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It was the first time I’ve ever been jealous of doll furniture.
My introduction to artisan and blogger Alessandra Taccia came when I purchased several hand-stitched linen cushions, a luxurious knit cashmere throw, pom pom slippers, and a hand-crocheted pouf, all miniaturized for my daughter’s toy mouse. Since then I have been an avid follower of Alessandra’s via La Casita, her blog in which she chronicles her home and creations.
Much like her mouse accessories, Alessandra’s blog hones in on the little things in life, celebrating quiet moments—a pile of newly washed tea towels or the perfect cup of grape fruit juice. Relaxed and welcoming, her world is not trendy but organic and full of soul. It is populated by storied pieces and personal objects, often crafted by Alessandra herself, that reflect her belief that a home should be a “work in progress, made slowly.”
Photographs by Alessandra Taccia.
Above: Born of an Italian father and Argentinian mother, Alessandra grew up by the sea in Sicily and studied painting. Today, she makes her home with her husband and daughter outside of Cambridge, England.
Above: In our correspondence, Alessandra informed me that in Italian “taccia,” her last name, is the imperative third person of the verb tacere: to be silent. I found that fitting, because Alessandra’s house is a bit of an oasis, a place quiet conversation.
Above: Alessandra prefers natural materials—linen, wool, ceramics, and wood—like these simple yet utilitarian objects in her kitchen. Her online shop, Knots, is an extension of her home and blog, offering a select array of one of a kind, handmade, and vintage goods, such as the wooden bead trivet and crocheted pot holder seen here.
Above: Being “often on the move”—the family lived in London before they relocated to their current rental—Alessandra edited down all of their possessions “to only what is really needed, either because it’s useful or because it holds a memory we’re fond of…For this reason I try to buy handmade things that are respectful of the environment, that are beautifully made, and designed to be passed on to the next generation.”
Above: Alessandra’s mother was an accomplished seamstress and knitter who passed on these skills to her daughter. One of Alessandra’s specialities is making these patchwork hot pads that are for sale in her tiny online shop, Knots.
Above: Alessandra’s designs come in handy with a cast iron kettle.
Above: A leather pull and beaded key ring accessorize a £10 thrift store cupboard; Alessandra painted the piece a succession of Farrow & Ball shades before settling on white.
Above: Alessandra’s so-so sofa was a victim of one of her recent edits. She replaced it with a floor cushion that she covered in heavy linen, and an assortment of pillows. Adding a diminutive table by Spielplatz, a low hung mid-century pendant lamp, and one of her own crocheted throws hung on a Nakagawa hanger ($38.50 from Hubu Textiles), Alessandra credited a space both minimal and intimate, and full of character.
Above: Passing on the tradition of making things by hand, Alessandra displays ceramics by her daughter on a small shelf in the living room, alongside a wire crown that they both made.
Above: A mood board in Alessandra’s office includes natural specimens and favorite prints.
Above: Hand knit and crocheted items from Little Knots adorn Alessandra’s daughter’s room.
Above: In a corner, a vintage Dryad chair sits under Alessandra’s own woven pieces (also available at Knots) and an Up landscape print from Fine Little Day (€34).
Above: Bookshelves aren’t essential.
Above: Oh, and those mouse accessories I mentioned earlier. Too adorable, no?
N.B. Another of my favorite interiors with personality: a New Zealand Ranch Transformed by Mel Bombardiere. Interested in the plants in Alessandra’s house? Her living specimens were some of the inspirations for this post: 5 Favorite Mini Plants for Apartment Living.
Source: remodelista
House Call: Slow Living at La Casita
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