Francesca Bodini's Upstate New York Countryside Retreat: A Blend of Comfort and Style
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.