Famous Homes: Casa Malaparte

For this installation of Famous Homes, we will be examining an enigmatic structure, nearly unreachable, whose claim to fame is an appearance in a classic 1963 French New Wave film!

Perched dramatically on a windswept cliff above the cerulean waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Casa Malaparte (also known as Villa Malaparte) is one of the most iconic and enigmatic pieces of 20th-century architecture. Its stark modernist geometry set against the rugged natural landscape makes it a singular monument—not only to architectural boldness, but also to the complex personality of its creator, Italian writer Curzio Malaparte. Beyond its historical and artistic significance, the house gained international fame as the haunting backdrop to legendary French director Jean-Luc Godard’s film "Contempt," (Le Mépris), cementing its place in cultural history.

Casa Malaparte was conceived in the late 1930s by the controversial writer, journalist, and political provocateur Curzio Malaparte (born Kurt Erich Suckert). He originally commissioned the project from Rationalist architect Adalberto Libera, a leading figure in Italian modernist architecture. However, after disagreements—some say driven by Malaparte's desire for creative control—the writer took over the design himself and had local stonemasons build it, modifying Libera’s initial vision.

Completed around 1942, the house is located on Punta Massullo, a secluded promontory on the eastern side of the island of Capri. Access is only by foot or boat (only at certain times of the day and at certain tides), making the structure both physically and symbolically removed from the world.

Casa Malaparte is a study in contrasts—between nature and human intervention, modernity and myth, austerity and sensuality. The structure is a simple red masonry box, rising straight from the limestone cliffs. A monumental external staircase leads to the flat roof, which serves as a terrace facing the sea. From this vantage point, the building almost disappears, becoming an extension of the landscape itself. The house’s alignment, materials, and minimalism anticipate later brutalist and sculptural architecture. Its interiors are sparse yet poetic, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the infinite horizon. Every design decision emphasizes solitude, confrontation with nature, and intellectual rigor—qualities that mirror Malaparte’s own writing and philosophical inquiries.

For Malaparte, the house was more than a residence—it was an autobiographical artifact. He once called it “a house like me.” Indeed, Casa Malaparte is a deeply personal space, reflecting his love of classical antiquity, his obsession with death and isolation, and his desire to shape his own narrative, both literally and architecturally.

During World War II and after, the house was rarely inhabited, but it remained a place of retreat and introspection for the writer until his death in 1957.

Casa Malaparte reached global audiences when it appeared in "Contempt," Jean-Luc Godard’s melancholy meditation on artistic compromise and emotional disintegration. Starring Brigitte Bardot and Michel Piccoli, the film unfolds partially within and around the house, using its architecture to reflect the growing estrangement between the characters. Godard’s camera lingers on the house’s brutal beauty: the stark stairs, the endless roofline, the crashing waves below. The structure becomes a silent character in the film, an emotional landscape mirroring the disintegration of love and trust. This cinematic portrayal elevated Casa Malaparte into an enduring symbol of existential elegance and architectural purity. It also contributed to the house’s mythic status among architects, filmmakers, and cultural historians.

Today, Casa Malaparte is owned by the Giorgio Ronchi Foundation and is not generally open to the public. Its inaccessibility has only deepened its mystique, reinforcing the house’s identity as a modern hermitage.

Happy designing!

What Is Tole?

