Fashion & design personality Gabrielle Caunesil reflects on restoring her Lake Maggiore villa and the timeless elegance of the Amalfi collection.

Perched above the shores of Lake Maggiore, just north of Milan, Villa Romeo embodies an enduring appreciation for architecture, craftsmanship, and the art of outdoor living. Designer, tastemaker, and model Gabrielle Caunesil Pozzoli transformed the once-abandoned villa into a family home that celebrates Italian craftsmanship, quiet elegance, and the rituals of everyday life. We spoke with her about the inspiration behind the renovation, her approach to creating spaces that are both beautiful and deeply lived in, and why JANUS et Cie’s Amalfi collection became a natural extension of her vision for the home’s outdoor spaces.

We love how you took an abandoned villa on Lake Maggiore and transformed it into your family home; tell us a little bit about that process.
Villa Romeo was my first true architectural project. When we found it, it had been abandoned for years, but I could immediately see what it could become. It wasn’t about restoring a beautiful house—it was about revealing the beauty that was already hidden inside it. The renovation took almost two years. Every decision was intentional, from restructuring the spaces to sourcing vintage pieces and collaborating with Italian artisans. More than designing a house, I wanted to create a place where our family could build memories for generations.

How would you describe the design aesthetic of the home?
I would describe it as quiet Italian elegance. It’s rooted in the great Milanese houses of the 1930s and 40s, but interpreted in a contemporary way. I love spaces that feel timeless rather than fashionable—where architecture, craftsmanship, natural materials and vintage design all exist in balance. Nothing is there to impress. Everything is there to be lived with.

Outdoor living is such an important part of Italian culture. What was your goal in designing the outdoor space?
I wanted the terrace to feel like another room of the house. Not simply somewhere to sit outside, but somewhere where life naturally happens—from breakfast with the children to long summer dinners with friends, quiet mornings reading, or evenings watching the sunset over the lake. It had to feel as considered as the interiors.

How did you initially hear about JANUS et Cie?
As an interior designer, JANUS et Cie has always been one of those brands you come across while researching exceptional outdoor furniture. Their work appears in some of the most beautiful residential and hospitality projects around the world, so I had admired the brand long before this collaboration.

What drew you to JANUS et Cie when designing your outdoor space?
I was looking for furniture that had the same architectural presence as the house itself. Many outdoor collections feel temporary or overly decorative. JANUS et Cie designs feel permanent. They have a sense of proportion, craftsmanship and materiality that allows them to become part of the architecture rather than simply furnishing it.

Can you walk us through the selection process for the Amalfi collection?
The Amalfi collection immediately felt appropriate because of its understated elegance. It has beautiful lines, incredible craftsmanship and a softness that works perfectly with the natural surroundings. It feels refined without ever feeling formal.

Were there specific qualities in the Amalfi collection that were especially important in your decision-making?
Comfort was essential because this is a family home. But equally important was longevity. I invest in pieces that become more beautiful over time rather than following trends. The craftsmanship, materials and timeless design made it feel like something we would enjoy for many years.

How does the collection reflect your personal aesthetic?
I gravitate towards objects that are understated but beautifully made. I don’t believe luxury is about excess. It’s about quality, craftsmanship and pieces that remain relevant for decades. That’s exactly what attracted me to this collection.

Which pieces from the Amalfi collection have become your favorites, and why?
The lounge seating is probably where I spend the most time. It’s comfortable enough for slow mornings with coffee, but elegant enough to host friends in the evening. Those are usually the pieces that stay with you the longest—the ones that work beautifully without asking for attention.

Is there a preferred space on your terrace that you tend to gravitate towards most?
The corner overlooking Lake Maggiore. It’s where I usually start my mornings before the children wake up. It’s quiet, surrounded by nature, and reminds me why we chose this place to build our home.

What was your first impression of the collection when you saw it in person?
The first thing I noticed was how refined the details were. Sometimes furniture looks beautiful in photographs but feels very different in reality. Here, the craftsmanship exceeded my expectations. It has a lightness and warmth that photographs don’t fully capture.

What has surprised you most about living with the collection over time?
How naturally it became part of our everyday life. The best design eventually disappears—you stop noticing the furniture and simply enjoy the moments happening around it. I think that’s a sign that something has been designed well.

How does the collection support the way your family lives and gathers outdoors?
It encourages us to stay outside longer. Whether it’s the children playing while we have lunch, family breakfasts on weekends or evenings with friends, the furniture makes outdoor living feel effortless. That’s probably the greatest compliment I can give any design.

How would you describe the Amalfi collection in 3 words?
Timeless, iconic, elegant.