Valdirose is the project by Irene Berni, a B&B on the outskirts of Florence, on the hills of Lastra a Signa. But it is also much more; it is an atmosphere, a home, spaces that speak and tell the story of a family. It is also the synthesis of a passion for decoration and photography, and thus of research and attention to detail. Irene’s style is personal and well-defined, permeating all her activities, from furnishing to styling to cooking. Together with Paolo, Irene chose materials from Pietre di Rapolano for Valdirose, including a travertine sink and a marble countertop. On the occasion of this meeting, we decided to learn more about her work and stylistic choices.

Where are you originally from and where do you live?

I was born and raised in a small village on the outskirts of Florence: Lastra a Signa. I love my origins, which is why I chose to work here by opening a B&B in the family home.

Tell us about your journey and your business

I have always sought jobs that stimulate my creativity: I like to change, but in general, I love working independently and with beauty. From 2001 to 2008, I had a small decoration shop that bore my name (Irene B). Since 2007, I have opened the B&B Valdirose and a blog of the same name, which ignited my passion for communication and photography. In 2014, I wrote my book ( “What Irene Likes”) and this autumn, the second one will be released (“Irene’s Gifts”). Looking at my working life, I seem like a jack-of-all-trades, but in reality, everything I do is connected by common denominators: a passion for home, cooking, and decoration.

How did the Valdirose project come about?

Valdirose is the family residence: we lived here with my grandparents and often shared the table with relatives and friends. It was a welcoming home, always full of people: when it came time to renovate it, the idea of turning it into a B&B came naturally. Opening the doors of our rooms to guests from all over the world was a wonderful way to keep the essence alive.

For the furnishing and decoration of the rooms and other spaces, what elements came into play?

Light is undoubtedly the element that most influences the decoration of my spaces. I observe the rays that naturally warm the atmosphere or the shadows of a north-facing room: starting from these small details, I choose fabrics and materials, adding or removing warmth.

What do you think of natural materials, stone, travertine, marble?

Natural materials have the ability to furnish an entire room on their own. They are discreet, neutral, and durable, and for me, they are an enormous source of pleasure: nothing is more inspiring than getting lost in the veins of travertine.

For what reasons would you recommend choosing marble or natural stone?

Because they are elegant, and elegance, as we know, never goes out of style.

Are there areas of the house where you think natural stone is particularly suitable?

Without a doubt, those that are most lived-in, where there is a need for beauty and practicality: bathroom and kitchen… although, thinking about it, I couldn’t imagine a better material for an entrance staircase.

You chose one of Pietre di Rapolano’s sinks for the kitchen, what are your suggestions for best incorporating a stone artifact in this environment?

To those who decide to incorporate a stone artifact in a room, I suggest making it the protagonist. Therefore, create a neutral environment around it and leave the necessary spaces to live and celebrate it.

What are your plans for the future?

Always many and too many. I would like to write a book where I tell my style as I have done with you, I would like to learn to create something, an art, an ancient craft, something worth passing on.
I would like to renovate some spaces of Valdirose, getting to know your world up close has given me new desires.