With its eye-catching array of jewel hues and sprightly patterns, the house features a richly textured appearance that harks to the glamour of Italian villas. 

“The layering encompasses everything from the curves and finishes of the interior architecture to the curated blend of vintage, custom and contemporary furniture, and the artful arrangement of accessories,” says Natale.

At the bar, the arches of the mirror-backed cabinets are a response to the arched portals of the house. In the formal living room and dining area, a fluted ceiling provides another intricate layer of detail and a different play on curves, Natale explains. To create a cosy yet sophisticated ambience in the living room, the space is furnished with vintage pieces and custom designs; these include a vintage Minotti chair and a Gio Ponti-designed chair.

“I think the effectiveness of mixing textures, patterns and materials comes down to the importance of balance and the power of connection. Textured and glossy, geometric and organic, bold and subtle—all these can work together if they are balanced and if there are elements that link between them,” says the designer.

Wallpaper is another dynamic way to bring a touch of wit to interior design. One highlight is the De Gournay wallpaper in the dining room. “The soaring cranes, set against a copper-and-gold background, create a dramatic mood in this special space. The fact that the shimmering metallic tones can be glimpsed through various arches on this floor adds to the room’s ‘showstopper’ feel, drawing you towards it,” says Natale.

Completing the dramatic scene are the Knoll chairs by Eero Saarinen, upholstered in a brick-red velvet fabric that draws warmth from the stucco ceiling above. Up in the master bedroom, birds appear again in the form of Gucci’s Heron wallpaper. “These birds provide a witty link to the gorgeous cranes downstairs, but in a lighter palette befitting the bedroom’s pale scalloped ceiling,” he explains.

In another bedroom, Fornasetti wallpaper, which features a playful version of the arched facades of the buildings in Venice’s famed Saint Mark’s Square, showcases how architecture, culture and decorative elements are interwoven in the house to create an impact.

In contrast to the exuberance of the wallpapered rooms, spaces such as the kitchen showcase a more understated aesthetic. Designed in tones of grey and black, the fluting in the ceiling and veins of gold on the white marble backsplash provide the decorative details in this culinary zone. With balanced touches such as these, the home never feels too overwhelming, even with its abundance of colours and textures.

Reflecting on the design process of creating this space from scratch, Natale says: “Following this design from my initial vision right through to the finishing touches certainly made the layering process more seamless and yielded a more cohesive result.”

The owners, too, love how Natale has transformed their house. “They were over the moon to see the design realised. They are painters themselves, and part of the joy for them of embracing this modern palazzo was getting to display their collection of art as well as their own works on its walls.”

NOW READ

Home Tour: A Modern Asian House in Singapore with a Unique Roof

Home Tour: A Singapore Concrete House Inspired by Sports Cars and Art

Home Tour: A Singapore Apartment With Japanese Influences and Panoramic Views of Marina Bay