The Little Italian Villa. 

It was everything I thought it would be when I was welcomed in by Tania, the owner of The Little Italian School. I watched with wonder as this home was brought to life around the corner from my in-laws and getting to know this beautifully generous soul at this photo shoot, I was able to discover just how passionate she is about her home, its design and style and the business she has built up that pays homage to the Italian language and its food.

Having been given the opportunity to see one of The Little Italian School’s Cooking classes through my Mums eyes (who is also from an Italian background) and getting to know Tania in her professional world, I asked if we could find out more about her on a personal level and see her home through the lens of my friend, Perth Photographer Denise Rix.

How long have you been in your home? 4 years

The home’s design is beautifully unique, How did you bring it to life? Danny Brescacin is an architect that did some work for my parents when they built their restaurants so I went with him to draw my sketch to scale for council. It took us 2 years, and he was so calm and patient, I couldn’t have asked for a better person draw it for me. He listened to what I said and made me feel comfortable. Once the plans were drawn I was free to get stuck into it. It was completely overwhelming, but in my head I knew exactly how it was going to look. I’m glad it all worked out in the end.

Who lives here? myself, my husband and our 3 children. Mum and dad are here everyday also babysitting or tending to the veggie garden and our chooks. 

Did anyone help you with your styling, hard surface selections? No. I styled and sourced everything myself. I knew exactly what I wanted.

What is your favourite item in your home? 

I can’t say I really have a favourite item as such. I do however have a lot of hand embroided linen that my mother in law in Italy passed down to me, made by herself, her mother and her grandmother,  so if I had to think of something specific, they would be it. I love dressing the dining table with them when we have our long family lunches on Sundays.

What is your favourite room? 

Our kitchen/dining room is definitely the heart of our home and our favourite place to be. 

What is next for the design/styling side of life?

I am currently renovating and styling a premises I will be moving my Italian school in to. I’m nervous and excited all at once!

What is next for your business? 

The business is growing nicely. The Italian language classes are always full and the cooking workshop side of things has really taken off.  I am also planning a slow living tour for students in the Molise region of Italy that is yet to be spoilt by tourists. I really want people to immerse themselves in the real Italy, not just the stereotypical one. 

What colours are your walls?

 White. Ever since I moved out of home, every home I’ve ever lived in has had white walls. I remember the ‘feature wall trend’ years ago and I used to think I was strange because I couldn’t see what all the fuss was about. I think I just like classic things. 

Where do you shop for your furniture and homewares items? 

When I furnished our home, I searched online so I used a variety of different online stores. For other bits and pieces I go to Ikea and Freedom as they are close to home and well priced. I haven’t really spent much on homewares as I prefer the minimal look. There are only a couple of pieces on display that were given to us from family or friends in Italy as they are very sentimental.

What is it like living in an upside down house?

We love it! It feels so nice to be upstairs and peek out of the balconies or the terrace. We love entertaining on the terrace. When I come home with groceries I put everything in the storeroom downstairs and only bring up fresh food that we use for our meals. It’s a nice feeling being elevated. We get to see some beautiful sunsets too, and it feels a little like living in Italy!

If you could live anywhere else where would it be?

Italy of course! In a farmhouse in the country, styled just like our home (which wouldn’t be hard to find over there!)

Where can we follow you?

You can keep up to date with The Little Italian School via Instagram or Facebook The Little Italian School

Photographic Styling by Elements at Home, Photography by Denise Rix.