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The Design Brief

Italian homes are renowned for their charm, and nothing adds to their character quite like traditional wooden shutters. For this project, we were tasked with restoring a set of window shutters from a long-neglected home in a historic village. Our aim? To breathe new life into these weathered shutters while preserving their original charm and ensuring they met local regulations.

These shutters had suffered years of exposure to the elements. Brittle from sun damage, riddled with woodworm, and flaking with layers of old paint, they were in dire need of careful restoration. As always, our philosophy is to repair rather than replace wherever possible, honouring the craftsmanship of the past and preserving the home’s historic integrity.

The Challenges of Shutter Restoration

Shutters in historic Italian homes often bear the brunt of time and weather. In this case, the wood was so brittle that removing the flaking paint required meticulous care to avoid further damage. The slats—many of which were cracked or broken—needed precise repairs to restore their structural integrity. And let’s not forget the local comune’s regulations on shutter colours, which are designed to maintain the visual harmony of historic villages.

Our process began with carefully stripping away the remaining paint, using gentle methods that wouldn’t harm the fragile wood beneath. Once the shutters were cleaned, we treated the wood with a protective solution to safeguard it against future woodworm and weather damage. Damaged slats were repaired by hand, ensuring the shutters could function as intended while retaining their original aesthetic.

Navigating Local Regulations

Restoring shutters in Italy isn’t just about craftsmanship; it’s also about respecting the rules. The local comune requires homeowners to adhere to specific colour charts when repainting shutters, with most villages permitting just three approved shades. This keeps the villages uniform in appearance, preserving their historic charm for future generations. After obtaining the necessary permissions, we selected a traditional green that complemented both the house and its surroundings.

The Final Touches

With repairs complete, the shutters were repainted using a high-quality, weather-resistant paint in the approved shade. The result was a set of shutters that looked as if they had always belonged to the house—restored to their former glory but ready to face the next chapter of their life.

Watch the Transformation

Want to see how it all came together? Watch the video above for a behind-the-scenes look at our restoration process. From stripping paint to navigating local regulations, you’ll get a firsthand look at the care and precision that goes into every project.

If you’re dreaming of restoring your own Italian home, or simply love the idea of preserving history one shutter at a time, this project showcases just how rewarding restoration can be. After all, some things are worth saving.

Dreaming of Your Own Renovation?

If you dream of renovating a property in Italy, why not join us at our Move to Italy Retreat, held every spring at our restored farmhouse in Le Marche, Italy? Learn from experts, tour stunning homes, and enjoy authentic Italian food and wine while getting the inside scoop on making your dream a reality. Discover more and sign up today!

READ MORE: RESTORING AN ANCIENT ITALIAN COURTYARD