As many of us are celebrating the long weekend here in the States, perhaps some are still on vacation, enjoying the long light of summer somewhere exotic or enchanting. The Italian countryside has for many always held a special allure, with its rich history of art, food, design and seemingly envious lifestyle. A new volume debuting this week from Vendome Press captures the essence of Italy’s most beautiful houses, showcasing an amazing collection documented by well known architectural photographer Massimo Listri and described by Nicoletta del Buono, Editor of AD Italia. From Siena to Sicily, At Home in Italy, takes us on a tour behind the scenes, illustrating how these various indigenous architectural styles have all been updated for contemporary living.
Cassa Franzin, a 15th century farmhouse, in Puglia was restored by the late Renzo Mongiardino and Roberto Peregalli, whose book I have featured. Inspired by classical forms and Greek sculpture, they created a home of understated elegance, with a respect for the past yet eminently comfortable for today.
In Tuscany a farmhouse was sensitively restored by designer Andrea Gobbi and its owners. In the fabulous kitchen, the large century-old dressers came from a local school. Around the table are tavern chairs from the 19th century. I love how the addition of the large modern window brings the Tuscan landscape in.
If you have ever visited Puglia, you will be familiar with its regional trulli, distinctive dry-stone huts with conical roofs. In Bari, architect Francesca Ciotti restored a complex of fouteen trulli, using local materials and building techniques. Typical in today’s Italian design is a marvelous melding of old and new that can be seen here in the master bedroom, where the traditional stone structure is punctuated by the stark lines of black door and window. Furnishings include a modern Tizio lamp and Kartell plexiglass table at the foot of the bed.
More of the mix in the kitchen, which features a cement floor with pebble like sofa and floor cushions from Smarin.
On the grounds of an 18th century villa in Lombardy, an old farmhouse has been sensitively restored by the owners of the chic Italian textile firm Dedar, with the goal of creating “an environment and a lifestyle that allowed them and their children to live in harmony with nature.” The front of the house is almost engulfed by the fantastic wisteria and Virginia creeper.
Can’t you imagine a wonderful family dinner in this room, with the doors open to the garden beyond? A sophisticated eclectic mix includes Dedar’s Ikat as curtains, a Somalian shield, 1930’s Murano chandelier and Marcel Breuer chairs.
The best of both worlds exists side by side in the kitchen where a La Cornue sits under a beautiful collection of copper pots.
In the Salento region, designer Gaetano Castellini Curiel executed an incredible renovation of a masseria or farmstead. While keeping the original structure intact, the house has a refined timeless elegance. The airy drawing room includes an unusual wooden cabinet in the shape of a perfume bottle, chairs from Brown’s Hotel in London and a collection of shells and smaller wooden perfume bottles.
The original staircase, built with Carparo stone from Lecco feels ancient and yet modern in design.
I think I could spend all summer in the covered courtyard with its old book covered sideboard and an iron sculpture from Mexico.
Each of these houses represents its particular region yet also illustrates the Italian expertise of marrying past and present. With over two hundred color photographs of thirty houses, there is a wide range of design and decor that spans a variety of design sensibilities. It will have you wishing for a summer under the Italian sun.
Beautiful, beautiful, images.
I absolutely love that third photo. That would be something!
These are all so appealing to me, Stacey. Maybe I have been living in France for too long but it is lovely to see this appealing mix of old and new and homes that don’t look like stage-sets…
xo,
Heather
What a treat. Didn’t travel this summer but feel as though I did by reading your post.
All from the comfort of my desk! Thanks Stacey.
Stunning images, Stacey!
Happy Monday.
Teresa
xoxo
Beautiful, Stacey! Love the Carparo stone staircase. Thank you for the intro to this book. And, happy September days to you. ox
One word….Gorgeous! I’m definitely going to have to purchase this book, great inspiration here.
Happy Labor Day Stacey!
http://www.donnaviningblog.com
OMG that covered courtyard. I would be reading out there daily and sipping my morning coffee. Beautiful images.
You had me at the cover! thanks for letting us take a peek.
Incredible images! The wisteria makes me truly sad to live in a NYC apt!
Who needs Pinterest for travel, decor or fine living inspiration when we have Quintessence Blog! This is another beautiful and inspiring post. Down-right-dreamy :)
My heart is in Italy, it is truly where I belong. Anywhere along the Med coastline. I love the country and the people so so much. This book must be fabulous, Stacey !!
My favorite is the dining room: the traditional architecture contrasted with modern decor. What I would emulate if I could design my very own Tuscan villa. For now, I’ll live vicariously through the book!
I never tire of Italian homes and their architecture. Really beautiful pictures and spaces showcased in this post! XX
Gees, it just gets better and better. I’ve only been to Italy once (Amalfi coast) and these photos are “almost” the next best thing to being there. franki
wow, lovely! I’m imagining myself there right now.
This is the perfect design–minimalistic, modern yet ancient. Thanks for the heads up. Mary
I could spend all summer in that courtyard too! Gorgeous interiors!
How absolutely beautiful! The windows, the stone, the trailing vines outside for a touch of romance….it doesn’t get any better than Italy for me! I’ll be sure to check out this book so thanks for the tip, and for showing the highlights!
Fantastic highlights from this book! Looks like one for my collection. Never tired of that fabulous Italian style. Thanks for showing!
Oh how beautiful! I just want to pack my bags and go! I stayed in a beautiful villa a few years ago, when my friend was married there, and it was just as impressive as these! Those stone walls and floors, rustic beams give it such incredible character.
Another book to add to my birthday “wish list”…
Looks spectacular!
Cheers,
John
Gorgeous interiors and very interesting design features in this book. How absolutely beautiful! Cheers!!