Italian Houzz: Breathtaking Villa Blends Past and Present
A holiday home in Naples mixes classic Mediterranean style with a fresh and modern interior
Vanessa Brunner
17 December 2014
Houzz Contributor
With smooth whitewashed walls, a brilliant turquoise pool, and a dazzling view of the Tyrrhenian Sea, this Italian villa is a beautiful blend of traditional architecture and modern materials. This home, which is located near Mount Vesuvius in Naples, Italy, was originally built in the early 1970s. For Italian designer Fabrizia Frezza, the challenge was updating the look of the home while still paying tribute to the local style.
“The home had a very dark and disagreeable atmosphere,” says Frezza. “The interior of the villa didn’t reflect the exterior, which was done in a typical Mediterranean style.” Frezza focused on connecting the looks of the interior and the exterior. The patio and pool area is just outside the home’s main living areas, so Frezza lined the space with the same white terracotta tile she used on the interior.
Outdoor table and chairs: Unopiù
Outdoor table and chairs: Unopiù
While the interior was outdated, the structural base and the exterior were of excellent quality, which made the redesign fairly easy.
Planning the terrace and swimming pool area was one of Frezza’s favourite parts of this project. She wanted this outdoor living area to have a more modern look while also giving it timeless style.
Frezza positioned the pool so that the top of Mount Vesuvius would be visible from the pool steps. For Frezza, keeping the design in line with the region's style was very important. While she wanted the home to meet the expectations of her clients, she also wanted to maintain the home's original coastal and Mediterranean characteristics.
The white terracotta tiles in the living room tie the interior to the exterior and are a practical, easy-to-clean choice for this summer home.
Coffee table: imported from India; ottomans: designed by Frezza and sold through her line at 8888interni
Coffee table: imported from India; ottomans: designed by Frezza and sold through her line at 8888interni
To emphasise the look and culture of the surrounding town, Frezza chose materials, furniture and accessories from local artisans and material resources, as well as many custom pieces of her own design. “I like to use local materials to create a project that keeps the location alive,” Frezza says. “I want to link the past and the present.”
White chairs: La Maison Retrouvée
White chairs: La Maison Retrouvée
The main living room is a long narrow space that Frezza divided into several seating areas. This corner was outfitted with plush white sofas and a coffee table found in India.
White sofas: BBK
White sofas: BBK
The living room is Frezza’s favourite room in the house. “The Mediterranean tones, the pastel linens, and the deep purple sofas are the perfect backdrop for the family’s antique furniture and my pieces,” she says.
Purple sofa and large ottoman: 8888interni
Purple sofa and large ottoman: 8888interni
This plush purple ottoman dominates the design on this side of the room. This statement piece can double as seating and is easy to move around to change up the furniture arrangement.
The master bedroom was decorated in soothing shades of sage and moss green. Polished, white-brushed oak floors lend an organic feel to the room.
Canopy and tassels: 8888interni
Canopy and tassels: 8888interni
The smooth canopy is one of Frezza’s own designs. It’s a surprisingly modern take on a more traditional bedroom feature.
Curtains: Custom linen; bedding: 8888interni
Curtains: Custom linen; bedding: 8888interni
In the guest bedroom, she whitened the antique armoire and dresser and gave them a gold patina for a soft look that’s reminiscent of the master bedroom. The bed frames were custom designed by Frezza.
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