In the world of decorative arts and historical interior design, the word "tole" is the official term for a type of painted metal. With its roots in the 18th-century French decorative traditions (from the French tôle peinte, meaning "painted sheet metal"), household items made of tin and other metals like pewter or thin steel were often embellished with folk art-style floral motifs and gold accents.

via Harp Gallery Antique and Vintage Furniture

These utilitarian objects--trays, canisters, coffee pots, sconces, even chandeliers--were transformed into works of art through the application of enamel paint and varnish. Toleware was especially popular in America during the 18th and early 19th centuries, where it often reflected the rustic charm of early colonial homes. Practicality was at the heart of toleware, but artisans elevated these everyday items with painterly elegance, making them ideal for kitchens, pantries, and dining rooms.

via The Journal of Antiques and Collectibles

via The Journal of Antiques and Collectibles

via 1st Dibs

via Giamer Antiques and Collectibles

There were even lamps with tole embellishment...a type of lamp developed during the Napoleon-helmed Empire style was the bouillote (boo-yacht) lamp which at the time held candles. In the 20th century, these antique lamps got rewired to hold bulbs but happily the metal shades remained.

via 1st Dibs

There was a toleware revival in the 1920s to the 1950s where we see chandeliers with intricate vines and flowers made from pressed tin and steel. Such lights can be a great addition to eclectic or maximalist interiors or with Chinoiserie or Regency-inspired design.

via 1st Dibs

Happy designing!

History of Furniture: Alvar Aalto's Tea Cart

For my series of posts I call "Hisotry of Furniture," I usually cover an era or time period, or style movement. But this time, I would like to focus on a specific piece of furniture from a period. When we think of iconic mid-century design, names like Eames previously seen here, and Breuer previously seen here, often surface—but in the Scandinavian design tradition, few names are as revered as Alvar Aalto. Aalto’s work seamlessly blends modernism with organic form, and few objects capture his ethos as elegantly as the Tea Trolley 901 and 900, commonly known as his bar carts.

Alvar Aalto's Tea Trolley 901

Alvar Aalto designed the Tea Trolley 900 and 901 in 1936 for the Paris World’s Fair (Exposition Internationale des Arts et Techniques dans la Vie Moderne). Working closely with his wife, Aino Aalto, who was also a significant design force, the trolleys were part of a broader vision of bringing warmth and humanism to the functional, and often cold, lines of modernism.

Crafted for their company Artek, the bar carts represented an intersection of function, form, and local material culture. Drawing inspiration from British tea culture and Japanese architecture—which Aalto deeply admired—the design combines Finnish birch wood, ceramic tiles, rattan, and linoleum with soft curves and an unmistakable Scandinavian restraint.

Unlike many of his contemporaries who leaned into the industrial aesthetic of steel and sharp lines, Aalto emphasized natural materials and flowing forms. The Tea Trolley 900 is perhaps the more decorative of the two: featuring a tiled tabletop surface and a wicker basket, it’s a functional yet graceful object, originally intended for serving tea or cocktails. The Tea Trolley 901, on the other hand, is a simpler, more utilitarian version with a slatted wooden tray and a linoleum surface.

Alvar Aalto's Tea Trolley 900

Both trolleys ride on oversized, wood-rimmed rubber wheels—a signature feature that makes them instantly recognizable. This attention to detail not only adds charm but ensures the cart can be easily maneuvered, making it as practical as it is beautiful.

The Aalto bar cart is more than a serving trolley; it’s a statement of design philosophy. At a time when modernism often meant mechanization and metal, Aalto’s use of natural materials and gentle forms introduced a more human-centered approach. His bar carts exemplify his belief in the psychological and emotional impact of design.

Moreover, the piece speaks to a deeper cultural narrative—a celebration of hospitality, simplicity, and function, all central tenets of Nordic living. In today’s interiors, whether minimalist or eclectic, the Aalto bar cart fits with quiet confidence, often acting as both a conversation piece and a functional element.

Today, the Aalto bar cart continues to be produced by Artek--you can buy the 900 here or the 901 here--and remains a staple in design-conscious homes, hotels, and museums. Its timeless appeal lies in its versatility—used as a drinks trolley, side table, or even a mobile plant stand. Its elegant lines and material warmth ensure it never feels out of place, even in contemporary interiors.

Happy designing!

