A 12th-century monastery in Italy’s Umbria region has become a boutique hotel in the hands of Florence studio Archiloop, which aimed to retain the site’s “rustic simplicity” during its renovation.
Vocabolo Moscatelli sits in the countryside near the hamlet of Calzolaro, close to the Tuscan border, on a remote estate surrounded by woodland.
Vocabolo Moscatelli occupies a converted monastery in Umbria
The property was discovered by chef concierge Frederik Kubierschky and his partner Catharina Lütjens, who set about restoring the various 800-year-old stone buildings with the help of architect Jacopo Venerosi Pesciolini of Archiloop.
Aiming to retain the historic charm and as much of the original features as possible, the team kept the original wooden floors, exposed terracotta brickwork and ceiling beams, alongside brass, iron and stone details.
The original brick and stone buildings were restored by Archiloop
They worked with local craftspeople on the restoration of these elements and incorporated new pieces by artists and designers from across the region, too.
“Vocabolo Moscatelli brings together the stone mason, blacksmith and woodworker with the artisan makers: ceramicists, tile makers and painters, creating a boutique style canvas that plays homage to the past while bringing in the design references of the now,” said the hotel team.
Timber ceiling beams are left exposed throughout the hotel
New additions to the site include a travertine swimming pool, coloured to match the surrounding woodland and Mediterranean landscaping by Fabiano Crociani.
“Threaded smoothly together, the effect is a template of rustic simplicity with heart,” the team said.
Each of the property’s 12 guest suites is unique and includes a custom bed frame
Vocabolo Moscatelli offers 12 spacious guest suites: eight in the main building and four more dotted around the landscaped grounds, all with a “monastic chic” style.
Each includes a unique colour palette and collection of design pieces, like a sculptural black two-person bathtub on one of the terraces and the various handmade beds.
The Bridal Suite includes a round canopy bed and a private garden, while the Spa Suite has its own sauna and jacuzzi.
Some of the suites have sculptural al fresco bathtubs
Furniture and products were sourced from Italian brands, such as outdoor furniture by Paola Lenti and lighting from Davide Groppi and Flos.
Handmade glazed tiles by local Umbrian company Cotto Etrusco adorn the bathrooms, contrasting the rough stonework of the building’s thick walls.
Vocabolo Moscatelli is part of hotel group The Aficionados, which brings together 90 design-led properties across Europe.
New additions to the estate include a travertine swimming pool
Many historic buildings across Umbria have been converted into guest accommodations, from remote holiday homes like the Torre di Moravola watchtower to sprawling rural estates like Castello di Reschio.
Several monasteries in Italy have also found new life as hotels, including the Monastero Arx Vivendi near Lake Garda.
This lookbook collects 10 interiors in Italy with a distinctly rustic feel, including homes and hotels replete with wooden beams, cool stone and other rich textures.
As well as being known for its contemporary furniture and lighting design, Italy is home to some of Europe’s oldest buildings and has numerous historic cities and villages.
From a 17th-century house in Puglia to a hotel in a 1,000-year-old castle, below are 10 examples of projects that pay homage to the Mediterranean country’s history while catering to modern tastes.
This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks featuring chequerboard floors, lime plaster walls and Mediterranean-style interiors.
Photo courtesy of Monteverdi Hotel
Monteverdi Hotel, Tuscany, by Ilaria Miani
Restoration specialist and interior designer Ilaria Miani helped transform several crumbling buildings in Val d’Orcia into a boutique hotel that aims to balance the history of the area with contemporary design influences from Milan and Rome.
In the bedroom suites, chunky exposed beams made from salvaged wood are complemented by natural colours and textures, while nearly all the furniture is handmade by local artisans.
Find out more about Monteverdi Hotel ›
Photo by Francesca Iovene
Cascina, Piemonte, by Jonathan Tuckey Design
London-based Jonathan Tuckey Design was tasked with returning this 19th-century farmhouse in northern Italy to its original state following a heavy 1980s renovation.
Stone walls and wooden beams now feature prominently, with a cool chalky palette offset by brass lamps and chestnut panelling and furniture.
