Area: 530 m²
Year: 2020
Type: Residential
Involvement Level: Interior Design
The Villa U project is an exquisite embodiment of an intellectual art lover’s paradise, meticulously designed to showcase unique and bespoke pieces of furniture, lighting, and decor. Each item within the villa is not just a piece of art; it's a narrative, a carefully curated story of its creation, each crafted by illustrious designers known for their unparalleled skill and creativity.
The interior design concept prioritizes the inherent beauty of natural materials. The architectural layout of the interior is intentionally minimalistic, devoid of small, intricate details, preferring instead to emphasize grandiose forms and clean, straight lines. This approach was deliberate – our goal was to create an interior that not only complements the architectural integrity of the house but also serves as a perfect canvas for the plethora of art pieces, instilling a deep sense of intellectual sophistication throughout the space.
A seamless transition is evident from the exterior to the interior of the villa, particularly in the choice of materials. The limestone used on the facade elegantly makes its way into the interior, starting from the entrance hall and gracefully ascending up the stairs to the second floor. This entrance hall is a testament to the grandeur of the villa, with its stone cladding extending from the floor right up to the ceiling, creating an imposing yet welcoming space. Greeting visitors at the entrance is a majestic Chinese terracotta warrior, a relic from the Qin dynasty, standing as a silent sentinel of the rich history and culture embedded within the walls of Villa U.
Above, the ceiling boasts an array of magnificent suspended lights from Kaia Lighting, their futuristic design injecting a contemporary edge into the space. These lights not only illuminate the hall but also serve as a modern contrast to the ancient warrior below. The furniture selection is equally deliberate, with pieces from Promemoria featuring elegant brass details that reflect the villa’s luxurious ambiance. These elements are carefully chosen to create a dialogue between the old and the new, the traditional and the modern.
The journey into the villa continues through large, imposing double doors, adorned with bespoke crystal handles, leading into the expansive living room. This space, like the entrance hall, integrates materials from the villa’s facade. Here, cor-ten steel is masterfully used to craft a large, impressive fireplace that serves as the room's focal point. This dual-sided fireplace radiates warmth and light into both the living room and the adjacent library, its linear design forming a striking contrast with the plush, curved furnishings around it.
Opposite the fireplace lies a statement piece - a futuristic black chaise longue by imperfettolab, designed to mimic the form of a resting whale. This piece is strategically positioned to allow unobstructed views of the flickering fireplace, ensuring a harmonious balance between form and function. The living room’s decor is a rich tapestry of art objects and paintings, each telling its own story. Notably, under a captivating painting of a geisha is a dresser crafted by the esteemed designer Shinsaku Miyamoto, hailing from the renowned Ritzwell factory. This piece, like many others in the villa, is a blend of artistic expression and functional design.
Adjacent to the library bookcases is a remarkable four-foot sculpture by the acclaimed American artist Brian Donnelly, known professionally as KAWS. This sculpture, with its smooth, rounded contours, perfectly complements the strict, angular forms of the villa’s architecture, creating a visual dialogue between the art and the space it inhabits. Villa U is more than just a residence; it is a curated gallery, a celebration of art and design, seamlessly blending historical elegance with contemporary luxury.
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