“We had [the glass] shipped from Italy in the exact pattern and then created those lit steps where all the wines and liquors are, which is a fun thing to look at and brings some color to the space,” says Passerini. “But you can also close the doors and just display the two glass doors with objects when it’s not a ‘party moment’ so it feels more like you’re at home.”

Custom furniture design is a major element of Passerini’s work, and she collaborates with some of the finest artisans and craftspeople in Italy and beyond to create unique, top-quality pieces that make for a one-of-a-kind home. While she says her creative process is not for everyone, having the patience to deal with longer lead times allows for a bespoke, more interesting home. One of her favorite pieces she designed for this project was the desk in the husband’s study, which features a clever drawer system and stylish details you wouldn’t find anywhere else. Considering Passerini typically uses lots of bold colors in her projects, leaning into custom work was a crucial way for her to bring depth and warmth when the client wanted a strictly neutral palette.

“Neutrals are not really me, but it was a fun challenge, and now [this look] is everywhere,” Passerini says. “The wife wanted more of the beiges instead of grays that were still so popular at the time, so it really was ahead of the curve when we were working on this three years ago.”

While the primary bedroom continues this theme of soothing neutrals and decadent fabrics, the childrens’ rooms speak to a greater sense of festivity that they can enjoy while on break from school. Here, Passerini lets her unabashed love for color shine while creating spaces that feel suitable for vibrant, soon-to-be twenty-somethings and the coastal environs right outside their doors.

“In Italy, we live in areas where the architecture is more traditional, but we play with the mix, which is something we do very well and it’s something I love to do as a designer,” says Passerini. “Layering is one of the things I love most, and you see a lot of that in this house. It’s a game of transitioning from one style to a new one without breaking the original nature of the home’s architecture.”

Ultimately, Passerini believes that luxury should be for the client’s enjoyment, not to make a social statement, and this home is a reflection of her intention to create subtle decadence. From the home’s furnishings, which are made with the finest materials and feature charming details only the owners may notice, to the unique finishes and use of texture, the house finally now lives up to the clients’ dream of an elegant gathering place for any and every occasion.