Italian Romance

Katharine Pooley designs an Idyllic Tuscan Farmhouse getaway

Inspired by the properties magical surroundings - Lavender filled gardens, staggered terraces draped in wisteria and timeless views of Olive groves and ancient Woodland - Katharine has created as elegant interior that respects thre history of this beautifu building and embraces its evocative location.

"Italy in the spring is unsurpassable - the soft morning light and fres colorations are particularly beautiful - it was important to me to incorporate this feeling of lightness to the interior of the property and this informed the fabrics and finished I chose throughtout."

For the first floor arched loggia Katharine chose Loro Piana striped linens, contemporary dark wicker furniture and more traditional limestone & wrought iron lighting shapes to add comfort, warmth & luxurious tactility.

"The client particularly wanted one of a kind pieces, sympathetic to the heritage of tyhe buildings, and of Italian origin. Many fruitful sourcing trips ensued to markets, anitque dealers and craftmen within florence, sienna and the surrounding countryside, which resulted in a rich and characterful interior full of interest and detail."

The master bedrooms suite is particularly romantic - a wrought iron four bed made specially for the property is hung with gauze ivory linen and set against a terracotta chevron tiled floor. Out of sight a hand painted armoire adds a colour to this serene and peaceful room.

"The Farmhouse's many terraces make for wonderful places to sit and read or enjoy a light lunch or refreshing glass under the vines and leafy fig trees - tiled wrought iron furniture is chicly understated while sun bleached botanical printed linens work perfectly in the dappled light."

This terrace looks down across the cliff side swimming pool below and is lit prettily by tiny hanging hurricane lights in the evenings.

"Colour choices throughtout were kept simple and tonal to let the impressive ceilings and floors breath - one fun detail - Olive leaves were hand painted onto the facings of the main staircase and a beautiful Robins egg blue paint wash brought an injection of colour to the kitchen."

What a joy to work with the bones of such a beautiful building and create a peaceful summer retreat for this client and their young family - truely this has been one of my favourite projects to spend time in... When the client is not in-situ they offer it for rental so who knows I may be back every year to keep those cushions plumped!