Of the spaces that move her most, Todd calls attention to the 13th-century Castello di Cigognola, renovated by legendary interior designer and Oscar-nominated set designer Renzo Mongiardino. “Mongiardino was a pioneer,” she noted. “His opulent style—those hand-painted trompe l’œil walls and massive stone fireplaces—really defined what we think of as Milanese grandeur today.” Equally compelling is Casa di Fantasia, a Gio Ponti-designed apartment reimagined by the Lebanese studio David/Nicholas. “It’s such a loving homage to Ponti,” Todd said. “They’ve managed to create something entirely new while keeping the spirit of the original intact.”
Each property is also paired with an essay that delves into the personalities behind the homes. In one of the most striking examples, Todd reflects on the countryside masseria of Riccardo Priolisi and John Hooks in Noto, Sicily. “It’s not just the space—it’s what they’ve done with it,” she said. “They painted these Picasso-esque murals inspired by Roman mythology on the walls. Neither of them are designers, but they’ve created something deeply personal and profoundly beautiful.”