and puts wholeheartedly at the service of its clients.
Q: What led to your collaboration with Toscanini?
A: From the start, Federica and I shared a common vision and a drive to always aim for excellence. We’re both fueled by the same kind of energy, curiosity, and passion—and we don’t stop at the first solution.
Toscanini and Schumacher are both heritage companies, grounded in strong values, but unafraid to break away from tradition when it comes to innovating, dreaming big, and embracing new challenges. That’s what makes working together so rewarding.
FT: I couldn’t agree more. I’d also add that our Production team, which is used to continuous innovation and taking on all kinds of challenges, was genuinely thrilled about this collaboration. They were so impressed by the bespoke pieces with Schumacher fabrics that they came to tell me how beautiful they were—eyes sparkling with excitement. If that’s not proof we made the right choice, I don’t know what is!
Q: From your personal perspective, what trends are you seeing in style and design right now?
A: I think people are looking for beauty as a way to balance out the difficulties and uncertainty of the times we’re living through.
After being stuck at home during the pandemic, many of us developed a strong desire to refresh our spaces—to make them warmer, more joyful, more personal. I visit a lot of homes, and I’ve noticed a shift: the once “perfect” but sterile and impersonal home is giving way to spaces that truly reflect the personality of those who live there.
The home is becoming a more open, expressive place—not just for close friends, but a space where people feel free to share themselves more openly. That’s why it’s so important—and fun—to mix, match, and experiment with style.
Design and accessories, like those from Toscanini, are powerful tools in this process. With just a few thoughtful touches, they can bring beauty and character to any space. Milan is especially ahead of the curve here. There’s a growing love for eclectic, layered interiors—a kind of modern-day Wunderkammer, where every piece has a story and the bourgeois spirit becomes not just enlightened, but effortlessly cool.
