VILL

DEI FIORE

By Marge Bitetti
Photography By Bryan Ricci

The 5,000 square foot residence, which

is located in a private canyon in Bel Air,
has been compLeteLy remodeled .

above : In the family .screening room and gathering area a high ceiling allowed for the family's treasured 18th Century armoire to be
used to house the entertainment center. A large arched window
frames the exterior fountain so that it can be enjoyed from inside
or outside . Atherton designed the home so that the features of the
exterior peek into the interior inviting leisure time in a total Tuscan
atmosphere .

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Villa dei Fiore is the ultimate Italian experi-

ence . The 5,000 square foot residence, which is

Located in a private canyon in Bel Air, has been
completely remodeled. It used to be a gray-toned

contemporary style home, devoid of foliage and

gardens. Envisioning Lush gardens that would cap-

ture the feeling of being in the Tuscan countryside,

interior designer, Ginger Atherton remodeled the

residences to bring this vision to Life .

The project involved opening up all the exte-

rior space with fuLL light doors which brought

openness and Lush foliage of the exterior garden to
the interior of the house, which effectively doubled the Living space. Limestone floors flow from
the interior Living space to the exterior.

The Large round table in the dining room was

imported from Italy, and the antique chandelier

glows at dinner parties. In the corner of the room

just before the Living room is an antique Bombay

chest along with an 18th Century gilded antique

mirror. The chairs are from Atherton's private colLection . On the opposite side of the room, full

Light doors painted in Verdi green with an antique

gold glaze open the dining room to the patio.

inset: Sounds of tenor Bocelli play are heard in the Living room and throughout the residence. Centuries old
European carpet rests in front in front of the Limestone
fireplace. Italian silk draperies hang from custom-made
iron rods . Atherton selected fabrics that were touchable, sensual and Livable. above: Lush gardens were
designed to capture the mood and feeling of being in
Tuscany.
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The Italian style kitchen is the heart of the

home and a gathering place where guests can
savor the aromas of fine cuisine cooking on the
stove. The counter top is golden toned granite.
The cabinets in the kitchen are all hand-painted
with a Florentine finish . In the kitchen is a junior

dining room for family meals. Baskets under the

countertop conveniently store the chef's utensils
neatly under the central island . Bar stools around

the center island create an intimate setting for

friends and family observing the preparation of
meals . On the back wall hangs an antique handpainted platter imported from Italy, which is a per-

sonal treasure of the homeowner and the focal

point of the Tuscan-style chef's kitchen .

inset: The Italian style kitchen is the heart of the house

and a frequent gathering place for parties. The cabinets
in the kitchen are all hand-painted with a Florentine finish . On the back wall hangs an antique hand painted
platter imported from Italy, which is a personal treasure
belonging to the homeowner and the focal point of
Tuscan-designed chef's kitchen. above: The home and
garden capture the sights, sound and feeling of being in
a villa in Tuscany. Along with antiques many items used
in the home were imported from Italy, such as the Large
round dining room table; complimented by chairs from
Atherton's private collection that are manufactured
Locally.

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Romantic archways are used to soften the angu-

lar architecture . A beautiful feature of the home is

the II-foot ceilings . The main stairway to the second

floor master and guest suites is made of Limestone

with elaborate ornamental iron details beneath the
handraiL .Sconces on the Landing are from the

niture is upholstered in antique velvets and Italian

brocades . 18th century Aubusson pillows accent
the room . A centuries old European carpet rests in
front in front of the Limestone fireplace. Italian silk

draperies hang from custom-made iron rods . ALL of

the fabrics are touchable, sensual and livable. Wine

designer's

colored silk pillows and fabrics Lend excitement to

an antique French needlepoint that has been with

the homeowner for many years .

a high ceiling allows for the family's treasured 18th

private collection. The golden tone

Venetian plaster walls reflect the sunlight through
the overhead skylight . At the top of the stairs hangs

A grand piano in the Living room is decked with

precious family moments and memories . ALL of the
photos are framed in antique silver. Atherton
remarked, "I believe that family photos make a

house a home :" Hanging above the beautiful Limestone fireplace is an 18th Century mirror.

Chinoiserie details enhance the authentic Italian

design with an Asian sensuality. The Living room fur-

the romantic interior.

In the family screening room and gathering area,
Century armoire to be used to house the entertain
ment center. A Large arched window frames the
exterior fountain .

French doors Lead from the Living room to a

romantic patio dining area used by the homeowner

for wine tasting. A Leather-topped ottoman in front

of the fireplace provides intimate seating and
warmth on a cool evening. 18th century chairs covered in needlepoint Lend to the Italian flavor.

above: Upholstered silk walls with fabric woven in Italy adorn the master bedroom. Atherton used Antique Italian lace
draperies to frame the four-poster bed. The bedroom suite was designed to surround the homeowner with the feeling of a
romantic Italian Lifestyle.

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The closet in the master bedroom was designed with custom cabinetry made of alder with an Italian
Venetian finish, which creates a luxurious closet space where space planning is essential. Every inch is utilized
to provide the utmost in Luxury and practicality. The custom built closet was designed to showcase the
homeowner's favorite collections . It is the type of closet that every woman dreams of owning .
The master bedroom suite has upholstered silk walls with fabric woven in Italy. Atherton used Antique
Italian Lace draperies to frame the four-poster bed. She stated, "Luxurious linens are essential." Twin oversized

chinoiserie chests were used to frame the bed. 18th century lamps and mirrors flank the bed. A limestone
fireplace is an inviting feature in the master suite. She commented, A European style balcony overlooks the
fountain below. She remarked, "The suite truly transports you to another place." The suite is designed to surround the homeowner in the romantic Italian lifestyle.

Ginger Atherton & Associates " 310-474-6989 " www.gingeratherton.com

top Left : The accessory closet showcases collections, which are luxurious to view and also practical. Custom hand-made
cabinets are made of alder with an Italian Venetian finish . top right: The foyer to the master bath and master closet was
designed to create an elegant boudoir. The room provides ample space for make-up artists and hair stylists to work . The
boudoir houses a prized collection of oversized perfume factices . An 18th Century mirror enhances the romantic old world
mood of the home . Beautiful Italian velvet draperies were used to add intimacy and privacy from the bathing area . bottom
right: The Master bath is a juxtaposition of old and new along one wall that is a twelve panel 18th Century Asian screen
which highlights the II-foot ceiling and serves as a beautiful backdrop for the tub. On the floor is a beautiful antique carpet
is used to warm the bathing area, the cabinetry is hand-panted in a Venetian custom three-color process. The counter-top
is made of Jerusalem gold marble . Adjacent to the bath is a steam shower.

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