Unapologetically Italian LLC

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Cathedral City, CA
Unapologetically Italian LLC

Bespoke lights, custom Murano chandeliers, Interior design. Sold in the USA. Unapologetically Italian His passion to build and design never subsided.

ITALY...
Red Dot Award-winner Daniele Gualeni (pronounced Dan-yel-eh) was born to design. Gualeni grew up surrounded by the beauty and culture of his native medieval town of Brescia, Italy. Immersed in a world rich in artistic history, creativity, and design, Gualeni grew up helping his father assemble furniture, lighting, and other products for a large design company; not only exposing him to pie

ces created by some of the world’s best designers, but allowing him to experience these incredible products from the inside out. Daniele finds inspiration from the world around him, and this innovative and culturally rich environment provided him with a blank canvas to develop his own creative palette. From a very young age, nothing could stop Daniele from drawing all day and building anything he could imagine. Daniele’s mother encouraged him to study in Milan where he achieved a double Master’s degree in Design and Engineering in the modern design capital. The contrasting contemporary influence of Milan and his unique, early experiences in Brescia, have inspired Daniele to create functional art pieces that are both timeless and fresh. ARTISANS
Gualeni and his family worked together to build their own business from the ground up, opening a factory where they began producing and assembling products. Daniele began scouring for artisans that could help bring his designs to life and has been building relationships with some of the best master craftsmen across Venice and Murano, for over a decade. Through these connections, he created his first independent line and has continued to work with them as he designs new custom products that his family proudly produces in their factory. Because of this, Daniele is intimately involved in the production of his products from inception to delivery. NEW YORK CITY & CALIFORNIA
Gualeni moved to New York City in 2007, adding additional depth to his cultural repertoire including the expansion of his talents to the Interior Design world. These works can be seen from the classic penthouses in Central Park to the hip renovations of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. He has since collaborated with some of the finest design studios in the Big Apple as his work continues to be featured worldwide. His creations have appeared in Milan Design Week, and his entire line has been exhibited in the prestigious Hudson Galleries. Daniele currently splits his time between Palm Springs (Southern California), NYC, and of course, his beloved Italy. Although his designs can be seen around the world, from hotels in Dubai to the homes of Film and TV stars in Hollywood, they forever remain Unapologetically Italian.

04/05/2025

Colored lighting can significantly enhance ambient illumination, but it should complement, not replace, the primary light source.

In a current project, we’re designing a floor lamp with a warm color temperature of 2500–2700K, emitting a soft yellow glow ideal for nighttime use. To enrich this ambiance, we’re incorporating subtle violet lighting in shadowed areas, such as behind curtains and near the floor. Violet, being complementary to yellow on the color wheel, intensifies the warmth and depth of the primary lighting, transforming underutilized spaces into integral parts of the overall design.

This strategic use of colored lighting not only enhances spatial perception but also creates a more immersive and dynamic environment.

03/26/2025

I recently received permission to share this photo, and I’d like to tell you why that matters.

The image had to be approved by the client, and I gently insisted, because clients of this level rarely allow images of their interiors to be published. But I truly felt this project deserved to be shown, it’s one of the most personal and distinctive design experiments I’ve worked on, and I wanted to share it with you, along with a few of the original sketches.

I was part of a team of designers on this remarkable New York apartment, working closely with the lead interior designer. I was entrusted with the full concept and ex*****on of the entrance, a space meant to set the tone for the home through craftsmanship and symbolism.

The client had two clear requests: a sculpture representing “thought” and a refined glass piece to hold his watch and keys, objects tied to daily rituals.

I designed a fluid, mirror-like console from scratch, sourced the best Italian artisans, and followed every step of its handcrafting, from hammered metal to polished chrome.
The bronze sculpture by Piero Perin (1980) and the Murano centerpiece by Cenedese (1985) were selected to reflect the client’s vision.

For the artwork above, nothing felt right, so I turned my original console sketches into a composition, colored it with Mondrian-inspired tones, and had it turned into a canvas by a painter from northern Italy.

This is what I love to do, transform ideas into one-of-a-kind pieces, shaped through design and artisan collaboration.

And yes… the true star of the photo is ‘Rome’, the client’s cat, who made sure to be part of this moment.

This was, overall, a six-month project, from the initial concept and early sketches to design, production, and final delivery. Let me know what you think, and swipe to see some of the original concept sketches.

02/27/2025

Lately, we’ve been working on custom lighting pieces that we’ll be sharing soon. But we’ve also been collaborating with clients on interior design projects, using advanced technologies to help them visualize different solutions quickly and effectively.

Here’s an example of a recent project for an apartment in Palm Springs, located in the South Camino Real area. The living area was the focal point of the design, setting the tone for the entire home’s refresh. We explored various finishes and materials while maintaining the essence of mid-century design. Each variation brings a different atmosphere—ranging from warm, vintage 1950s tones to sleek, contemporary structures with modern backlighting.

A perfect balance between classic and contemporary, tailored to personal taste. Which one is your favorite?

11/11/2024

Bringing Italian tradition back to life through light! Recently, we’ve been working closely with our Murano artisans on an extraordinary project: restoring an ancient Italian palazzo with custom lighting inspired by the elegance of original 19th-century chandeliers.

We faithfully recreated the traditional Venetian cage glass technique, where molten Murano glass is blown within a metal structure, allowing it to expand slightly beyond the frame, creating beautiful, organic curves. We incorporated the classic baloton texture as well, adding depth to the design. To bring a touch of modernity, we introduced color and a wall-mounted version—elements not present in the historical originals.

Swipe through to see our work in the grand staircase and some behind-the-scenes craftsmanship. Celebrating heritage with a touch of innovation.

04/26/2024

NINA holds a special place as my first lighting design project in California, inspired by the state’s breathtaking landscapes. 🌄 Each piece of NINA is crafted by Venetian artisans using the finest Murano glass and assembled with meticulous care in America, reflecting the soul of its California inspiration.

The palette for NINA draws directly from the vast California skies and the rich earth tones of its deserts. Choose from a spectrum of colors including serene blues, vibrant pinks, deep ambers, subtle grays, fresh teals, classic whites, sandblasted neutrals, and crystal-clear transparents. Each color is thoughtfully selected to bring the natural beauty of the outdoors into your living space. This customization extends beyond color; you can personalize the arrangement and quantity of elements to match the unique character of your home.

Whether it’s a single, tranquil pendant or a bold, cascading chandelier, NINA adapts to your vision, creating environments that are both soothing and spectacular. Connect with us to bring your personalized vision of California’s landscapes to light.

02/26/2024

Ciao everyone! 🌟 Thrilled to share with you an exciting update from this year’s Palm Springs Modernism Design Week! Last year, my exquisite Carrara marble and hand-blown glass lamp “Bella”, made its debut at the iconic Kauffman House, though I sadly missed the chance to capture it on tour. This year, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to team up with .modernism , also known as Annalisa Capurro, for a stunning project in the historic Palm Springs hillside residence.

This collaboration marked one of the last tours of Palm Springs’ modernist homes, organized by the Palm Springs . Our MOMA pendant lamps, inspired by American modernism, found their perfect setting in this beautiful project, enhancing the lighting design with their presence.

A big thank you to everyone involved! Especially the numerous volunteers of the event who guided tourists from all over the world with great care. This is the second year my products have ideally fit into this paramount event of American design and the West Coast. I’m beyond grateful for the journey and excited for what’s ahead!

01/25/2024

Introducing ‘Gaea Sky’, an exceptional embodiment of design ingenuity and the latest jewel in our suspension lighting collection. This impressive creation, measuring 22 inches in height (approx. 56cm) and 18 inches in width (approx. 46cm), stands as a testament to the visionary design of Daniele Gualeni, the mastermind behind the Bella and Gaea collections.

The Gaea Sky lamp, crafted with hand-blown and sandblasted glass, gently envelops a cone of the most exquisite Statuario Carrara marble. This unique piece symbolizes the harmonious union of earth and sky, where the delicate nature of glass complements the robustness of marble in a design that defies gravity.

Each Gaea Sky lamp features a revolutionary gravity-based anchoring system, ensuring effortless installation and maintenance. Every lamp is a singular work of art, meticulously handcrafted in Italy, and showcases the epitome of Italian artisanal skill.

As with all our pieces, the Gaea Sky lamp is available made-to-order, offering personalization to suit individual preferences, including a selection of marble colors. This lamp is more than a source of light; it’s a statement of artistic expression and design excellence.

Experience the brilliance of Gaea Sky, where design, craftsmanship, and the magic of light converge to create an unparalleled ambiance.

11/18/2023

Introducing Nina, a testament to the fusion of luxury and innovation in lighting design. Expertly handcrafted from Murano glass, Nina offers versatility in its form, serving as either an elegant pendant or a grand chandelier. Perfect for those who appreciate the finer details, its customizable features allow for a personalized touch in any sophisticated space. Nina isn't just a lighting fixture; it's a statement in luxury and design.

11/12/2023

Greetings! I'm excited to share that my company will be participating in the WestEdge design fair, a prominent event in Santa Monica, California, from November 16-18. This marks our first appearance at this esteemed gathering.

We are proud to present our collection of Italian handcrafted lamps, each embodying a blend of passion and exceptional Italian craftsmanship. We are also thrilled to unveil new designs and offer a glimpse into our exclusive projects currently under development.

Join us to discover the sophistication and uniqueness of Italian design. I look forward to meeting you and sharing our dedication to the art of lighting design. 💡✨

10/19/2023

Light is the heartbeat of emotion, and we adore playing with the heartbeat. Join the rhythm at the Modernism Design Week in Palm Springs from October 20-22 at the Palm Springs Convention Center. Feel the beat with Unapologetically Italian at Booth 204. Share the rhythm with and

10/18/2023

Ciao everyone! We're back from Italy and buzzing with energy! We had the honor of reuniting with our expert artisans who breathe life into our designs. From mesmerizing blown glass to exquisite Italian marble, we're collaborating on groundbreaking new projects you won't want to miss.

Stay tuned—our next collection promises to elevate your living spaces like never before.

Don't miss out on what's coming. The future at Unapologetically Italian is looking luminous.

09/01/2023

Introducing our stunning Punto pendant light, now gracing the exquisite apartment envisioned by the talented . Punto is a light of unparalleled design, meticulously crafted in Italy. A delicate, hand-blown ribbed glass tube cradles a precious Murano glass sphere, adding a touch of luxury to any space. Tailor the sphere's color to your liking – options include “champagne rosé”, “ancient amber”, “Adriatic blue”, “emerald green”, “Ruby red” and “Pure transparent”.
Punto is available in both wall-mounted and ceiling-mounted versions. Perfect for bedside placement, as well as an ambient light in luxurious bathrooms, dining rooms, and above kitchen islands.
Illuminate your space with sophistication. ✨🏠

Elevate your interior with . Transform your ambiance with by Unapologetically Italian.

Address

37918 Mountain Shadow Ln
Cathedral City, CA
92234

Telephone

+13234759394

Website

https://www.u-italian.com/

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