Tuscan Countryside Villa Wraps Minimalism in Warmth

Rachele Biancalani Studio in collaboration with technician Matteo Bonechi completed the design of First Love Villa, a family retreat in the Tuscan countryside, between Florence and Arezzo, Italy. The owners, a couple with a young son, wanted a home that was modern yet highly welcoming.

The designers achieved this by using warm colors and finishing materials throughout the villa. “The sophisticated taste for design objects has been met with the choice of furnishings and lighting fixtures of the highest quality brands such as Lake, Midj, Ernesto Meda, Flos, Kartell and Foscarini that find space in this minimal interior but with enveloping heat,” Biancalani said.

The open-space living environment includes four functional spaces: a reading corner with a comfortable armchair; a large dining table for six; a living room with modular slide sofa by Daniele Lago, TV area and fireplace; and finally the kitchen at a lower level that is reached by descending a couple of steps. Exposed wooden beams and walnut flooring make the social spaces feel inviting.

The bedroom is fully furnished with Lago furnishings; the custom headboard integrates strip lighting for a modern touch. The symmetry of the room is enriched by twin drawer units, which are not identical in form. A transparent bronze glass sliding door separates the walk-in closet area. Photography by Thomas Dell’Agnello and Rachele Biancalani Studio.