Maestro Andrea Bocelli's incredible Villa Alpemare just became even more spectacular. Andrea and his wife, Veronica, collaborated with Florentine kitchen manufacturers, Officine Gullo, to design a kitchen in their Tuscan coastal home – the result is a celebration of Italian sophistication and craftsmanship.
Andrea tasked Officine Gullo and architect studio Barberini & Gunnell with creating a luxury kitchen that combines contemporary elegance, functionality, and meticulous attention to detail, all made possible by their unmistakable premium material choices.
'Balancing homeliness and functionality with luxury and elegance in kitchen design is an art,' says architect Francesco Barberini and Nina A. Gunnell (of Barberini & Gunnell), in an exclusive interview with Homes & Gardens. 'The kitchen serves as both a utilitarian space for cooking and a social hub – a reflection of the homeowner's taste and lifestyle. Achieving this harmony hinges on thoughtful design and material selection.'
The kitchen, from Officine Gullo's Contemporanea collection, makes a statement with its Natural Silk cream-white shade, enhanced by refined satin chrome finishes. The countertops and backsplashes in Taj Mahal quartzite bring a finishing touch, imparting a sense of luxury that will look just as beautiful for years to come.
'The choice of materials bridges the gap between these two realms [of being a cooking and a social hub]. For example, materials that are tactile and durable, such as quartzite, combine the functional robustness needed for a working kitchen with the visual appeal essential for luxury,' Francesco and Nina say.
As with every home, the Italian kitchen is the hub of Andrea Bocelli's villa, yet it works in harmony with the rest of the interior.
'Andrea is a devoted family man who thrives in the company of his loved ones. Their home is a warm and welcoming hub, constantly alive with friends and family dropping by to share precious moments with the maestro. As their architects, it was vital for us to design a space that effortlessly facilitated these gatherings –informal yet equally fitting for a figure of Andrea’s stature.'
'By choosing materials that are not only beautiful but also practical, we created a kitchen that feels personal and elegant without compromising its everyday usability. It's this delicate interplay that transforms the kitchen into the heart of the home.
This careful choice of materials has been respected throughout the rest of the home; for example, the hand-knotted rugs in the finest wool and pure silk reflect exactly this important mix between functionality and absolute luxury.
Particular attention was also given to the kitchen layout, ensuring it fulfils the needs of the Maestro and his family.
'Understanding his love for making his own coffee, we were careful to preserve the familiar placement of his kitchen essentials, avoiding any unnecessary changes,' Francesco and Nina add.
'For us, it was essential to create a home for Andrea and his wife Veronica that is not only representative of their status but also robust enough to accommodate the bustling daily life filled with family, friends, and their beloved dogs.'
Finally, as with every great Italian kitchen, Andrea Bocelli's space pays homage to its zipcode through its local craftsmanship and impeccable design. This made Officine Gullo an obvious choice.
'Officine Gullo, a brand we deeply admire as architects, as well as designers and creators of collectible designs and one-of-a-kind artworks, has always stood as a symbol of quality, durability, and timeless design,' they note.
'Sharing the same values, they are a perfect match. Naturally, kitchens by Officine Gullo have become an emblem of Italian craftsmanship and exceptional quality, recognized worldwide as a true status symbol. They are a testament to mastery—much like Andrea Bocelli himself.'
Essentially, Villa Alpemare's kitchen epitomizes Officine Gullo’s philosophy: a perfect balance between tradition and innovation, where artisanal savoir-faire meets cutting-edge technology to create an exclusive environment designed to enhance the joy of conviviality and fine dining.
Shop H&G's white kitchen edit
It's possible to create an element of Andrea's kitchen in any space – we just need to master the right details. Begin with these handpicked pieces, inspired by his iconic kitchen below.
Keep drinks cool with these creamy marble coasters, which come in a package of 7. They look as beautiful on a kitchen countertop as they do on your coffee table or even by your bedside.
This handcrafted marble bowl can serve as a catchall or a holder for kitchen utensils, because who says storage can't be chic?
We can't get enough of Smeg's 1950s throwback appliances, designed with retro charm, but modern functionalities. The dream combination.
