www.papernnest.com

Studiotamat's Eclectic Renovation of a 1960s Roman Villa Blends Mid-Century Modernism with Playful Contemporary Design

Dezeen Awards 2025: Unveiling the Top Interior Design Projects of the Year

Dezeen Awards 2025: Unveiling the Top Interior Design Projects of the Year

The Dezeen Awards 2025 celebrated global excellence in interior design, culminating in Symbolplus Office being crowned Interiors Project of the Year. This prestigious award recognized innovation across various categories, from small residential spaces to large public venues, highlighting projects that blend sustainability, cultural heritage, and modern aesthetics. The winners, hailing from seven diverse countries, showcase a forward-thinking approach to creating functional yet inspiring environments.

Tojiro Knife Gallery: A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity in Osaka

Tojiro Knife Gallery: A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity in Osaka

The Tojiro Knife Gallery in Osaka, designed by L/O, showcases a unique blend of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and contemporary design. Utilizing a traditional cladding method called yoroi-bari, the gallery features overlapping wooden panels that elegantly display knives. The space integrates a welcoming gallery area with a functional maintenance room, emphasizing both the artistry and utility of Japanese knives. This flagship store in Doguyasuji Alley offers an immersive experience, reflecting Tojiro's commitment to quality and heritage.

Soho MoMA Design Store Reimagined by Peterson Rich Office

Soho MoMA Design Store Reimagined by Peterson Rich Office

The Museum of Modern Art's Soho retail location has undergone a significant transformation led by Brooklyn-based Peterson Rich Office. This renovation highlights the building's historical 19th-century cast-iron architecture while integrating modern design elements, creating a dynamic shopping experience that bridges past and present. The project aimed to enhance both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the space, ensuring it reflects MoMA's commitment to design innovation and historical preservation.

StudioTamat has masterfully transformed a 1960s villa located in the scenic Castelli Romani region, on the periphery of Rome. This extensive renovation marries the villa's historical essence with a vibrant contemporary vision. The design approach thoughtfully integrates modernist principles with an array of floral wallpapers and whimsical geometric patterns, culminating in an interior space that is both sophisticated and playful. The goal was to establish a continuous dialogue between the building's original charm and a contemporary architectural language, ensuring every element, from natural materials to custom furnishings, contributes to a cohesive and dynamic narrative.

A Fusion of Eras: Where Mid-Century Charm Meets Modern Whimsy in a Roman Villa

Preserving Heritage While Embracing the Present: StudioTamat's Vision for a Roman Classic

Situated near the venerable 16th-century Villa Grazioli, this 1960s residence in Castelli Romani presented a unique opportunity for StudioTamat to weave together diverse periods and styles. The design team, led by Tommaso Amato, Matteo Soddu, and Valentina Paiola, aimed to honor the villa's mid-century roots while thoughtfully incorporating design nuances from both earlier and later decades. This intricate balance ensures that the renovated home feels deeply connected to its past while confidently stepping into the future.

Crafting a Living Narrative: The Art of Personalized Spaces

The 400-square-meter villa, home to Daniele, Sara, and their three daughters, has been reimagined as a dynamic and deeply personal sanctuary. StudioTamat emphasizes that each detail, from carefully selected natural materials to bespoke furnishings, contributes to a compelling story. The belief is that spaces should not merely be occupied but should come alive, evolving into central characters in the daily lives of their inhabitants. This philosophy guided the entire renovation process, resulting in a home that truly reflects the family's identity and aspirations.

Reimagining Flow: The Ground Floor's Elegant Transformation

The renovation dramatically enhanced the villa's internal flow by strategically removing several original partition walls, fostering a more open and fluid environment without altering the fundamental arrangement of the living areas. This transformation is particularly evident on the ground floor, where the various rooms now gracefully encircle an exquisite elliptical staircase. This central feature acts as a focal point, guiding movement and connecting the different zones of the home in a seamless, elegant progression.

A Tapestry of Textures and Tones: The Living and Dining Experience

The interconnected living and dining spaces are anchored by textured stone walls that incorporate integrated fireplaces, providing a rich backdrop. Against these neutral tones, vibrant splashes of color emerge through carefully chosen furnishings. Notable pieces include a striking pink Marenco sofa from the 1970s, a lustrous green contemporary dining table, and the iconic orange 1960s Nessino table lamp. Oak parquet flooring unifies these areas, while framed posters celebrating modernist luminaries like Le Corbusier and Alvar Aalto add an intellectual and artistic touch.

Culinary Creativity: The Heart of the Home Reimagined

The kitchen, accessed through fluted glass doors, is a vibrant and inviting space. Mint-green walls and cabinetry perfectly complement the tiled floor, creating a cohesive and refreshing aesthetic. At the heart of this area is a striking red travertine kitchen island, offering both functionality and a bold visual statement. A built-in bench provides a cozy spot for casual dining, illuminated by a decorative rattan and jacquard textile pendant lamp, adding warmth and texture to the culinary hub.

Private Retreats: Bedrooms Tailored for Individuality

The first floor houses four bedrooms, where smaller anterooms were opened up to amplify the sense of space. This thoughtful reconfiguration allowed for the integration of dedicated desk areas in the children's rooms, supporting their studies and creative pursuits. Each bedroom and bathroom features unique wall coverings, chosen to reflect the distinct personalities of their occupants. The master bedroom boasts lush greenery wallpaper, while two of the children's rooms are adorned with playful Disney designs, making each space uniquely personal.

Thoughtful Details: Elevating Every Corner

Beyond the main living areas, the villa abounds with thoughtful and distinctive details. These include custom upholstered headboards in various shapes, whimsical cloud-shaped cabinet handles, and a shower room featuring bespoke Palet tiles in a vibrant red and pink palette. On the first floor, both Daniele and Sara enjoy their own private studies, while the rubber-floored loft serves as a cozy family snug for games and movie nights, offering a relaxed and versatile space for communal enjoyment.

Echoes of the Past: Integrating Original Architectural Elements

Matteo Soddu of StudioTamat highlights the careful emphasis placed on the villa's original architectural details during the renovation, which in turn inspired several custom furnishings. He points to the rhomboid motif found in the kitchen windows and Sara's upstairs study, a direct homage to the original 1950s ironwork prevalent throughout the villa. This delicate balance of stimulating and relaxing spaces ensures a harmonious living environment, where new designs respectfully acknowledge and integrate the building's historical character. This project builds on StudioTamat's previous successful renovations, including an 80-square-meter "vilino" in central Rome, showcasing their consistent expertise in blending past and present in Italian residential design.