After postings in Buenos Aires and New Delhi, the Italian ambassador to New Zealand and his husband have brought their international style to Wellington
The Wellington home with international style
The biggest benefit for those living a peripatetic lifestyle has to be their access to unique pieces and exotic finds, each imbued with its own colourful story. Just ask His Excellency Carmelo Barbarello, Italian ambassador to New Zealand from 2014 to 2016, and his Spanish husband Javier Barca.
Before meeting Barca in Athens in 2002, when he was Italian ambassador to Greece, Barbarello was posted in Ethiopia. Together, they’ve spent the two-to-four year stretches expected of these diplomatic missions in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and New Delhi in India.
It goes without saying that prior to arriving in Wellington, the ambassador and the interior decorator were well-versed in the art of collecting special pieces. Over the years, they have also become experts at editing their belongings before shipping them across the ocean to furnish – and often refurbish – their temporary new home.
The brown leather and carved wood sofa is from Ethiopia, the jacquard cushions are by Sarita Handa in India, and the carpet is from Iran. The glass table lamp and Art Deco table were purchased in Buenos Aires, and the wooden coffee table is by Flamant.
Barca works at a glass and steel writing desk by Flamant. The vintage 70s chairs and cowhide rug are from Argentina. The golden glass light was bought in New Delhi.
A painting from Argentine artist Rodolfo Zagert’s Marilyn series hangs above a mirrored console from ABC Carpet & Home in New York. A pair of candleholders made from Argentine cactus wood and silver sit on the console. The 1962 Bibendum armchair in crocodile-print leather is by Eileen Gray.
Barca (left) and Barbarello pose in front of a painting by Argentine artist Eduardo Pla.
Barca designed the sofa, which is upholstered in Pepe Peñalver fabric. Bronze figurines from Italy and France stand on a Flamant console.
The cabinet and blue velvet armchairs belong to the residence. The wooden stools are inspired by a Max Lamb design and the rug is from Turkey.
The bed was designed by Barca, who also took the photographs of sculptures in Rome’s Marble Stadium. The bedside lamps and leopard print ottomans are by Flamant.
Achandelier from New York’s Plaza Hotel hangs over a Kauri table. The red fox throw is from Argentina.
The Art Deco table lamp and Italian drawers were sourced in Buenos Aires.
A collection of Venini vases and carafes are displayed behind a vintage Elda armchair by Joe Colombo.
A gold leaf painting by Italian artist Christian Balzano hangs above the fireplace in the living room. Battery lamps by Ferruccio Laviani for Kartell and vintage glass vases adorn the mantelpiece. The blue watercolour is by Luigi Battisti.
A Flos Taraxacum pendant light hangs above a pair of leather Egg chairs by Arne Jacobsen. A blue crystal vase by Alvar Aalto sits on a vintage Tulip occasional table by Eero Saarinen. The bespoke linen blinds are by C&C Milano.
The couple bought the Red Haring lithograph by Dick Frizzell at a gallery in Auckland.
Words by: Nadine Rubin Nathan. Photography by: Simon Devitt.
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