The project in a nutshell: I was in charge of the restoration of the exterior of the entire building (façades and roof, as well as common areas), and then concentrated on the work in the apartment on the top two floors.

The exteriors

Raising the roof in order to functionally recover the attic space and convert it into habitable rooms necessarily involved a complete renovation of the façades. Since the façades had to be renovated, I suggested to my clients that they should add a portico in the south-west corner of the building, to enhance and give character to the façades and provide the apartments with an open-air space on all floors.

In addition to the work on the exteriors and the condominium spaces, the top floor apartment was completely renovated, and I connected to it the space created in the attic, transforming it into a living area.

Interiors and furnishings

The apartment has a large entrance hall, with direct access to the house from the lift, and a large French window opening onto the main terrace, which is widely used for outdoor dining.

Throughout the house, I chose elm parquet in large strips laid in a straightforward pattern. For the walls, on the other hand, I preferred a warm white plaster to emphasize the furnishings. The result is a mix of modern and antique, where family mementos coexist with more modern and functional pieces, together with works of art and storage furniture designed by me, such as the bookcase for the television or the storage boiserie in the dining area.

For choosing the decorations, I worked closely with the house owners, finding ways to incorporate the family’s classic pieces of furniture along with eclectic and fun objects, and pieces of contemporary art.

The living area

Contrary to the norm, I proposed to the owners to build the living area in the attic and to move the bedrooms downstairs. The choice was based on the fact that the upper floor had more light, a more open view, and it was easier to create a large space without pillars.

To underpin this idea, I suggested modifying the lift system so that there is direct access to the attic floor and the floor below.

The living area is large, with high attic ceilings. I divided the kitchen into two areas: a more convivial part, where you can enjoy an aperitif or cook together, and a separate closed area, for after-dinner clutter. The kitchen was designed by me, as can be seen in the handcrafted niche in the lower part of the roof, made of frosted glass and stained oak.

There is also a guest bathroom on the living area floor, with bold tapestry and colours. I used salvaged elements, such as a Venetian mirror found in a market and an oriental piece of furniture for the washbasin console, combined with dark bathroom fixtures to emphasize the mood of the room.

The sleeping area

The sleeping area is on the floor below. The owners wanted to create two completely independent sleeping areas, with a studio and two bathrooms for the master bedroom. I fulfilled their wishes by creating a strongly masculine bathroom and a more feminine one, as well as a small wardrobe area as an anteroom.

In the studio, which has two French windows, I designed a bookcase wall that could also house the sofa bed for any guests.

The clients’ words

“The look in Micol’s eyes the first time we saw what was to become our new home stuck in my mind: we were still rather sceptical; she could already see what it would become. We trusted her and did the right thing. The result is a place that fits us perfectly, where there is everything that needs to be there, as we wanted it, even without knowing it. (The landlady)