Find out more about Cascina ›
Photo by Salva López
Casa Soleto, Puglia, by Studio Andrew Trotter and Marcelo Martínez
Parts of Casa Soleto in Puglia are more than 400 years old. Architecture firm Studio Andrew Trotter and its studio manager Marcelo Martínez renovated the building without making any structural changes, leaving the irregular walls in place.
To give the interiors an authentic, natural feel, the designers used lime plaster for the walls, linen fabrics for the sofas and curtains, jute rugs, terracotta ceramics and antique furniture.
Find out more about Casa Soleto ›
Photo by Alex Filz
Monastero Arx Vivendi, Trentino-Alto Adige, by Network of Architecture
Network of Architecture applied rippled antique-effect plaster to the walls of this 17th-century ex-monastery near Lake Garda, which is now a hotel.
The plaster is complemented by pale wooden floors, black iron furniture and earth-toned fabrics, while the original doors have been retained and restored.
Find out more about Monastero Arx Vivendi ›
Photo by Salva López
Casolare Scarani, Puglia, by Studio Andrew Potter
Casolare Scarani is a home created from the renovation of a long-abandoned girls’ school built in the style of a traditional Puglian villa – but still modest in size.
The vaulted ceilings were kept intact and covered in lime plaster, while the rooms were finished with earthy tones and traditional stone flooring.
Find out more about Casolare Scarani ›
Photo courtesy of Hotel Castello di Reschio
Hotel Castello di Reschio, Umbria, by Count Benedikt Bolza
Hotel Castello di Reschio occupies a 1,000-year-old castle in the Umbrian hills that was transformed by count Benedikt Bolza and his family.
Rooms have been decorated with terracotta-brick or wooden floors, hand-stitched linen curtains, Italian fabrics and locally crafted marble and brass vanities alongside portraits sourced from nearby antique markets in a reference to the building’s rich history.
Find out more about Hotel Castello di Reschio ›
Photo by Davide Galli Atelier
Brolettouno Apartment, Lombardy, by Archiplan
Located in a building in Mantua that dates back to the 15th century, this apartment was overhauled on a budget by local design studio Archiplan.
The studio decided to honour the interior’s timeworn aesthetic by retaining the distressed floor tiles and faded frescos, combining these features with functional light-hued wooden furniture.
Find out more about Brolettouno Apartment ›
Photo by Salva López
Casa Maiora, Puglia, by Studio Andrew Trotter
Another project from Studio Andrew Trotter, this villa is in fact a newly built project – but carries heavy rustic influences from traditional homes in the area.
Flagstone floors, lime-washed walls and locally sourced antiques combine to create a soothing, timeless feel.
Find out more about Casa Maiora ›
Photo by Serena Eller
G-Rough, Lazio, by Gabriele Salini
Features showcasing the building’s 400-year-old history were juxtaposed with contemporary art and mid-century furnishings at this boutique hotel in Rome, Italy’s capital.
The imperfections of age, particularly on the patina walls, combine with furniture inspired by modernist Italian designers like Ico Parisi, Giò Ponti and Piero Fornasetti for a rough-yet-refined aesthetic.
Find out more about G-Rough ›
Photo by Irina Boersma César Machado
Palazzo Monti hotel, Lombardy, by Julie Cloos Mølsgaard and Vipp
A collaboration with Danish homeware brand Vipp saw interior designer Julie Cloos Mølsgaard create a pop-up hotel in a 13-century palazzo in Brescia.
To keep the focus on the building’s many historic features, Mølsgaard took a minimalist approach to the furnishings, with mattresses sitting directly on the floor and artwork propped up against the walls.
Find out more about the Palazzo Monti hotel ›
This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks featuring chequerboard floors, lime plaster walls and Mediterranean-style interiors.
This lookbook collects 10 interiors in Italy with a distinctly rustic feel, including homes and hotels replete with wooden beams, cool stone and other rich textures.
As well as being known for its contemporary furniture and lighting design, Italy is home to some of Europe’s oldest buildings and has numerous historic cities and villages.
