Who doesn’t love a tour of a holiday home in Italy? London-based designer and gallerist, Shiro Muchiri, made the decision to take the risk and transform two buildings on a vast Tuscan farmhouse into a summer oasis for her family. She spent years renting different homes for family vacations. In 2014, she made the decision to buy a place for her family to enjoy every summer. The farmhouse, one of many on the vast estate of Villa di Torre a Cona, was constructed in the 19th century. Actually, there were two farming families living there; they both sold produce, which included olives, to affluent Florentine families. It had been abandoned since the 1940s. Shiro took on the challenge and beautifully renovated the space.
What Is a Tuscan-Style Farmhouse?
There are various distinctive architectural characteristics that set apart Tuscan homes from other design styles. Tuscan exteriors typically have low-pitched tiles or terra cotta roofs. The home consists of natural materials like stone, stucco, travertine, and wood. Other characteristics include beautiful arched doorways and windows.
The Tuscan-Style Hallway
The hallway is a combination of old world and new world. The hallway that connects the main bedroom with one of the two sitting areas features a row of Artemide “Miconos” wall lights for a modern touch that lights up the space.
Fun Fact: The home originally had no electricity.
Maxi Slip Dress | White Haltered Dress | White Knot Dress
Crochet Midi Dress | Pleated Panel Dress | Chiffon Maxi Dress
Add the Chirpyest Browser Extension To Save Money on Designer Dresses
The Tuscan Farmhouse Kitchen
The kitchen has a distressed look that is common in Tuscan-style kitchens. The dining table was constructed by a local furniture dealer reclaimed wood. Shiro paired the table with “Ginger” armchairs from Poltrona Frau. The warm eathy hue flows throughout the home.
Tuscan-Farmhouse Dining Area
This space is a multi-purpose area. The design of the space features distressed wood, brick, and stone materials. To modernize the room, Shiro added a round dining table and chairs from Esedra. The lights are from Urban Cottage Industries.
The Tuscan Farmhouse Kitchen
The kitchen has a distressed look that is common in Tuscan-style kitchens. The dining table was constructed by a local furniture dealer reclaimed wood. Shiro paired the table with “Ginger” armchairs from Poltrona Frau. The warm earthy hue flows throughout the home.
Cinder Arm Chair | Nautral Dining Armchair
Wood Side Chair | Ginger by Roberto Lazzeroni Chair
Add the Chirpyest Browser Extension To Save Money on Luxury Furniture
The Living Room
The living room area contains a Poltrona Frau leather ‘Duvet’ sofa and a piece of art by Eduardo Ponjuán. The room opens up into the backyard courtyard for easy indoor-outdoor entertaining.
Home Office
Working from home with a view of the Italian countryside! Sign me up! The Poltrona Frau ‘Ginger’ armchairs (again) and reclaimed-wood desk are placed to take advantage of the serene views.
The Bedroom
The Italian bedroom features vaulted ceilings with wooden beams. The color scheme is warm earthy hues with vibrant bedding for a pop of color. The bed is from Cinova.
Blue Beaded Short Glasses | Green Beaded Highball Glasses | Large Green Ribbed Vase | Small Green Ribbed Vase | Rattan Round Placemat | Jute Basket Set | Blue Iris Coupe Glasses | Cocktail Set
Earn 7.5% cash back at Anthropologie with the Chirpyest Browser Extension
The Courtyard
In the covered veranda at the back of the house, Shiro and her son Cameron are enjoying the outdoor space.
Learn About Shiro Muchiri
Shiro’s deep connection with Italy dates back almost three decades when she left Nairobi (the capital city of Kenya) to pursue studies in interior architecture in Milan. As she learned the Italian language, she also explored the country during weekends and holidays, discovering its many beautiful treasures. After completing her studies, Shiro set her sights on London, drawn by its stronger cultural ties with Kenya and its vibrant atmosphere brimming with possibilities. She studied at the University of the Creative Arts, earning an MA in design management.
Shiro is the founder and creative director of SoShiro, a London-based gallery that intentionally highlights, celebrates, and discovers a diverse collection of artwork and design. Her office space is a five-story Georgian townhouse in Marylebone (the district in the West End of London). There is a gallery area and a store to explore. Shop her collections.
I discovered Shiro’s home in House & Garden UK. She brought her own personality to an old Tuscan estate. It makes me want to book a trip to Tuscany right now! If you could buy a holiday home anywhere, where would it be?
Xo,
Coco
The post SEE THIS HOUSE: London Designer’s Tuscan Farmhouse Holiday Home appeared first on COCOCOZY.
