A villa overlooking Lake Iseo

In Predore, a village near Iseo in the province of Bergamo, an unfinished building had long awaited a project capable of unlocking its considerable potential, including superb views over the lake and the nearby hills, extensive grounds and generous interior space. “The structure was still in good condition and could readily be divided into two independent units,” explains designer Monica Conti, who had returned to Italy after spending many years working as an interior designer in South Africa. “This gave me the idea of creating my own new home in one part of the building and this villa in the other, which we designed for the young son of one of my clients.”

The 400-square-metre villa is arranged over several levels, combining a modern aesthetic with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. On the ground floor, the spacious, light-filled open-plan living area consists of an interconnected kitchen, dining area and lounge, which opens through large sliding glass doors onto the covered terrace, pool area and garden. An open staircase with a light, elegant profile leads to the first-floor sleeping area, comprising a master bedroom and a second bedroom, each with its own bathroom. The defining feature of this level is the white-painted exposed beams of the pitched roof, which was raised in places to make room for a bathroom and walk-in wardrobe. The basement houses the garage, a recreation room, a laundry room, a changing room for the swimming pool and an additional kitchenette. The choice of materials played a pivotal role in giving the new interiors their character and appeal. On the ground floor, porcelain stoneware was selected for the interior flooring and the pool area. This choice was determined not only by practical considerations – porcelain stoneware is highly durable and well suited to frequent movement between indoors and out – but above all by the desire to create a strong sense of continuity, making the interior and exterior feel almost like a single living space. Stone-effect porcelain stoneware tiles from Coem’s Lagos collection in the Light Grey colour were chosen for this purpose. Indoors, the 120×120 cm format creates a uniform, almost minimalist surface, enlivened by the subtle veining of the stone effect. This space serves as a backdrop to the modern design of the custom-made furnishings, particularly the large anthracite kitchen, which stands out against the pale grey floor. Outdoors, the same porcelain stoneware was used in a 60×120 cm format with a rougher surface finish to provide adequate slip resistance. Similar porcelain tiles were chosen for the ground-floor bathroom and the basement, where a paler grey shade helps compensate for the lack of natural light.

In the first floor sleeping area, by contrast, wood becomes the dominant material. Oak parquet was chosen for the floors in all the bedrooms and circulation areas, its almond tone and distinctive flame-like grain bringing warmth and movement to the spaces. Bespoke furnishings in shades of blue and dusty green add further colour and character.

Although wood and porcelain stoneware are used in different areas of the home, the two materials remain visually connected throughout. The timber stair treads provide a visual link, connecting not only the different levels but also the two materials. The result is a carefully balanced combination of space and materials, function and aesthetics, modernity and elegance. This balance lies at the heart of a project that has transformed an anonymous unfinished building into a comfortable contemporary home that sits naturally within the surrounding landscape.