- Interior
This Sorrento House, designed by Fiona Lynch Office, has a restrained, symmetrical look, typical of Italian Rationalism. The owners wanted a light and open concept, without losing an atmosphere of seclusion and privacy. The studio achieved this by working with creamy tones, organic materials and by stripping the interior of unnecessary decoration.
Founded in 2013, the Australian studio Fiona Lynch Office focuses on architecture and interior design projects for residential, commercial, and institutional spaces around the world. Their style is characterised by minimalism, natural materials, and sculptural elements. They like to play with textures and colours and always look for a harmony between the rough and the smooth, between light and shadow. The firm is also not afraid of experimental, innovative designs, where they can give free rein to their creativity and craftsmanship. Finally, they attach great importance to the ecological and sustainable aspect of their designs. They always prefer materials, objects and furniture that have been produced in a responsible and conscious manner, have sustainable qualities and can stand the test of time. 
A beautiful harmony between openness and restraint
For this project, the studio went to the Italian coastal town of Sorrento, where they had to renovate this two-storey house. The aim was to create a retreat where the client can rest in complete privacy, without the house having a closed atmosphere. Organic, porous elements such as grooved travertine and honed oyster-grey limestone were chosen. Light sage-green plaster can also be found on the walls, giving them a seemingly velvety surface. Furthermore, several clean, straight lines can be found in the house, creating a structural symmetry that is fully in line with Italian Rationalism. This style has left even more traces in the home, namely in the serene furnishings, stripped of all non-essentials. However, the choice was made to hang a small selection of works of art, so that the tactile details of the surface of the walls would be fully appreciated. The lighting, too, has an aesthetic, delicate character. Although a sense of restraint dominates, the house is not completely isolated from its surroundings. For example, the woven wicker screens and doors let in the fresh sea breeze. 
In short, Fiona Lynch Office has succeeded in designing a home in the clean style of Italian Rationalism, without losing a homely warmth. There is a beautiful harmony between openness and restraint, exactly according to the clients' wishes. Thus, a beautiful and successful project.
Photography by Dave Kulesza