Imposing and unexpected amidst the lush greenery of a secluded plot in Udine in northeastern Italy, the home of Patrizia Moroso reveals a vibrant vision in the forest: at once a lived-in family home and a showcase of contemporary design and art gathered from around the globe. 

As the creative director of Moroso, the prolific Italian furniture manufacturer started by her parents in the 1950s, Moroso is one of the grand dames of design, known for spotting and fostering new talent as well as for working with some of the most established names in design. She has commissioned works from David Adjaye, Konstantin Grcic, Ron Arad, and Marc Newson, and her own house was designed by her friend and collaborator Patricia Urquiola and Italian architect Martino Berghinz. 

For years Moroso has lived here with her Senegalese husband, the artist and designer Abdou Salam Gaye, as over the years their three children have grown up and left the enchanted abode. Moroso, however, plans to stay put, glad to be living outside the borders of hectic design hub Milan. “If you are inside a place you don’t really see what is happening. You can see things differently from the outside,” she says. “Here I feel more free to see what is happening in design, and free to make our things according to a sort of independent vision.”

Having been born in the region sixty years ago, Moroso sees it as “her land”. “I love to travel,” she is quick to add. “I love to go around and see new things, but I have strong roots here, and the company’s based here, so all the family, all of our history, all of our life is right here.” 

Natalia Rachlin is NOWNESS Design Editor-at-Large.