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A villa with a modernist soul, brought back to life with eclectic interiors, tactile materials, and playful accents.
Surrounded by the hills of Castelli Romani, only 12 miles away from the bustling streets of Rome, Italy, this modernist villa was originally designed in the 1960s as a retreat that provided proximity to both a natural setting and city living. The house drew inspiration from the Usonian architecture of the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright, featuring clean lines and a simple layout. Rome-based STUDIOTAMAT redesigned the interiors with a sensitive approach, preserving the original elements while infusing the residence with an eclectic personality. At the same time, the team created a play between vibrant and relaxing spaces, connecting the interiors with the surrounding nature.
To establish a better flow between different areas, the studio removed corridors and some of the utility rooms. Restored elements include the original beech wood front door and window frames as well as the living room’s stone fireplaces along with original materials like stone, concrete and exposed brick. Custom and carefully curated pieces of furniture and home accessories enliven the living spaces with splashes of color and eye-catching patterns or rich textures. A stylish elliptical staircase organizes the ground floor programs while connecting the three stories.
In the kitchen, STUDIOTAMAT paired green cabinets, walls, and floor tiles with a striking Persian red travertine kitchen island and matching countertop. A dining nook with a built-in window bench offers a cozy space for relaxing meals. Fluted glass doors separate the kitchen from the dining room; here, the large table with a custom lacquered finish subtly reflects the light flowing from the windows that feature a rhomboid motif inspired by the villa’s original ironwork.
Upstairs, the private rooms include the master bedroom and the children’s rooms as well as two studies for the parents. The top floor houses a loft space with a game area and a cinema. Here, windows overlook striking views of Rome. Throughout the villa, refined furniture and decorative objects, including vintage designs from different eras, combine with playful accents and pops of color. For example, wallpaper patterns that bring a hint of a lush garden into a bedroom or the bespoke designs of the children’s rooms that perfectly reflect their personalities.
A masterclass in refined reinterpretation of modernist architecture, STUDIOTAMAT’s Villa in Castelli Romani honors its original design while infusing the living spaces with an irresistible charm. Photography by Peter Molloy.
