Clever simplicity

An attic of 90 square meters in downtown Milan, surrounded by a terrace of 120 square meters, has been fully restored creating a veranda of 30 square meters in which are fitted the kitchen and the dining room, both open to the terrace.
This solution has radically transformed the apartment, which now is flooded by light and more functional. A studied mix of elements, vintage and modern, a great attention to details, the choice of a subtle palette of colors and the materials - fine wood floors and reclaimed stones and tiles plus the Provencal style of furniture create an understated elegance and welcoming atmosphere.
I particularly like the use of antique and contemporary pieces near each other, a house should represent life with its changes and layers of experiences, nothing worse for me than a house created in a few weeks with matching furniture bought in bulk.

Two steps connect the porch to the living room, in which are large libraries, two sofas of classic style and simple cotton upholstery, vintage tables and objects, a rug made of natural fibers over the oak parquet.

A smart choice: Hexagonal reclaimed tiles in the veranda. I wish we can use more reclaimed floors and fixtures, it makes sense for their timeless beauty and it contributes to the health of our planet.

In the dining area, vintage furniture and objects that have been collected by the owners over the years. On the white sideboard is on display a small collection of glass between the two lamps.

White wood cabinet beside the entrance to the veranda, used as a pantry. Two comfortable armchairs upholstered in white cotton form a relaxing area next to the table.

For the master bedroom few furnishings well chosen as the quilt sewn by hand and the small painted armoire, Provencal style. I would certainly add some art on the wall if it was my project but I guess monastic simplicity was the goal, well achieved by the designer.

In the lower part of the bedroom a walking closet. In the bathroom, again the choice of reclaimed hexagonal tiles and classical forms for the free standing sink.

To ensure the thermal insulation double glazing windows were installed and a ceiling of wood and fiberglass. Two large heaters to heat and air conditioning to create a cool environment in summer, when Milan becomes extremely hot and humidity reaches 90%. I always lived there without the need for cold air and actually embracing the heat after long cold winters. I am convinced that more we use air conditioning less we are conditioned to stand the heat, besides the fact that air conditioning ironically creates more heat outside the buildings where it is used.

The steel kitchen, consisting of two blocks, is by Boffi. What a dream would be cooking here admiring the change of season in the heart of a big city.

The stone paving of the terrace was reclaimed from an old house and the space is now divided into two zones: the first, adjacent to the kitchen while the other is accessible from the dining room.

In summer having breakfast under the shade of the grapes pergola...what a perfect start of the day.

Images by Adriano Busaferri