From a 17th-century house in Puglia to a hotel in a 1,000-year-old castle, below are 10 examples of projects that pay homage to the Mediterranean country’s history while catering to modern tastes.
This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks featuring chequerboard floors, lime plaster walls and Mediterranean-style interiors.
Photo courtesy of Monteverdi Hotel
Monteverdi Hotel, Tuscany, by Ilaria Miani
Restoration specialist and interior designer Ilaria Miani helped transform several crumbling buildings in Val d’Orcia into a boutique hotel that aims to balance the history of the area with contemporary design influences from Milan and Rome.
In the bedroom suites, chunky exposed beams made from salvaged wood are complemented by natural colours and textures, while nearly all the furniture is handmade by local artisans.
Find out more about Monteverdi Hotel ›
Photo by Francesca Iovene
Cascina, Piemonte, by Jonathan Tuckey Design
London-based Jonathan Tuckey Design was tasked with returning this 19th-century farmhouse in northern Italy to its original state following a heavy 1980s renovation.
Stone walls and wooden beams now feature prominently, with a cool chalky palette offset by brass lamps and chestnut panelling and furniture.
Find out more about Cascina ›
Photo by Salva López
Casa Soleto, Puglia, by Studio Andrew Trotter and Marcelo Martínez
Parts of Casa Soleto in Puglia are more than 400 years old. Architecture firm Studio Andrew Trotter and its studio manager Marcelo Martínez renovated the building without making any structural changes, leaving the irregular walls in place.
To give the interiors an authentic, natural feel, the designers used lime plaster for the walls, linen fabrics for the sofas and curtains, jute rugs, terracotta ceramics and antique furniture.
Find out more about Casa Soleto ›
Photo by Alex Filz
Monastero Arx Vivendi, Trentino-Alto Adige, by Network of Architecture
Network of Architecture applied rippled antique-effect plaster to the walls of this 17th-century ex-monastery near Lake Garda, which is now a hotel.
The plaster is complemented by pale wooden floors, black iron furniture and earth-toned fabrics, while the original doors have been retained and restored.
Find out more about Monastero Arx Vivendi ›
Photo by Salva López
Casolare Scarani, Puglia, by Studio Andrew Potter
Casolare Scarani is a home created from the renovation of a long-abandoned girls’ school built in the style of a traditional Puglian villa – but still modest in size.
The vaulted ceilings were kept intact and covered in lime plaster, while the rooms were finished with earthy tones and traditional stone flooring.
Find out more about Casolare Scarani ›
Photo courtesy of Hotel Castello di Reschio
Hotel Castello di Reschio, Umbria, by Count Benedikt Bolza
Hotel Castello di Reschio occupies a 1,000-year-old castle in the Umbrian hills that was transformed by count Benedikt Bolza and his family.
Rooms have been decorated with terracotta-brick or wooden floors, hand-stitched linen curtains, Italian fabrics and locally crafted marble and brass vanities alongside portraits sourced from nearby antique markets in a reference to the building’s rich history.
Find out more about Hotel Castello di Reschio ›
Photo by Davide Galli Atelier
Brolettouno Apartment, Lombardy, by Archiplan
Located in a building in Mantua that dates back to the 15th century, this apartment was overhauled on a budget by local design studio Archiplan.
The studio decided to honour the interior’s timeworn aesthetic by retaining the distressed floor tiles and faded frescos, combining these features with functional light-hued wooden furniture.
Find out more about Brolettouno Apartment ›
Photo by Salva López
Casa Maiora, Puglia, by Studio Andrew Trotter
Another project from Studio Andrew Trotter, this villa is in fact a newly built project – but carries heavy rustic influences from traditional homes in the area.
Flagstone floors, lime-washed walls and locally sourced antiques combine to create a soothing, timeless feel.
Find out more about Casa Maiora ›
Photo by Serena Eller
G-Rough, Lazio, by Gabriele Salini
Features showcasing the building’s 400-year-old history were juxtaposed with contemporary art and mid-century furnishings at this boutique hotel in Rome, Italy’s capital.
