The Valentina

About the stone: Quarried in the Apuan Alps of Tuscany, Calacatta Oro is one of Italy's most prestigious marbles — a luminous white background traced with warm gold and soft grey veining. Rare, expressive, and richly decorative, it has been used in palaces and cathedrals for centuries.

Design Heritage The Valentina draws on the late Georgian and Regency tradition of reeded column surrounds — a refinement of the classical column form, where the bold fluting of earlier neoclassicism was replaced by softer reeded detail. The result is a fireplace that feels classical without ever feeling severe; ornamental in detail, restrained in proportion.

The Details Reeded columns flank the opening, their soft vertical ridges catching the light and giving the piece a subtle rhythm. A continuous reeded frieze runs across the centre, echoing the verticals below, while a moulded mantelshelf finishes the composition with a clean horizontal line. The reeding reads almost as ornament in itself — there is no need for carved figures or applied detail.

Proportions & Presence Tall, elegant, and quietly decorative, The Valentina is the most ornate piece in the collection without ever tipping into excess. The gold veining of the Calacatta Oro warms the room without overwhelming it; the reeding adds rhythm without adding noise.

Styling Suggestions The Valentina suits drawing rooms, formal sitting rooms, and considered period interiors. It pairs beautifully with soft pinks, warm creams, and pale yellows, where the gold of the marble can warm the wider palette. Style the mantel with brass or gilt-framed mirrors, a single piece of statuary, or an arrangement of antique objects collected over time.