How To Freshen Up Subway Tile

In light of one of my recent posts about types of backsplash materials seen here, let's take a deeper dive and look at one of the most enduring choices. I am sure everyone is familiar with the traditional subway tile. Most often seen in white, sometimes in a gloss finish, this tile can look right at home in certain designs (especially vintage bathrooms) but can be a bit overused these days. The standard installation is to create what is called a "running bond" layout, where the tiles are laid horizontal and the grout lines line up with the middle of the tile below and above it.

If you still like the look of subway tiles but want a new perspective, you can try the following alternate tile layouts!

Instead of a running bond (or half offset), you can opt for a third offset, which is where the grout line of the tile above and below falls about a third of the width of the tile.

But if you don't want any offset, you can create a much sleeker, modern look by using a horizontal stack bond where all the grout lines and tiles are lined up.

Tile by MSI

by RWB Designs

For a twist on this layout, you can turn the tiles so they run vertically!

by Kristen and Joe Cole via AD

Tiles by WOW Tile

And for a twist on the twist, you can combine this vertical layout but use a half or a third offset!

Happy designing!

Choosing the Right Refrigerator Style For Your Remodel

Whether you're remodeling your kitchen or replacing an old appliance, choosing the right refrigerator style is crucial—not just for aesthetics, but also for functionality. Today’s refrigerators come in a range of configurations that cater to different styles (some come with the capability of taking panels to match your cabinetry so the refrigerator effectively disappears), kitchen layouts, and design preferences. From classic top freezers to high-end French doors with multiple drawers, let’s break down the pros and cons of each style.

1. Top Freezer Refrigerators

Overview:
The top freezer is the classic refrigerator design, with a freezer compartment on top and a refrigerator section below.

Pros:

--Affordable: Typically the most budget-friendly option.

--Energy Efficient: Uses less energy compared to more complex models.

--Compact Size: Ideal for small kitchens or apartments.

--Simple Design: Easy to operate and maintain.

Cons:

--Less Ergonomic: You'll need to bend down frequently to access fresh food.

--Limited Features: Often lacks advanced features like water dispensers or adjustable shelving.

--Less Stylish: May not suit modern or high-end kitchen aesthetics.

Best For: Traditional kitchens, rental properties, budget-conscious homeowners.

2. Bottom Freezer Refrigerators

Overview:
This style places the fresh food compartment at eye level, with the freezer drawer below.

Pros:

--Ergonomic Design: Easier access to frequently used fresh food.

--Better Organization: Freezer drawers often include baskets or compartments.

--Modern Look: Sleek and updated design options.

Cons:

--Heavier Freezer Drawers: Can be difficult to open and sort through.

--More Expensive: Typically costs more than top freezer models.

--Less Freezer Access: Less convenient if you frequently use frozen items.

Best For: Home cooks who prioritize fresh food and want a slightly modern look without going full high-end.

3. Side-by-Side Refrigerators

Overview:
Split vertically, with the freezer on one side and refrigerator on the other.

Pros:

--Easy Access: Eye-level access to both fridge and freezer.

--Narrow Doors: Great for tight kitchen spaces.

--Extra Features: Often includes water and ice dispensers.

--Ample Shelving: Plenty of organized storage options.

Cons:

--Narrow Compartments: Hard to store wide items like pizza boxes or large platters.

--Less Energy Efficient: Uses more power than simpler models.

--Frozen Food Storage Can Be Cramped: Narrow freezer compartments can get crowded quickly.

Best For: Households that use fresh and frozen food equally, kitchens with limited space for wide-swinging doors.

4. French Door Refrigerators

Overview:
Features two side-by-side refrigerator doors on top and a bottom freezer drawer.

Pros:

--High-End Look: Very stylish and popular in modern kitchen designs.

--Spacious & Flexible: Wide shelves for large trays, party platters, and full-width items.

--Energy Efficient: Only open half the fridge when retrieving items.

--Convenient Storage: Good combination of fridge visibility and freezer capacity.

Cons:

--Pricey: Typically more expensive than other types.