The imperfections of age, particularly on the patina walls, combine with furniture inspired by modernist Italian designers like Ico Parisi, Giò Ponti and Piero Fornasetti for a rough-yet-refined aesthetic.
Find out more about G-Rough ›
Photo by Irina Boersma César Machado
Palazzo Monti hotel, Lombardy, by Julie Cloos Mølsgaard and Vipp
A collaboration with Danish homeware brand Vipp saw interior designer Julie Cloos Mølsgaard create a pop-up hotel in a 13-century palazzo in Brescia.
To keep the focus on the building’s many historic features, Mølsgaard took a minimalist approach to the furnishings, with mattresses sitting directly on the floor and artwork propped up against the walls.
Find out more about the Palazzo Monti hotel ›
This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks featuring chequerboard floors, lime plaster walls and Mediterranean-style interiors.
Italian architect Paola Navone has joined Dezeen Awards 2023 as a judge. Here she selects five projects that best reflect her studio’s work.
Navone says she has “a free and nomadic nature”, which informs her practice, ranging from interior, furniture, graphic and accessory design to creative direction.
“I’m a dreamer, instinctive and always curious about the world,” she told Dezeen. “Somehow all of these things spontaneously flow in my way of being a designer.”
Navone is founder of Milan-based multi-disciplinary design office OTTO Studio, which is currently working on a project for Como Hotels in Burgundy as well as an interiors project in Athens, amongst others.
Paola Navone among Dezeen Awards 2023 judges
Dezeen Awards 2023 launched on 15 February in partnership with Bentley Motors. On Tuesday we announced five more Dezeen Awards judges including interiors stylist Colin King and design gallerist Rossana Orlandi, who will be joining architect Navone on the judging panel.
Submit your entry before Wednesday 29 March to save 20 per cent on entry fees. Click here to log in or create an account.
Read on to find Navone’s views on the five projects that best represent the work of her studio.
Photo by Dario Garofalo
Hotel 25hours Piazza San Paolino, Florence, Italy
“We enjoy interiors projects because it’s a bit like writing a new movie script – we are always the same authors but each new movie is unique.
“25hours Hotel Piazza San Paolino in Florence takes cues from Dante’s symbolism of hell and paradise.
“The theme has allowed us to set a sequence of amazing scenography that involves the guests in an immersive and imaginative experience.”
Photo by Delfino Sisto Legnani
BiMstrò, Milan, Italy
“BiMstrò communicates our passion for ephemeral design, upcycling and reuse.
“The concept behind this temporary bar in Milan is upcycling. We used existing, raw and poor materials, hand-made finishes as well as recycled objects and furniture in an unexpected way.”
Azul Sofa by Turri
“All our projects are born from unexpected alchemies that always make them a little special.
“Azul Sofa by Turri is a blue velvet sofa characterised by macro weaving. The fabric allows you to discover a unique handmade weaving technique which gives the sofa a special softness.”
Baxter
“At OTTO Studio we enjoy mixing the perfection of the industrial process with something imperfect like craft.
“The singular Baxter leather furniture works the leather as a fabric. The extensive research on colours and touch makes these sofas particularly comfortable and cocooning.”
Hybrid
“Hybrid is an eclectic collection of indoor and outdoor fabrics with strong graphics and patterns.
“The collection was designed for the extraordinary manufacturing excellence of the brand Mariaflora.”
All images courtesy of Paola Navone.
Dezeen Awards 2023
Dezeen Awards celebrates the world’s best architecture, interiors and design. Now in its sixth year, it has become the ultimate accolade for architects and designers across the globe. The annual awards are in partnership with Bentley Motors, as part of a wider collaboration that will see the brand work with Dezeen to support and inspire the next generation of design talent.
Interior designer Julie Cloos Mølsgaard has created a pop-up hotel filled with Italian frescos and modern Scandinavian furniture for Danish homeware brand Vipp within Palazzo Monti in Brescia, Italy.
