Home tour: a whimsical sanctuary amid the olive groves of Sorrento, Italy

The volume with the sloped roof houses the open-plan living area and kitchen, its floor finished in speckled yellow that evokes images of the courtyards found in old rural homes. Running along the entire perimeter of the house, a skirting of horizontal black-and-white lines adds a decisively graphic element. Such an unexpected delineation creates visual interest, becoming the kitchen backsplash, the bedroom headboard and the frame for the bathroom basin. This contrast with the exuberant interiors creates a sense of continuity that grounds the home. 

On three sides of the living room, the homeowners have a view of the olive grove around them, marked by different theatrical frames. Of particular interest is the round window with stained-glass elements, which stands above the dining area. Here, a circular yellow table is surrounded by translucent violet chairs, ensuring that no meal is ever devoid of visual and conversational intrigue.

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Meanwhile, the rectangular windows offer glimpses of the sea. A nearby sitting area infuses morning coffee with more contemplative views, while a speckled yellow cabinet and vertical bookshelves invite guests to unwind in such a bright and airy space. 

The kitchen is an ode to the nearby olive leaves, which feature a dual characterisation that inspired Autiero’s new approach to bringing the outdoors in. The kitchen is composed of two complementary blocks, with the food preparation and storage area finished in light green and the snacking counter and sitting area in dark green. The kitchen extends to a height of nearly three metres, borrowing partially from the vaulted space given over to the bedroom and amplifying the interconnection between the spaces without any compromise on either end.

When asked which among the pieces was most memorable in the Sorrento, Italy home, Autiero points to a custom-designed bar cabinet. This geometric box stands suspended at mid-height, its minimal exterior and circular handles mirroring the nearby living room windows. Attached asymmetrically to this structure is a pleated red velvet drapery that introduces an unexpected dynamism to the piece.

Moving into the more private areas of the home, the bedroom stands distinctively with its thick perimeter walls and tall vaulted ceilings. The headboard is formed from geometric tiles with parallel lines and stylised flowers, paying homage to the crocheted blankets of the homeowners’ childhood. To complete the charming vignette, there is a nearby restored window with solid blue-painted shutters that opens onto the garden.

Stepping back, Autiero draws guests’ attention to the lightweight, sheet-metal staircase laid over a projecting steel-tube structure. The horseshoe-shaped route transforms the otherwise empty space around the bed into an abstract exploration. Above, the mezzanine is warmed by an oak parquet floor, where the homeowners can practise any manner of meditative practises. The nearby wardrobes are lined with geometric wallpaper that repurposes the playful jewel tones seen throughout the home, alongside a small desk in the corner.  

Altogether, the southern Italy home is a reflection of Autiero’s intuitive understanding of the clients and their new phase of life. Working in conversation with the vibrant Sorrento landscape, she has created a home that does not take itself too seriously. Thus, she has created an atmosphere that remains joyful and reflective all year round, setting the stage for milestones to cherish. 

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