Architecture News

Francesca Bodini, after her divorce, sought to establish a tranquil haven on her father's expansive nearly 1,000-acre property in Upstate New York, a place where she had spent countless idyllic weekends and summers. Having previously resided in a meticulously curated apartment on the Upper East Side, Bodini desired a more relaxed and unpretentious environment for her new countryside abode. Her primary goal was to create a space that felt entirely comfortable and functional for her three school-aged children and their canine companions, emphasizing usability and enjoyment over formality.

Francesca Bodini's Countryside Transformation: A Design Journey

In a harmonious collaboration, Francesca Bodini embarked on transforming her Upstate New York estate into a personal sanctuary. Having grown up frequenting her father's sprawling, almost 1,000-acre property for weekend and summer getaways, Bodini, fresh from a divorce, envisioned a relaxed country home contrasting with her former pristine Upper East Side residence. Her desire was to craft an inviting and functional space for her children and dogs, prioritizing comfort and enjoyment.

To realize her vision, Bodini enlisted the expertise of her long-time friend, designer Rafael de Cárdenas. De Cárdenas, renowned for his refined and inviting interiors, readily embraced the project, bringing a unique perspective and a sense of lightness to the personal undertaking. The duo's collaboration resulted in a sprawling 10,000-square-foot contemporary house, designed by Raffaella Bortoluzzi Architecture. The structure features understated materials, a gracefully sloping bronze-colored roof, a prominent stone chimney, extensive glazing, and elegant teak siding, ensuring it seamlessly integrates with the estate's existing barns and recreational facilities, including an indoor riding arena, soccer field, and tennis courts, as overseen by Bodini’s architect-trained father, Daniele Bodini.

Inside, the design narrative artfully weaves together Bodini's cherished possessions with bespoke elements. The living area near the main entrance showcases custom sofas by de Cárdenas, upholstered in luxurious Dedar fabrics, flanking a sophisticated Xavier Lavergne coffee table atop a custom Tai Ping rug. Vintage pieces, such as a 1960s French chaise longue and a 1972 Meret Oppenheim side table, add character. Allan McCollum's "Collection of 90 Drawings" provides a compelling backdrop, while Roman shades crafted from Holland & Sherry textiles complete the refined setting.

The sunroom serves as Bodini's personal retreat, where meaningful items collected over the years find a natural home. Custom millwork and an upholstered niche were meticulously crafted with Studio Townsend and Jouffre. Luteca armchairs and Bodini’s own sofa encircle a vintage Lorenzo Burchiellaro coffee table, complemented by a vintage rattan stool and a Beni Rugs carpet. Peter Beard's "Untitled (Picasso Sheet)" hangs above a comfortable bench, illuminated by vintage Murano glass sconces. In the primary bedroom, de Cárdenas created a custom bed frame upholstered in Pierre Frey fabric, adorned with Matouk linens. The room's ceiling is draped in a dreamy Dedar silk shantung, from which a rewired crystal chandelier, inherited from Bodini's grandmother, gracefully hangs, embodying a blend of history and renewed functionality. Walls throughout the home feature a creamy Limestrong limewash, enhancing the serene ambiance.

In the kitchen-adjacent sitting area, bespoke seating by de Cárdenas, upholstered in Pierre Frey fabric and accented with Dedar textile pillows, creates an inviting space. A Lābrica drinks table with lacquered bands and a B&B Italia side table by Jean-Marie Massaud add contemporary flair. Holland & Sherry sheer drapery frames the space, while an artwork by Solange Pessoa hangs above a Tai Ping rug. The kitchen island boasts Tortuga marble from ABC Stone, complemented by Dornbracht fittings and ceramics by Gérard Hofmann from HDC Antiquités.

Even smaller details reflect this eclectic approach. Bodini, a self-professed flatware enthusiast, brought her most unique sets to the country home, finding joy in their unexpected placement. A child’s bedroom features slipcovered beds from RH, a Burke Decor nightstand, and a Beni Rugs carpet, with vintage Archimede Seguso Murano glass sconces and a vibrant Bien Fait mural completing the playful yet sophisticated design.