The collaboration with Vipp saw the Palazzo Monti, which is an artist residency foundation hosted in a 13th-century palace, transformed into a hotel for guests to stay overnight.
Palazzo Monti was converted into a pop-up hotel
The space was redesigned into a hotel suites focused on showcasing Vipp products.
Mølsgaard added minimalist furniture and lighting by Vipp to the interior spaces, aiming to complement the historic building, which features Baroque paintings from 1750 on its walls and ceilings.
The rooms were decorated with minimalist furniture
“Palazzo Monti showcases a broad array of art exhibitions,” said Palazzo Monti founder Edoardo Monti.
“For the first time, we will host a liveable installation curated by Vipp, where we invite guests to check into our residency,” he continued.
“Entering the opulent gates of the palazzo is like stepping into an old master’s painting.”
The staircase is surrounded by frescos on the walls and ceiling
“For the pop-up hotel at the palazzo, Mølsgaard had an ambition of building a bridge between the minimalist and the opulent,” said Vipp CEO Kasper Egelund.
“Vipp and Mølsgaard approached the interior design with a simple and minimalist mindset to respect and not compete with the surrounding richness.”
Green tiles cover the kitchen floor
On the ground floor is a combined kitchen and dining area. Mølsgaard added an industrial-looking matte black kitchen island in the middle of the space, which sits under an ornate ceiling and atop a green-tiled floor.
A grand staircase surrounded by pastel frescoes leads visitors to the pop-up hotel on the first floor.
A succession of rooms – a hallway, salon and bedroom – were transformed into a suite decorated with Vipp furniture and lighting.
The furniture in the bedroom was intended to be simple and minimalist. The mattress sits on the floor without a bedframe, making the painted three-metre-high ceiling the main focus of the room.
“The idea is that guests should visit and explore the space,” Mølsgaard told Dezeen. “When you wake up under the frescoes, it’s impossible not to think, what kind of life must have been lived in this house?”
Artwork was placed on the floor
Throughout the palazzo, artwork and picture frames were placed on the floor propped up against the walls, rather than being hung.
“We initially hung a lot of art on the walls, but it was making too much noise, so instead I have sought the purity of the history of the place and wanted to let it speak through the bare walls,” said Mølsgaard.
Mølsgaard aimed to combine Scandinavian minimalism with Italian opulence
“The whole place is one big art piece,” she continued. “The staircase is a work of art, the doors are works of art, the shutters, the walls and the ceilings.”
“When you walk around the rooms, you simply experience so many things that you almost get overloaded, so there was something that had to be removed.”
Vipp launched a special edition chair for the pop-up
Artist workshops on the second floor of the building overlook Brescia, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
To celebrate the pop-up hotel at Palazzo Monti, Vipp launched the Monti Edition chair, which sees the brand’s Swivel chair design upholstered in an Italian woven fabric created by textile company Torri Lana.
The pop-up hotel at Palazzo Monti opens on 18 April to coincide with Milan furniture fair Salone del Mobile and closes on 18 May 2023.
Vipp and Mølsgaard have previously collaborated on projects including a one-room hotel in a converted pencil factory and a pop-up supper club venue.
Australian designer Nickolas Gurtler has drawn from the nightclubs of 1970s Milan and Florence to create the interior for a cosmetic clinic in Perth, Australia.
It is the third interior that Gurtler has created for Youth Lab, a clinic that offers a range of non-surgical cosmetic treatments that include anti-ageing procedures, hair removal and skin rejuvenation.
The waiting area features a mirror wall, gold lights and a green silk carpet
Located in Joondalup, Youth Lab 3.0 is the brand’s most experimental space so far.
While the two other locations – in Claremont and West Perth – occupy heritage buildings, this one is set inside a commercial block from the 1990s. This meant Gurtler could be more daring in his approach.
A Dina Broadhurst artwork provides a focal point
While the design was partly informed by the brand’s minimalist identity, it also features playful details that include mirror walls and a grand geometric reception desk.
“There were some really outrageous and glamorous concepts that I really responded to and had filed away for the right project,” said Gurtler.
