SEE THIS HOUSE: London Designer’s Tuscan Farmhouse Holiday Home

What Is a Tuscan-Style Farmhouse?

There are various distinctive architectural characteristics that set apart Tuscan homes from other design styles. Tuscan exteriors typically have low-pitched tiles or terra cotta roofs. The home consists of natural materials like stone, stucco, travertine, and wood. Other characteristics include beautiful arched doorways and windows.

The Tuscan-Style Hallway

The hallway is a combination of old world and new world. The hallway that connects the main bedroom with one of the two sitting areas features a row of Artemide “Miconos” wall lights for a modern touch that lights up the space.

Fun Fact: The home originally had no electricity.

The Living Room

The living room area contains a Poltrona Frau leather ‘Duvet’ sofa and a piece of art by Eduardo Ponjuán. The room opens up into the backyard courtyard for easy indoor-outdoor entertaining.

Tuscan-Farmhouse Dining Area

The room is a multi-purpose area. The design of the space features distressed wood, brick, and stone materials.  To modernize the room, Shiro added a round dining table and chairs from Esedra. The lights are from Urban Cottage Industries.

The Tuscan Farmhouse Kitchen

The kitchen has a distressed look that is common in Tuscan-style kitchens. The dining table was constructed by a local furniture dealer reclaimed wood. Shiro paired the table with “Ginger” armchairs from Poltrona Frau. The warm earthy hue flows throughout the home.

Home Office

Working from home with a view of the Italian countryside! Sign me up! The Poltrona Frau ‘Ginger’ armchairs and reclaimed-wood desk are placed to take advantage of the serene views.

The Bedroom

The Italian bedroom features vaulted ceilings with wooden beams. The color scheme is warm earthy hues with vibrant bedding for a pop of color. The bed is from Cinova.

In the covered veranda at the back of the house, Shiro and her son Cameron are enjoying the outdoor space.

Learn About Shiro Muchiri

Shiro’s deep connection with Italy dates back almost three decades when she left Nairobi (the capital city of Kenya) to pursue studies in interior architecture in Milan. As she learned the Italian language, she also explored the country during weekends and holidays, discovering its many beautiful treasures. After completing her studies, Shiro set her sights on London, drawn by its stronger cultural ties with Kenya and its vibrant atmosphere brimming with possibilities. She studied at the University of the Creative Arts, earning an MA in design management.

Shiro is the founder and creative director of SoShiro, a London-based gallery that intentionally highlights, celebrates, and discovers a diverse collection of artwork and design. Her office space is a five-story Georgian townhouse in Marylebone (the district in the West End of London). There is a gallery area and a store to explore.

Shop her collections.

I discovered Shiro’s home in House & Garden UK. She brought her own personality to an old Tuscan estate. It makes me want to book a trip to Tuscany right now! If you could buy a holiday home anywhere, where would it be?

Xo,

Coco