The picturesque coastal town of Forte dei Marmi in Italy is often compared to the vibrant Hamptons, and amid this spectacular beauty of Forte dei Marmi, Barbara Reimelt, the founder of the interior design studio Ninety Nine Group, breathed new life into a treasured family retreat. It is not just a renovation but a heartfelt homage to the late Giuliana, who built the house with her funds in 1963, defying the status quo of the time. This piece will take you on a journey through the captivating architecture of this lavish artistic residence, where every detail was meticulously crafted to blend the essence of the past with the glitz of the present.
Initially, comprehending the house’s layout seemed challenging for Reimelt as the rooms were fragmented and far from welcoming. She opened up the living and dining areas and the compact kitchen to create a more cohesive living space. The dining room was focused on a sacred space for the family. Florence-based artist Monica Branchetti turned the idea into reality and adorned the walls with a breathtaking mural honoring Giuliana’s South African heritage. The mural is further enhanced by a 1930 smoked glass Murano chandelier and vintage ceramics.
Italy has no shortage of highly skilled artisans, and Reimelt utilized this treasured resource to transform the property. Marble, considered an Italian luxury, was extensively used on flooring. Verde Alpi and Crema Delicato marbles are arranged in a graceful diamond pattern on the ground floor. The kitchen radiates with red-veined gray marble, while the bathrooms dazzle with terrazzo floors in custom hues that perfectly complement the surrounding stone.
An emotional tribute to Giuliana was the transformation of her cherished possessions that seamlessly integrated into the renovated space. An antique brown and yellow glass cabinet received a stunning makeover with gold chicken wire and a rich stone blue shade, oozing elegance. Vintage Venetian glass appliqués now adorn the living room, connecting the past with the present.
The residence exemplifies the synchronization of the old and the new, with modern settings and contemporary pieces exuding sophistication. Each room tells a story that evokes nostalgia. Reimelt’s prowess goes beyond just harmonizing the interiors. She created a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. Paolo Pejrone designed two distinct alfresco zones leading to the outdoors.
Off the living room, the patio is adorned with bamboo furniture painted in deep green to sync with the vibrant natural surroundings. The lower terrace offers a personal space under a metal pergola. However, the true masterpiece is the Palladiana floor that wraps the entire house, merging reality with artistry.
The kitchen received a unique, rustic facelift with custom terracotta tiles from Ceramica Cotto di Minturno paired with Breccia di Montecitorio red marble. The guest bathroom has Patricia Urquiola’s black and white Cuna bathtub as a centerpiece, contrasting beautifully with Bertoli Marmi’s Rosa Portogallo marble wall covering.
This magnificent artistic residence in Forte dei Marmi reflects Barbara Reimelt’s ingenuity and the rich craftsmanship of Italy’s best artisans. Besides being a profound homage to Giuliana’s enduring spirit, the property is a charming home folding history into modern art.
