A villa with a view

Set in a stunning location in the hills of Carmignano (Prato), this villa offers sweeping views over the Florentine plain and stands out for its exquisite balance of tradition and modernity. A 150-square-metre contemporary rustic residence, it combines local design solutions such as terracotta floors and solid wood furniture with modern lines, layouts and detailing.

“The villa is organised into spaces with clearly defined chromatic and material identities,” explains the project’s designer, Stefano Carniato. “The living area and lounge, for instance, are dominated by warm tones like terracotta and ochre yellow, evoking the earth and Tuscan tradition. In contrast, the formal reception room uses more neutral, sophisticated shades such as taupe to convey elegance and restraint. The villa’s exterior features a grey-taupe palette that integrates perfectly with the surrounding hillside landscape.”

Particular attention was devoted to the bathroom, a spacious, light-filled environment where contemporary style meets classical references. As the designer explains, the room is “enhanced by a large window that allows abundant natural light to flow in and reinforces the connection with the outdoors.”

In this sanctuary of wellbeing, ceramic wall coverings play a pivotal role. The choice fell on the Workshop collection from Panaria Ceramica, a versatile, small-format glossy brick tile laid in a herringbone pattern. “It was selected for its ability to combine visual appeal with material character. The finishes, the format and the subtly mottled effect of the surfaces create an authentic, never-repetitive feel that echoes the inherent unpredictability of natural materials,” Stefano Carniato explains.

“This is a ceramic surface that conveys depth, movement and uniqueness, remaining perfectly consistent with the project’s concept and the ongoing dialogue between architecture, nature and wellbeing,” he adds. Colour also plays a decisive role: green was “chosen specifically to bring the external landscape indoors, creating a visual and sensory continuity with the natural surroundings of the house.”

Brushed gold elements and a bespoke monolithic travertine washbasin complete the space, “achieving a refined, timeless aesthetic”, the designer concludes. The result? “An elegant, natural contrast where material character, colour and light dialogue in perfect harmony.”