Palomba Serafini Associati ‘ex frantoio’
Ludovica Serafini and Roberto Palomba of Palomba Serafini Associati‘s, Southern Italian retreat is like a museum flipped on its head. Its historically tactile shell is a perfect host for Palomba & Serafini’s collection of contemporary furniture and objects. Cavernous arches embrace this luminescent space creating a vast yet intimate interior.
Originally a 17th century oil mill in Salento, on the sub peninsula of Puglia, this majestic workhorse was conditioned to a life of darkness, now whitewashed with new apertures suddenly bathing the space in light. Local flagstones are laid as a perfect platform for the neutral palette of honest materials – timber, wool, linen and that incredible ‘Lama’ chaise lounge in straw and metal. Palomba & Serafini’s well-tailored ‘Pianoalto’ modular lounges sit generously atop ‘Karpeta’ rugs. The placement of the ‘Grand Plié’ sofa and ‘Piaffé’ table, which was designed for Driade, are heavenly when elevated on the interior courtyard. The wall of mirrored wardrobes in the bedroom add a small amount of luxe in an otherwise restrained and organic interior.
Furnished with their achievements, there is a purity throughout that embodies Palomba Serafini’s style. With a client list that includes Boffi, Cappellini, Salviati, Foscarini and Zanotta and awarded a Compasso D’Oro – Italy’s highest design prize – it’s no wonder that their family haven exudes a quiet sophistication. Enjoyed by the couple, their daughter and the family greyhounds when they retreat from the bustle of Milan, this idyllic weekender is beyond beautiful in its elegance and serenity.
Credits: Dwell, Design by Palomba Serafini Associates, Photography by Francesco Bolis