This endeavor highlights the beauty of personalizing a space not just with new acquisitions but with beloved items that hold sentimental value. It underscores that true style lies in a relaxed, authentic blend of old and new, creating an environment that genuinely reflects its inhabitants' lives and memories. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most profound designs emerge from casual conversations and a willingness to embrace an “anything-goes” spirit.

The Article Labor Day event presents an outstanding opportunity to acquire premium furnishings at remarkable discounts, offering reductions of up to 40% across a vast selection of items until September 7th. This includes everything from adaptable dining tables and generous sectionals to innovative storage coffee tables and sophisticated office furniture upgrades. This year's collection is particularly advantageous for those furnishing smaller dwellings, showcasing pieces like the Sanders Reversible sectional and the Sven loveseat, both designed to maximize style and utility in confined areas. Furthermore, individuals contemplating a complete bedroom makeover will find attractive price reductions on bed frames such as the Lenia and Cassie models, alongside the artistically crafted Prima dresser, which provides ample space for seasonal apparel. For anyone planning to convert an underutilized corner into a dedicated workspace, the Krossa desk offers an ideal foundation. Seize this chance to invest in high-quality home enhancements now, ensuring your space is both inviting and efficient as cooler weather approaches.

Beyond individual pieces, the sale encourages a holistic approach to home improvement, allowing shoppers to coordinate various elements for a cohesive look. The featured items not only promise aesthetic appeal but also deliver on practicality, addressing common challenges of modern living, such as limited space and storage needs. Each product is selected to complement contemporary interior design trends while offering long-term durability and comfort. By taking advantage of these limited-time offers, customers can achieve a significant transformation of their living environments, fostering a sense of renewal and preparedness for the changing seasons.

Smart Solutions for Cozy Living: Sectionals and Storage

Article's Labor Day promotion offers exceptional value on furniture designed to optimize smaller living environments, including the versatile Sanders Reversible sectional. This plush seating option previously featured during Cyber Week, continues to impress with its ability to introduce significant comfort and aesthetic appeal without overwhelming compact areas. Its clever design allows for flexible configurations, making it a perfect fit for diverse room layouts. For those whose homes might not accommodate an L-shaped arrangement, a chaise-free variant crafted from wool boucle is also available at a reduced price, complemented by an optional matching ottoman for added functionality and style.

The sale also highlights ingenious storage solutions like the Karl Lift-Top Coffee Table, a Japandi-inspired piece that discreetly houses items such as beach towels, extra bedding, or throw pillows. The smoked oak version currently boasts the most substantial discount, while white oak and walnut options also feature attractive price reductions. This coffee table exemplifies minimalist design that seamlessly integrates into contemporary spaces, offering both visual appeal and practical benefits. Similarly, the Ayra Sideboard, with its classic form, becomes a charming focal point thanks to checkerboard parquet doors and prominent wooden handles, providing versatile storage for any room, from entryways to organizing cherished collections.

Bedroom and Workspace Enhancements: Style Meets Functionality

Transform your private sanctuary with remarkable deals on bedroom essentials, including the Lenia bed frame, inspired by shaker design principles. Currently available at a significant discount, this platform bed embodies understated sophistication. As noted by Architectural Digest contributor DaVonne Onassis Bacchus, who personally evaluated the wooden frame, it offers exceptional sturdiness and quality. The robust construction and comfortable feel exceeded expectations, making it a reliable and aesthetically pleasing choice for any bedroom refresh. This bed frame ensures both a peaceful night's rest and a touch of refined elegance, creating an inviting and well-appointed sleeping area.

Elevate your home office with the Krossa Executive Desk, a piece that beautifully marries professional functionality with a residential aesthetic. Designed to avoid the sterile appearance often associated with traditional office furniture, its blend of spacious drawers and a cabinet provides ample storage to neatly tuck away laptops and documents when not in use. The expansive tabletop offers generous space for essential desk accessories, keeping them within easy reach. Additionally, the deep-seated Abisko velvet lounge chair, supported by sleek aluminum legs, offers a sophisticated yet casual seating option. This chair, paired with an optional matching ottoman, is ideal for unwinding during movie marathons or enjoying a leisurely read, combining comfort with modern design. The Sven loveseat, a family favorite for movie nights, further demonstrates Article's commitment to durability and enduring style. After four years, its cushions remain firm, corners pristine, and color vibrant, proving its long-lasting appeal for any cozy living space.