There is good reason this 17th-century oil mill in southern Italy looks more like a furniture showroom than an inhabited summer house. The dwelling is filled to the brim with the designs of the owners, the architects (and husband and wife team) behind Palomba Serafini Associati, who have together designed bathrooms, kitchens, furniture and lighting for some of the biggest names in Italian design: Boffi, Cappellini, Foscarini and Zanotta.
Retaining the rawness of the existing structure, they have made few interventions, retaining ancient stone floors, walls and arches. A lack of windows in the old mill has been overcome with the use of skylights carved out of the stone, as well as a patio at the rear, allowing the daylight to flood in. In the kitchen they have adapted to the existing space, adding only a sleek, minimal but multi-functional stainless steel island, originally designed for the Italian cabinetry company Elmar. A stainless steel screen separates the work and sleeping areas.
As well as their manufactured products, the home contains bespoke pieces, all commissioned from local craftspeople. One piece that really stands out is the Lama chaise longue, originally designed for Zanotta in steel and leather (see it, here); here they have upholstered it in straw and red metal. It is a beautiful and fluid stand-alone piece.
Via Dwell. Images by Francesco Bolis.
What do you think of Italian summer house – showroom or home?
More wonderful spaces, here
owl's house london. 
That chaise lounge is lovely. I also like the look of the outdoor bench and table – such wonderful stand alone pieces. xD
hi Doris, these guys – the owners – are super clever; they designed both of those fabulous pieces. a very talented duo, which is why i was so keen to show their home. glad you like! J
The patio is stunning! I really like the kitchen for its simplicity. bests Mon
ah, glad you like it too! J
What a stunning space. They have truly shown respect to the history of this 17th century building by styling the interiors using such a minimalistic approach. I choose home, this space is perfect, but in a livable way. Thanks for great design inspiration.
hi lauren, such a pleasure!
Ah, now, I can see myself living in this house…
glad you like!
Wow! What a great share, didn’t know about this house. It’s amazing how “old” architecture can be adapted to the current times. I would love to see more posts like this one, it was interesting and inspiring!
so glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Reblogged this on Excerpts 'n' Musings and commented:
Classic example of an earthy , Mediterranean design.
thank you!
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Reblogged this on owl's house london. and commented:
from the archive..
Reblogged this on TheZenith.
Wonderful. I reblogged this!
thank you! glad you liked it.