Margharita Missoni

Filled with the distinct patterns and exuberant colours her family is known for, designer and model Margharita Missoni’s home in the Northern Italian city of Varese is a testament not only to her style but also the fashion empire she is part of.

The designer and her husband built their “dream home” in their childhood town a few years ago and filled it with everything they love, from fleamarket finds carefully collected over many years to exquisite artwork from leading classic and contemporary artists. But, above all, vibrant character and loads of personality. A distinct la dolce vita.

The house features four bedrooms, several living spaces and Margharita’s studio (the only space in the house she says is her own) – all filled with colour and pattern that, surprisingly, do not vie for attention but strangely compliments the whole in a delightful way.

Here, as the owners explain, “colour and shape took priority over period coherence”.

The dining room, for instance, features a Japonese-style mural in soft greens enlivened by bright-yellow upholstery on the dining chairs.

“Our dining room was painted by PictaLab Milano,” says Margharita. “For me, spending time with my family and friends over a meal is very important, and I love having this big table for us all to sit around. These fabulous chairs were designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn chairs.”

Here, you’ll also find a mirrored artwork by Gelitin. “I was immediately drawn to its juxtaposing materials and funky composition. It has such a playful aesthetic,” Margharita says.

In the living room, meanwhile, floor-to-ceiling windows offer a tranquil view of the lake, which is expertly offset by lively decor: a custom Missoni carpet, vintage furniture upholstered in bold florals and a sky-blue sofa.

In contrast to the rest of the house, Margharita says the master bedroom is almost minimalist. “Our bedroom is perhaps one of the most minimalist spaces in our home. For me, the bedroom is somewhere I like to retreat to – a space where I can relax and be mindful after a hard day.”

The room features a simple four-poster bed, a custom zebra rug and a vintage blush-pink sofa, as well as photography by Noemi Goudal.

In contrast, the guest room again is a dainty floral explosion. “The guest bedroom is definitely the girliest space in the house – the intricate patterning on the walls, floral bedcover and pink lampshades certainly feed into my obsession with patterns and flowers,” Margharita laughs.

It truly is la dolce vita.