THE CURATED COTTAGE

ologna in northern Italy is a medieval city B bathed in terracotta. The land surrounding the centre is rich with clay, and the ancient architecture of the area glows warm with autumnally hued bricks and tiles. Homewarestore owners Valentina Muggia and Giuliano di Paolo live with their two daughters just outside the city centre, in a 17th-century country house that radiates a different kind of warmth. In contrast to the golden hues of the historic city, the home is decorated in serene, cool shades of green, blue and shadowy white. However, Valentina’s mastery of colour and skilful curation of meaningful furniture and objects around it make for an inviting ambience.

Drawn to the surrounding woodlands and vineyards, the couple bought the three-bedroom home in 1998. They chose a material palette of oxidised iron and slabs of cedar for their kitchen, and restored all the original wooden floors. Three new bathrooms were created using reclaimed timber vanities, wallpaper and vintage lights. “We love the atmosphere that lamps create in a room,” says Valentina, who is especially fond of retro styles. “Wonderful designs were manufactured between the 1950s and 1970s, using unusual materials and appealing shapes.”

Giuliano’s family have owned a successful art gallery in Bologna since the 1950s, and it’s safe to say that art runs through his blood. To him, a house isn’t a home unless art is present in the space. “We could never imagine living in a house with empty walls,” he says. The couple’s growing collection includes highly collectable pieces by pre-eminent artists, quirky sculptures