nspiration for most of the patterns in this house came from the gardens,’
says landscape architect Cristiana Ruspa of her Turin home, located
close to the River Po in the city’s Precollina district. It is this element of
the natural, perhaps, that brings a sense of calm to what could be a very
daring combination of prints – the striking and the subdued in perfect
harmony. Indeed, Cristiana’s flair for layering colour and texture,
gained while creating green spaces for clients with her firm Giardino
Segreto (or Secret Garden), can be seen throughout the home she
renovated for herself and her children – Filippo, Sofia and Letizia.
Things were not always so serene in this 1930s property, though.
‘When we moved in, the house was full of dark wood and lacked natural
light,’ she recalls. ‘I used a lot of white for the interior so that I could
retain the period features, while making it a much more inviting place
to be.’ Now, her four-bedroom home’s clean, bright scheme is the
perfect foil for her expertly implemented mix of wallpapers and fabrics.
Shades of green – ranging from pale and muted to vibrant and jewel-
like – combine with corals and soft pinks throughout the interior, while
repeating floral patterns sit harmoniously alongside wide-set stripes.
The overall effect manages to feel fresh and current, while also
conveying an air of nostalgia that conjures up the old-world charm of
1930s summerhouses and garden rooms. Carefully selected furniture
pieces from many different eras contribute to the modern-vintage
aesthetic, curated by Cristiana in a bid to reflect the history of the
building. ‘Why buy a period house only to destroy all the elements that
give it character?’ she muses. ‘I needed to update the place to suit my
taste and needs, but I wanted to retain its soul.’ giardinosegreto.com‘
Portrait Landscape architect Cristiana Ruspa
Hallway This space features the vibrant
‘Pompom’ wallpaper by Natasha Marshall
Opposite In the living room, period features,
such as the fireplace, have been painted white
for a more modern feel Stockist details on p194 ➤
96 ELLEDECORATION.CO.UK AU G U S T 2019