“When Youth Lab approached us again for their third clinic, I knew that this was the right time to bring them to life.”
The reception desk is formed of Arabescato marble and Venetian plaster
The starting point was the palette of forms and materials that Gurtler has worked with previously for the brand, which includes decorative marble, plush velvet and metal cabinetry.
While the Claremont space that Gurtler designed for the brand has a New York loft vibe, here these elements are paired with shades of olive green and gold to create a more retro Italian feel.
“This language is a kind of style guide for us on each project,” said Gurtler.
“Common elements such as mixed metals, monolithic forms, plush textures and rich colour are used in each of the clinics, but we translate these elements completely differently each time.”
The colour palette centres around olive green and gold
Arabescato marble is combined with Venetian plaster and polished aluminium to create the cuboidal forms of the reception desk, which sits beneath a custom glass and brass lighting pendant by designer Lost Profile Studio.
A large gridded mirror installation provides the backdrop to a waiting area furnished with a green silk carpet, a blocky marble coffee table and sculptural white armchairs.
A sculpture by American potter Jonathan Adler sits in front of a second mirror wall
Rows of golden-hued ceiling lights are reflected in the mirrors, doubling their visual impact, and an artwork by Dina Broadhurst creates another focal point.
As customers are led through for treatment, they also encounter a second mirror wall, a ceramic by American potter Jonathan Adler, custom wall lights and brass door numbers.
Custom lighting scones embellish the walls
Youth Lab 3.0 was longlisted for Dezeen Awards 2022 in the leisure and wellness interior category, along another of Gurtler’s designs, the Cole Hair Studio.
The designer hopes the space offers “an immersive and sensorial experience which is as much invigorating as it is calming”.
“The Youth Lab experience is a luxury and the interior reflects that,” he added.
Italian architecture studio Llabb has perched an off-grid wooden cabin for “contemplation and introspection” on the edge of a hill overlooking the Trebbia valley near Genoa.
Surrounded by the dramatic landscape of the Apennine Mountains, The Hermitage is just 12 square metres in size and contains a single space designed to be anything from a secluded studio to a yoga retreat.
Llabb has created The Hermitage cabin near Genoa
Llabb‘s design for the off-grid structure is informed by Scandinavian cabins and Japanese teahouses.
Sitting atop four wood and steel supports resting on sandstone beds, it has a modular wooden structure crafted from Okoume marine plywood in Llabb’s own carpentry workshop.
The Hermitage overlooks Trebbia valley
According to the studio, this structure ensures a minimal impact on the landscape and is “easily scalable and adaptable into different compositions”.
“The basicness of construction, the minimal impact on the land and the use of natural materials that can be easily sourced locally enable a respectful installation in natural contexts,” explained Llabb co-founder Luca Scardulla.
“These Hermitages put human beings back in touch with nature by lightening the anthropization load that marks all building activities.”
It has a wooden structure
The Hermitage cabin extends over the edge of the hill with a full-height glazed end, where a sliding door leads onto a small wooden terrace sheltered by a retractable fabric awning.
Designed to be completely off-grid, it features photovoltaic panels on its roof, as well as a composting toilet and water canisters in the bathroom.
Inside, a long countertop runs the entire length of the wall on the right of the plywood-lined space. Located beneath a letterbox window that frames the tree canopy, it is designed to be used as either a seat or desk containing storage space.
Opposite the countertop is a small seating area and a fold-out bed that provides space to rest, next to a small bathroom at the back of the cabin.
It can be used as a yoga studio
“Minimal and flexible, with the expansive glass wall facing the terrace, the space feels light and contemplative,” said Llabb co-founder Federico Robbiano.
“The interplay between different levels offers the possibility to better manage storage spaces and technical compartments, while contributing to the definition of a graceful atmosphere,” added Robbiano.
A desk lines one side
Scardulla and Robbiano founded Llabb in 2013, originally as a carpentry workshop before expanding into architecture.
Prior to creating The Hermitage, the studio combined two apartments in Genoa to create bright, open interiors that subtly reference the area’s maritime heritage.
