Interior design

This is a project for the renovation of a small villa that, due to its strategic position close to Venice, requires accurate comfort and functionality to allow long and comfortable stays not just during the summer but also during the mid-seasons, which are the most beautiful times in the Venetian lagoon.

Self-sufficient in terms of energy, through the photovoltaic system inserted in the roof, the villa also makes use of a well that allows the use of its own water, both for gardening needs and for the outdoor wellness area.

I was in charge of the restoration and renovation of a prestigious multi-level property in the most exclusive residential area of Calcutta.

The furniture was custom-designed, partly made by selected and carefully monitored Indian craftsmen, and partly by Italian manufacturers and artisans for the more technically and aesthetically complex products. The most important chandeliers and lamps were made to design by Venetian masters from the Murano district, and many stainless steel objects and accessories are part of the ‘Art Nouveau’ collections I designed for the Arttdinox brand.

The residence belongs to one of the most prominent families in the region and covers an area of about 30.000 square feet. The project was focused on the areas directly used by the family members and guests, a rather frequent presence as this is a Brahmin family group.

In this case I wanted to characterize the interiors in such a way that the size of the rooms (for example the “master bedroom” occupies about 3.000 square feet including anterooms, bathrooms and walk-in wardrobes), did not lose the atmosphere of intimacy and warmth that a master bedroom must offer anyway. In such a particular context, I was capable to interpret the client’s wishes by managing to create clear divisions between the different rooms (main living room, children’s and guest rooms, formal dining room, etc.), yet preserving some common features that grant the project its unity, thus reinforcing its identity.

I was able to create large “Venetian Stucco” walls made by Venetian craftsmen, I also designed large chandeliers, especially made under my supervision (unique pieces produced by the masters of Murano). All the furniture was made in Italy and, given the size of the rooms, everything is custom-made.

This residence was part of a historic residential complex. Being the oldest building in the village, over time it has been completely tampered with improper modifications. Completely renovated and restored, with the utmost attention to sustainability, the project involved the use of natural and biodegradable materials. In addition, photovoltaic panels make the house energy autonomous.

The choice of sophisticated materials has ennobled and modernized the property. All the interiors are customized with unique pieces; the interior doors were designed as an integral part of the furnishings and made by specialized woodworkers. The floors on the ground floor are in natural, ivory-coloured “Pietra Greca”, while on the first floor they are in wengé wood; interior walls treated with “marmorino” and Venetian stucco by Maestro Franco Saladino; Bisazza mosaics and Venetian stucco for the bathrooms. The residential complex covers 3.150 square feet and overlooks a small lovely courtyard.

Two different projects, commissioned by two wealthy clients from Dubai. In the first, a penthouse, the owner wanted to recreate an ambience with a strong Middle Eastern identity while still being in the centre of London, so I chose to decorate most items in light shades of beige-sand with ivory and black damask upholstery and padding to create a pleasing colour contrast.

In the second flat, the rooms have a decidedly more modern style, everything is coordinated in shades of white and turquoise. In both cases, the furniture is completely made in Italy, with many elements designed and made to measure.

Both projects were fulfilled with care, meeting rather tight delivery times. The approach to the interior design was integral, including furniture, finishes, decorations and paintings, as well as linen and tableware. The two spaces were delivered on a turnkey basis with beds set, tables laid and even fresh flowers and room fragrance.

Achieving such a unique project was possible thanks to a close collaboration with some of the best craftsmen of northern Italy.

As in a sort of ‘anthology of beauty’, this villa features hand-laid stucco work, Venetian “sown floorings” with fading colours, faux marble decorations, trompe-l’oeil frescoes, exclusive chandeliers and furniture door handles made of silver, produced to design in Ravissant’s workshop in Delhi, where silverware for the most prominent personalities in Asia is manufactured.

This residence was built from scratch, managing to meet the requirements of a very demanding client in terms of design and timeliness of delivery.

My experience in the ‘contract’ market has taught me to design by paying attention to the entire construction-production process and to coordinate all phases in detail, to ensure that the need for speed does not affect the final quality of the works. The challenge was to deliver in 360 days a prestigious residence, complete with installations, customised furnishings, curtains, linen and much more.

The building of great architectural value was originally the summer residence of a renowned Austrian family, comprising a main body, an annex and stables. The villa was set in a magnificent park with century-old trees, a large area used for horse racing and a vegetable garden.

The project was developed with a diversified approach: the conservative restoration of all the original parts of the building that had suffered the wear and tear of time was the first priority to be addressed. In this, I paid pspecial attention to the use of period techniques and materials and to the eco-friendliness of the interventions.

I designed all the custom-made furniture, taking care of the wall decorations and especially of the lighting. The restoration of the frescoes brought the villa back to its original authenticity and the furniture was designed down to the smallest detail in order to give a classical villa a modern soul, making this kind of solemn and timeless beauty also functional to today’s life.

Nature is a great character in such a context. I therefore involved an expert landscape gardener to restore the beauty of the original garden, as the villa still has a large sized park overlooked by all the windows. The garden therefore represents a very important element, as it is capable of enhancing the beauty of the interior.