--Requires Space: Wide doors need room to open fully.

--Freezer Drawer Can Be Disorganized: Items can get buried or hard to reach.

Best For: Large families, frequent entertainers, and high-end kitchen renovations.

5. French Door with Multiple Drawers

Overview:
An extension of the standard French door model, this style includes additional drawers—usually a flex zone or secondary fridge drawer—between the fridge and freezer.

Pros:

--Ultimate Customization: Separate drawers can be set to specific temperatures.

--Family-Friendly: Dedicated snack or drink drawers are easily accessible.

--Luxury Appeal: Sleek, modern, and often feature-packed.

Cons:

--Very Expensive: Among the most costly refrigerator types.

--Takes Up More Space: Larger footprint and requires more clearance for drawers.

--Can Be Overkill: Features may go unused for smaller households.

Best For: Gourmet kitchens, design-forward homes, or families who need hyper-organization.

Your refrigerator is more than just an appliance—it’s a functional focal point of your kitchen. Whether you’re seeking efficiency, luxury, or a balance of both, there’s a refrigerator style that can complement your kitchen design and meet your daily needs. When we are designing your kitchen, I always consider your layout, cooking habits, storage needs, and design preferences before recommending choices. So if you're considering a new kitchen, give me a call and we can explore appliances and features!

Happy designing!

A Country Manor Kitchen by Fiorito Interior Design

My clients approached this kitchen remodel hoping not only for improved functionality but for a space that invited comfort, warmth, and daily enjoyment. Their existing kitchen was limited in both layout and atmosphere where a small island barely larger than a podium offered little utility. An oversized double-width doorway at the rear of the room leading into the adjacent living space disrupted the flow, making furniture placement nearly impossible. They longed for a kitchen where cooking felt easy and intuitive, but also one where they could sit at the table with a book and a cup of tea, or host friends without feeling cramped or awkwardly positioned.

One of the most impactful decisions we made early on was to close off that extra-wide opening to the living room. Doing so allowed us to reclaim the wall, which not only improved circulation but also gave us the freedom to rethink the spacing of the kitchen and eat-in area. With that change, we could introduce a much larger island—truly functional this time—complete with generous workspace and storage. It became a true centerpiece for meal prep, casual dining, and gathering.

From there I turned my attention to layering in comfort, personality, and style. I curated a color palette of soft white, pale blue, light wood tones, and touches of sunshine yellow. This fresh and uplifting combination feels timeless and relaxed. We chose cabinetry with traditional Shaker-style doors, accented by black forged iron hardware for a subtle hint of contrast and authenticity. For the countertops we chose a Gold Calacatta-look quartz, bringing elegance and warmth with its soft veining and classic appeal.

To elevate the kitchen walls I selected a soft matte glass tile in a moody, sky-blue that blankets the backsplash, providing a gentle wash of color that’s calming and cohesive. On the floors I chose a limestone-look porcelain tile in a classic Versailles pattern as an homage to old English manor houses—bringing character and texture underfoot while remaining durable and low-maintenance for modern life.

Lastly I transformed the adjacent eat-in area into a cozy, multifunctional space. We added custom built-in bookshelves and a sideboard for serving and display—perfect for entertaining or simply making daily routines feel more special. A black iron picture light softly illuminates the buffet, lending a warm, ambient glow in the evenings. I carefully planned the seating arrangement to include a space-saving banquette along the wall, paired with a trestle-style dining table and side chairs. At either end I placed tufted host chairs upholstered in an exquisite, tonal Chinoiserie dragon pattern that are comfortable enough to sit on for hours. Whether sharing a leisurely meal, reading in the sunlight, or gazing out at the greenery just beyond the windows, this spot now invites my clients to truly enjoy their home in a new, deeper way.

All photos above by Bernardo Grijalva. Before and after photos below...

If your kitchen needs a new look, give me a call!

Happy designing!