Brooklyn-based Home Studios has filled an Italian restaurant close to Harvard University with plush booths and banquettes to introduce colour and texture to the space.
Bar Enza is situated in a prime spot on Harvard Square next to the Ivy League college in Cambridge, Massachusetts – just across the Charles River from Boston.
Home Studios revamped Bar Enza to include a variety of soft seating
The project involved the revamp of an existing restaurant on the ground floor of The Charles Hotel.
To complement chef Mark Ladner’s menu, Home Studios pulled references from a range of regions and styles across Italy – from Rome’s trattorias to Milanese villas – and combined them to create interiors that feel elevated yet cosy.
The restaurant’s original floors and ceiling were kept intact
Upon request of the client, the original ceilings and floors were retained. Meanwhile, brick walls were plastered and painted white to match the ceiling and to help brighten the space.
Freestanding tables and chairs were mostly swapped for soft seating, in the form of booths, banquettes and sofas covered in five different upholstery types to add variety.
Five different fabrics were used to upholster the booths and banquettes
The building’s zig-zag glazed facade, which brings in plenty of light, creates niches that are filled with high-top tables surrounded by curved, pale pink booths.
Forming a row through the centre of the dining area, pairs of high-backed red sofas face each other across marble tables.
Brick walls were painted white to help brighten the interior
Other booths and banquettes feature sage green or beige fabrics, accompanied by cane-backed cafe chairs, while bar stools are topped with red leather cushions.
“Unexpected details include plush seating, reminiscent of stately libraries and studies,” Haslegrave said. “Essentially we mixed mid-century architectural details with more traditional upholstered seating to achieve a confluence and diversity of designs.”
The service areas were kept largely intact, but custom millwork was added to refresh the materiality.
Shelving was also clad in warm woods, while textured glass and brass hardware were introduced as accents.
Cane-baked cafe chairs accompany the booths and freestanding tables
“The very elevated level of service meant for very specific requirements on the service area millwork and shelving,” said Haslegrave.
Time and budget restrictions meant that lighting was sourced. The selection of sconces, pendants and table lamps was chosen to create a “warm and sexy” feeling in the evening.
The Italian restaurants draws references from Rome’s trattorias and Milanese villas
During the day, sheer curtains allow natural light to wash over the interior and allows the fabric hue to pop.
Home Studios’ previous bar and restaurant projects across the US include the Laurel Brasserie and Bar in Salt Lake City, The Harvey House in Madison, Wisconsin,and Bibo Ergo Sum in LA.
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With over sixty million visitors annually, Italy is the third most visited country in the European Union, and there is no surprise why. With pronounced coastlines, culture, food and architecture, Italy is the perfect destination for those hoping to unwind near the Mediterranean sea, hike the Italian Alps or explore a bustling city. It proudly holds the world’s most UNESCO World Heritage Sites of any country, with a total of fifty-eight wonders to visit.
The romanticized Italian culture also makes this country a highly desired tourist destination. The mannerisms, the music, the family focus, the constant aperitivos and, of course, the food make Italian culture highly idealized worldwide. Tourists are desperate to get a taste for themselves and embody this passionate culture for a brief moment; they come from far and wide not only for the cuisine but for the architecture. The country is home to an abundance of architectural styles that date over three thousand centuries. From remnants of the Etruscan and Ancient Roman civilizations, Gothic and Renaissance masterpieces to today’s contemporary marvels, there are a plethora of sites worth visiting trip after trip.
Storia e Architettura
A1 House by VPS Architetti, Tuscany, Italy
One of the most common associations with Italian design is the Mediterranean villa. Historically these spaces were intended as country homes for upper-class families and date back to the Ancient Roman period. Today we see a plethora of lavish villas all throughout Europe. Some are modern and filled with 21st-century luxuries, while others are more carefully connected to tradition and Italian history.
