Residential SERIES  •  Project FEATURE

Art in Balance – Villas at Positano by FL Interiors

The residence belongs to an art collector with an aesthetic vision shaped by an international lifestyle and extensive travels. His collection, which includes both renowned artists and emerging talents, served as the foundation for the interior design project.

FL Interiors aimed to create a neutral and sophisticated environment that highlights each piece without competing with it. The choice of a light-toned palette for walls, carpentry, and furniture responds to this approach. This subtle backdrop allows sculptures, paintings, and artworks to interact freely with the space, creating a museum-like atmosphere without losing the warmth of a home. Every architectural and decorative element has been carefully selected to complement the collection without distracting from it. The house is organized into three levels, each serving a distinct function. The main entrance is located on the middle floor, which acts as the social hub of the home. This open-plan space integrates the living room, dining area, and kitchen, along with a guest bathroom. The lower level houses a game room and the daughter’s bedroom, while the upper floor is reserved for the owner. This private sanctuary includes the master suite with two walk-in closets and a bathroom, as well as an office and a lounge with panoramic views of the ocean and the park.

"Art does not just decorate spaces; it defines them. Villas at Positano is proof that a home can be a gallery without losing its essence as a living space."

To achieve visual balance, FL Interiors designed a subdued architectural canvas where artworks take center stage. White walls and gray-toned paneling define different areas and enhance the presence of each piece. The placement of the artworks follows a carefully curated narrative, integrating them seamlessly into daily life. Sculptures positioned near windows interact with natural light, while African-inspired paintings create a visual journey from the entrance to the game room. In the dining area, wall sculptures and a large-scale artwork in the corridor leading to the upper level reinforce the project's cohesive aesthetic. Although the house benefits from abundant natural light, the artificial lighting was meticulously designed to highlight the richness of each artwork. Tensioned ceilings allow for discreet integration of recessed lights, providing a uniform and modern illumination. Additionally, lighting has been incorporated into the carpentry, creating subtle accents that emphasize key pieces, such as the paneling in the living room and the headboard in the master suite. In the social areas, a layered lighting approach combines diffused and direct lighting to create different atmospheres depending on the occasion. A strategically placed mirror in the dining room amplifies the perception of space and reflects light, enhancing the sense of openness.

In the living room, the connection with the outdoors is maximized through a large window that floods the space with natural light. To take advantage of this visual openness, a seating area has been arranged with a chaise longue sofa as the focal point, complemented by an armchair and a side table. A large rug beneath these elements defines the space and subtly transitions into the dining area. The dining room, positioned between the living area and the kitchen, features a striking Italian-designed pendant lamp. This luminaire not only balances the space with its scale but also interacts with the book sculpture in the corner, creating a harmonious composition. The master bedroom is a restful retreat where a combination of gray and white tones creates a serene atmosphere. The furniture selection prioritizes comfort without overwhelming the space. The headboard, with integrated lighting, becomes a focal element that adds depth and texture to the room. The master bathroom was designed with the inspiration of a five-star hotel, featuring spacious areas and high-quality materials. The addition of a sauna reinforces the concept of wellness within the home, elevating the daily experience to a new level of sophistication.

"Each piece finds its place in this perfect balance between restraint and expressiveness, where design becomes an ally of art."

The owner’s workspace reflects the same design philosophy as the rest of the residence. A sculptural desk with clean lines was selected, accompanied by a lightweight pendant lamp that ensures balanced light distribution. In this space, artworks are not merely decorative elements but serve as sources of inspiration and character. The kitchen is designed with a functional and minimalist approach. It is conceived as an open space that seamlessly integrates with the dining area while maintaining a sense of distinction. The central island, equipped with ergonomic stools, serves both as a preparation area and an informal dining spot, reinforcing the fluidity of the interior design.

One of the most unique spaces is the guest bathroom, where every element has been chosen to make an impact. In this intimate and personal setting, the focal artwork is a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Chris Levine, whose presence gives the space a distinctive character. In the transitional areas, the curated selection of pieces maintains the visual coherence of the home. Notable elements include the Fiam Italia console, the Guest sculpture by Lladró, and a work by Chris Soal made from toothpicks. In the staircase, a sequence of paintings by Blessing Ngobeni and a circular piece made from bottle caps by Chris Soal enrich the artistic narrative of the residence. Villas at Positano is a statement of balance between art and architecture. FL Interiors has achieved a design that not only frames the owner's collection but enhances it, allowing each piece to integrate seamlessly into daily life. This project demonstrates that interior design can be an extension of a collector's identity, transforming the residence into a livable gallery where every detail tells a story.