As summer comes to close, our minds have turned to fall travel and what better place to set our sights than Casa Fantini. The hotel is the brainchild of Daniela Fantini (who heads the family firm, Fantini) and opens this month in Pella, a small town on Lake Orta, about fifty miles north of Milan. The two integrated, lakefront buildings, one historic and one new, are comprised of 11 guest rooms, generous public spaces like lounges, a cocktail bar and a garden. “Casa Fantini is born out of my passion for the location, for what is genuine and handcrafted,” says Fantini, noting the lake’s mystical spirit. Fantini worked with architect Piero Lissoni, who sculpted the site with natural materials like wood and stone to seamlessly blend buildings into the setting. Lissoni created “soft and airy environments where it is pleasant to hang about, listen to music, read, have a chat, meditate, and get lost in enjoying the outstanding view,” he explains. “Everything has been attentively, although discreetly, arranged to create an atmosphere of serene tranquility." The lounge, garden and meeting room can be booked for corporate or social events like weddings, as they accommodate up to about eighty guests. And yes, expect gorgeous Fantini fixtures throughout.

Mastella, another of our incredible Italian vendors, has just released its latest sink design, Horus. The washbasin, below, was developed by Turin-based architect Marco Baxadonne and offers a generous and distinctive asymmetrical design. It is made of Ceramilux (a sturdy composite of natural mineral charges, calcium carbonate and aluminium trihydrate, and resin), which is available in a glossy or matte finish. The design can be combined with a wall or deck-mounted mixer tap. Its curvaceous lines make a stand-alone statement, or pair beautifully with Mastella’s beautiful, sinuous collections, like the Bahia soaking tub.

Keeping with this week’s Italian theme, Northern California-based Ronbow has debuted a classically inspired vanity called Genova. The vanity, below, features smooth cornices, beveled edges and recessed paneling for an old world feel, but with a modern edge. Delicate, cone-shaped feet and a brushed-brass faucet complete the unit, which is offered in 3 finishes (beige, white and a sable-hued elm) and topped with a stone-like countertop. As well, German-engineered, soft-close drawers help create a spa-like quietude. Boost it's traditional style with an antique mirror, or up the contemporary vibe with one of Ronbow’s sleek LED mirrors. To learn more about the company, check out our previous posts on their collaboration with Pininfarina and their designer-driven Signature Series.