Take A1 house by VPS architetti for example. Located in a medieval hamlet and renovated in 2006, the original edifice dates back to the 1500s and has undergone many transformations over the centuries. An important feature of the quintessential villa is a pronounced and expansive outdoor space. In keeping with the tradition of green spaces, the garden was designed around the site’s centuries-old pear tree. The lush grass and simple shrubbery contrast the villa’s brick façade which is flanked by newer and older shuttered windows.
A1 House by VPS Architetti, Tuscany, Italy
Inside the home, the design team worked to create spatial continuity by eliminating the many incoherent elements from past renovations. A pronounced, double-height entry greets visitors into the home and works to bring in natural light. Simple white walls and earth-toned materials decorate the interior space and compliment the home’s historic elements. The kitchen area balances old and new with quality appliances worked into original stonework. The home is unadorned and lets the historic bones speak for themselves. A1 House is a true emblem of the perfectly restored villa.
Cibo
Connecting through food is intrinsic to Italian culture. Touring around the country provides an incredible opportunity to experience and taste regional delicacies and cuisine. Whether in the north or south, the traditional dishes vary and will certainly not disappoint.
Taglio by rgastudio, Milan, Italy
In Milan for example, tourists will experience the region’s meat-heavy cuisine, with dishes like ossobuco and cotoletta. Located in Milan’s bustling Navigli canal district is Taglio, a multifunctional hospitality space housing a restaurant, bar, cafe and small food shop. Designed by rgastudio, Taglio sits on the ground floor of a block of traditional Milanese flats and serves the local neighborhood as well as visiting tourists. The space is bustling from day to night as it serves an array of customers and dining patrons. Whether it be enjoying a quick espresso or dining with gourmet food and wine, Taglio provides numerous culinary services.
Taglio by rgastudio, Milan, Italy
The interior plasterwork was removed to reveal the old brick and structural components, giving it an industrial and honest aesthetic. Divided into two sections, the first room houses the shop, cafe and part of the restaurant. While the second room boasts an open-plan kitchen visible to guests via a grand archway, thus providing a space where tourists can dine and watch the Italian chefs hard at work.
Geografia e Vino
Italy’s rich geography is a marvel to explore in and of itself. Whether it be the Alps in the north, the hilly central region, or the scattered volcanic islands in the south, the rich topography has given rise to wonderous architectural gems.
Winery on the Slope of Mount Etna by Vid’a Group, Castiglione di Sicilia, Italy
The island of Sicily is home to six volcanoes. Architects have learned to build and design around challenging topographical and environmental conditions, and in Sicily, respecting the local vernacular ensures a pronounced and secure structure. The Winery on the Slope of Mount Etna is an exceptional space to drink incredible Italian wine and marvel over this architectural achievement. Located in Castiglione di Sicilia, Italy, this architectural feat is thanks to design firm Vid’a Group. The challenge of building this winery was the land, which posed difficulties surrounding the active volcano, lava flow, and pietraie – dry stones which divide the territory.
Winery on the Slope of Mount Etna by Vid’a Group, Castiglione di Sicilia, Italy
The winery is located on a flat clearing surrounded by fertile soil and lava flow. The main building is made of quarry lava rock which ensures a secure structure and adheres to local building traditions. The primary structure takes the form of a monolith and directs visitors toward the cone of the volcano.
Architettura Innovativa
Italy’s mountainous region offers an abundance of resorts and outdoor attractions where visitors can ski and profit from the mountain air. Now, imagine sipping a glass of chianti amongst the clouds.
Hubertus Skypool by noa* network of architecture, Mitterolang, Italy, Photos by Alex Filz
The Hotel Hubertus located in Valdaora underwent an incredible renovation to include new suites, enhanced guest spaces and most notably a 25-meter sky pool. The Hubertus Skypool was developed by noa* network of architecture with the intention of connecting old and new.
Hubertus Skypool by noa* network of architecture, Mitterolang, Italy, Photos by Alex Filz
The pool is cantilevered overlooking the mountain range and sits between the old and new hotel wings. The pool appears like a floating rock with a glass front and glazed window floor. The sensation feels like somewhere between heaven and earth and truly is a breathtaking architectural accomplishment.
