Well said, Carolina! But honestly, maximalists, minimalists and everyone in between wouldn’t want to miss such a celebration of color and texture as found in the home of art scholar Carolina Vincenti and her partner Paolo Scotto di Castelbianco, detailed in the March 2022 edition of Elle Decor magazine.
Vincenti attributes her maximalist leanings to an idea proposed by the writer Aldous Huxley that there is a spirituality inherent in the material world. “That idea struck a deep chord in me,” she said. “It became my mantra.” And she became a collector as she moved from Romania to Lebanon to Italy.
You’ll find lots of red and green (pistachio, to be precise) in this abode, but the spacious, fourth-floor digs near the Piazza Navona and Campo de’ Fiori market square look nothing like Christmas. A mere glance at the sitting room alone confirms the couple entertains a great deal, and who wouldn’t want an invite into this spacetastic place?
I love all the different seating areas, as well as the mix of throw-pillow patterns. I can almost see a party in progress, can’t you? As if ghosts of parties past were still lingering, reticent to leave this gorgeous space.
If you look through the living room to the red bookcases in the room beyond…
…you’ll find the music room and Scotto di Castelbianco’s Steinway grand piano, which he often plays at soirees.
The couple’s collection of Old Masters–mostly 17th and 18th century Italian oil paintings, served as inspiration for the vibrant complementary color palette.
This hidden and fully tricked-out corner of the sitting room offers a peek into the dining room, where the pistachio takes a breather and the reds move from accents to walls. Red is the color that feeds appetite, you know, and Scotto di Castelianco IS a foodie.
The couple is known for their flamboyant events, considered one of the best tickets in the legendary seven hills. For example, they recently hosted a dinner party that recreated dishes from a 17th century menu found in the archives of a Baroque palazzo. Talk about gastric delights!
The textile wall hanging over the console is an 18th century Genoese embroidered silk and part of Vincenti’s vast collection of antique textiles.
Red is a bold choice for bookcases but gives the hallway a certain energy, don’t you think? The vignette at its end promises more surprises ahead.
The kitchen dining area features a 19th century butcher’s table and an elegant black cat, who, like my own elegant black cat, stands ready to check out whatever’s on the table. In an always elegant, I-can-do-what-I-want-just-try-and-stop-me fashion.
The well-stocked liquor cabinet suggests this behind-the-scenes room also gets frequented when the couple entertains.
Vincenti’s study is done is somewhat quieter tones, but still complementary and energetic.
The soft blue continues into the primary bedroom. Red accents return but in a deeper, richer burgundy hue.
I love the textiles on the nightstands and the mix of art and textiles on the wall.
They’re all part of Vincenti’s collection, which she hangs, drapes and repurposes throughout her home so beautifully. The large cushion she sits on in her bedroom, for example, is covered in an antique, handwoven Romanian skirt. I love the tapestry hanging behind it, which is also from her native Romania.
So romantic!
If you want more…
Pick up a copy of the March 2002 Elle Decor. The article “Her Roman Empire” by Marella Caracciolo Chia begins on page 22. If you subscribe to ED online, simply follow the link. There are photos in the online version that aren’t in the printed version and vice-versa.
Or, follow the (affiliate) links to check out Vincenti’s book in English or Spanish, purchase the March issue of Elle Decor or subscribe to the magazine: