Francesca Bodini’s Upstate New York Retreat: A Harmonious Blend of Comfort, Style, and Personal History

TOKYO —

Francesca Bodini, a resident of a meticulously curated Upper East Side apartment, sought a contrasting sanctuary for her life in the country. Following a recent divorce, she envisioned a permanent retreat on her father’s expansive nearly 1,000-acre estate in Upstate New York, a landscape that holds deep personal significance from her childhood summers and weekends. Her objective was clear: to create a space that was both functional and inviting, steering clear of overly formal or museum-like aesthetics. "I wanted everything to be chill for my kids and the dogs," Bodini stated, emphasizing her desire for a comfortable, usable, and fun environment for her three school-aged children.

Genesis of a Country Escape

The genesis of this project lies in Bodini’s desire for a personal haven that reflected a more relaxed phase of her life. The Upstate New York estate, a property with a rich family history, provided the ideal canvas. Her father, businessman Daniele Bodini, acquired the sprawling property in 1982. A trained architect and engineer himself, he played a pivotal role in shaping the vision for the new residence, ensuring it would complement the existing structures on the estate, which included barns, an indoor riding arena, and facilities for soccer and tennis. This collaborative approach, blending personal vision with architectural and environmental considerations, set the stage for a unique dwelling.

The architectural design for the new house was entrusted to Raffaella Bortoluzzi Architecture. The resulting structure is a testament to thoughtful integration with the surrounding landscape. Its low-slung profile, clad in understated materials like teak siding, features a distinctive sloping bronze-colored roof and a prominent stone chimney. Expansive glazing maximizes natural light and offers sweeping views of the estate, further blurring the lines between interior and exterior. This architectural approach not only harmonized with the estate’s existing infrastructure but also created a contemporary dwelling that felt intrinsically connected to its bucolic setting.

A Design Partnership Rooted in Friendship

The creative partnership that brought Bodini’s vision to life was with her longtime friend and esteemed designer, Rafael de Cárdenas. De Cárdenas, a former Calvin Klein menswear designer, is renowned for his ability to craft atmospheric and sophisticated interiors, a skill honed through his work on high-profile retail spaces for brands like Skims, Cartier, and Nike. His established rapport with Bodini, built over years of casual creative consultations, made him the natural choice to imbue the project with his signature aesthetic and a much-needed sense of levity.

De Cárdenas described the undertaking as "very fresh, very immediate, and not super thought-out, which sometimes is great," contrasting it with the more intensive nature of his other projects. This approach allowed for a fluid design process, characterized by "casual conversations and jokes," as Bodini reflected. The collaboration was not just about aesthetics but also about creating a shared experience. "There was something kind of nice about having this project that was mutually cool," she added. This sentiment underscores the successful fusion of personal taste and professional expertise.

Curating a Collection of Cherished Objects

A significant aspect of Bodini’s country retreat is the seamless integration of her existing collection of personal objects and artworks. The design philosophy embraced an "anything-goes spirit," allowing cherished items, which might not have found a place in her more formal Manhattan residence, to find a natural home in this relaxed setting. This approach not only imbued the house with a sense of history and personality but also provided an opportunity to repurpose and celebrate items that held sentimental value.

In the primary bedroom, a crystal chandelier, inherited from Bodini’s grandmother, has been rewired and now serves as a captivating focal point. This piece, which was once lit by actual candles each evening, symbolizes a beautiful link to the past. The room itself is enveloped in a dreamy silk shantung from Dedar, adding a touch of luxury and romance.

The sunroom, a space where Bodini gravitates when she has the house to herself, showcases a collection of meaningful items. A 1960s French bamboo table with intricate tile inlays anchors the space, a testament to Bodini’s penchant for unique finds. Nearby, a glass coffee table, acquired years ago during a trip to Portugal, also found its place, embodying the project’s ethos of integrating personal history into the design.

The Living Areas: Comfort Meets Artful Design

The formal living area, situated near the home’s main entrance, exemplifies the project’s blend of comfort and sophisticated design. Custom sofas, upholstered in luxurious Dedar fabrics, are paired with a striking Xavier Lavergne coffee table. This arrangement is grounded by a custom Tai Ping rug, adding texture and warmth to the space. The ensemble is further enriched by a 1960s French chaise longue, a circa 1972 Meret Oppenheim side table, and a vintage rattan stool, each piece contributing to the room’s eclectic yet harmonious feel.

The walls of the living area are adorned with Allan McCollum’s compelling artwork, "Collection of 90 Drawings," providing a graphic backdrop that injects a contemporary edge into the otherwise relaxed ambiance. The Roman shades are fashioned from a high-quality Holland & Sherry textile, adding a subtle textural element.

Another view of the formal living area further highlights the thoughtful selection of furniture and fabrics. De Cárdenas’s custom sofas, once again in elegant Dedar fabric, are complemented by the Xavier Lavergne coffee table and the custom Tai Ping rug. Behind this arrangement, McCollum’s "Collection of 90 Drawings" continues to serve as a dynamic visual element, complementing the carefully curated objects that Bodini has gathered over the years.

The Sunroom: A Tranquil Haven for Reflection

The sunroom emerges as a particularly personal and inviting space within the residence. Here, de Cárdenas collaborated with Studio Townsend and Jouffre to create custom millwork and an upholstered niche, designed to be both aesthetically pleasing and deeply comfortable. Armchairs from Luteca and Bodini’s own sofa create a cozy seating arrangement around a vintage Lorenzo Burchiellaro coffee table. This inviting ensemble is completed by a vintage rattan stool, adding a touch of bohemian charm. The entire space is unified by a plush Beni Rugs carpet, enhancing the room’s sense of warmth and comfort.

Dominating the seating niche is Peter Beard’s evocative artwork, "Untitled (Picasso Sheet)," which hangs above a bench upholstered in a tactile Dedar fabric. The space is further illuminated by vintage Murano glass sconces, casting a soft, ambient light. Adding to the room’s curated feel is a 1960s French bamboo table, a piece that Bodini cherishes. The ceramic elements on display are by Kazunori Hamana and Yukiko Kuroda, while a striking lacquer side table by Christophe Delcourt adds a modern counterpoint.

The acquisition of the home’s art collection was a collaborative effort, with longtime adviser Meredith Darrow playing a crucial role. Darrow, who initially introduced Bodini to de Cárdenas, was instrumental in guiding the selection of artworks that would complement the interiors. This multidisciplinary approach ensured that every element of the home, from the architecture to the smallest decorative object, contributed to a cohesive and deeply personal narrative.

Dining and Entertaining: A Space for Gatherings

The dining room is bathed in the dramatic light of the western exposure, creating an atmospheric setting for meals and entertaining. Lina Bo Bardi’s iconic Espasso dining chairs surround Bodini’s own table, a piece that holds personal significance. The entire arrangement is set atop a luxurious Christopher Farr rug, adding a layer of visual and tactile richness. Overhead, a Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstätte Fabric Department pendant from Woka Lamps provides a striking sculptural element, casting a warm glow that enhances the room’s inviting ambiance.

The Primary Suite: An Oasis of Sophistication

The primary bedroom was intentionally designed to offer a sense of elevated luxury, a space Bodini envisioned as feeling "fancy." A custom bed frame, designed by de Cárdenas and upholstered in a sumptuous Pierre Frey fabric, forms the room’s centerpiece. The bed is adorned with high-quality Matouk linens, exuding an air of refined comfort. Flanking the bed are vintage sconces sourced from Provence, adding a touch of old-world charm. The walls throughout the house are finished in a soft, creamy Limestrong limewash, providing a neutral yet textured backdrop that enhances the natural light and the richness of the furnishings.

The ceiling in the primary bedroom is dramatically tented in Dedar Fanfara silk shantung, creating a sense of intimacy and grandeur. This luxurious textile choice adds a theatrical flair, transforming the space into a serene and opulent sanctuary.

Architectural Harmony and Estate Integration

The architectural design of the 10,000-square-foot contemporary house by Raffaella Bortoluzzi Architecture was conceived with a deep respect for the existing estate. Bodini’s father, Daniele Bodini, with his background in architecture and engineering, actively contributed to the design process, ensuring the new structure would harmonize with the estate’s historical context, including its agricultural and recreational facilities. This collaborative vision resulted in a home that is both modern and timeless, seamlessly integrated into its sprawling surroundings.

The exterior of the house features a low-slung profile, clad in materials that reflect the natural beauty of the Upstate New York landscape. The sloping bronze-colored roof, stone chimney, expansive glazing, and teak siding all contribute to a sophisticated yet understated aesthetic that complements the natural environment.

A Testament to Personal Style and Curated Living

Francesca Bodini’s Upstate New York retreat is more than just a house; it is a carefully curated reflection of her evolving life, her personal style, and her cherished possessions. The collaboration with Rafael de Cárdenas resulted in a space that is both comfortable and chic, playful and sophisticated, embodying the desire for a relaxed yet elegant country lifestyle. The seamless integration of art, design, and personal history creates a home that is not only visually stunning but also deeply meaningful.

The diverse collection of furnishings, from vintage finds to custom designs, speaks to Bodini’s eclectic taste and her ability to create a harmonious aesthetic from a variety of sources. Her candid admission of an "addiction to consuming flatware" and owning "25 sets of china" perfectly illustrates the home’s spirit of embracing the unique and the personal. The decision to bring "all the weirdest ones" to the country signifies a liberation from the constraints of urban living, allowing for a more uninhibited expression of personal style.

The broader implications of this project extend to the growing trend of creating personalized sanctuaries that prioritize comfort and lived experience over rigid formality. In an era where many seek to escape the pressures of urban life, Bodini’s Upstate retreat serves as an inspiring example of how to blend personal history with contemporary design to create a truly unique and welcoming home. The success of this project underscores the power of thoughtful design, strong personal relationships, and a clear vision in crafting spaces that are both beautiful and deeply resonant.