Material Harmony in the Heart of Como with Ceppo di Gre and Metallic Finishes

Material Harmony in the Heart of Como with Ceppo di Gre and Metallic Finishes

In the enchanting setting of Como’s urban center, an architectural gem rises within a meticulously restored historic building. Here, in a perfect blend of history and modernity, lies an apartment we had the privilege of contributing to. The brainchild of the creative genius of the Studio Milo, this living space stands out for the captivating fusion of raw Ceppo di Gre and elegant bronze metallic finishes, accompanied by warm brick tones.

mobile ingresso

Material and Color Contrasts

The living area of the apartment is a masterpiece of material and color contrasts, where the natural roughness of Ceppo di Gre meets the sophisticated shine of metallic finishes. This combination not only gives the space a unique appearance but also creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere while maintaining timeless elegance.

The Equipped Wall: Functionality and Aesthetics

Upon crossing the threshold, you are greeted by a floor-to-ceiling equipped wall that impresses with its versatility. Made of wood painted with bronze metallic finishes, it is paired with a lower section consisting of ceramic doors with a Ceppo di Gre effect. These are designed to open downwards with a stop system that prevents contact with the floor, a solution that not only optimizes storage space but also adds a touch of practicality and ingenuity.

ingresso ceppo di Gre e finiture metalliche
metallic finishes
details lower part of furniture
details high part

The interiors of the upper part are finished in warm gray, with shelves offering ample organizational possibilities. The open compartments, with coordinated shelves in the same metallic finish, add further dynamism and functionality to the structure. One of the most fascinating features of the wall is the sliding door system that, when needed, reveals a wall-mounted television, integrating technology discreetly and elegantly.

details open spaces
detail sliding door system

The Bar Cabinet: A Touch of Elegance and Color

In the living room, next to a central pillar, is a refined bar cabinet in brick red tones. This distinctive piece features a lower section closed by doors that hide internal shelves, ideal for organizing glasses and bottles. The upper part, on the other hand, features backlit shelves that create a scenic effect, elegantly illuminating the bar area.

bar cabinet
details bar cabinet
details bar cabinet

The back of the cabinet is closed by a circular arch, in which a mirror reflects the slightly rounded dark wood dining table positioned in front. This play of reflections amplifies the perception of space, adding depth and a touch of sophistication. A classy detail is the recessed handle chains with a bronze finish, recalling the finishes of the rest of the furnishings and completing the living room’s aesthetic harmony.

Arches and rounded architectural details are making a comeback. Here is another example of a recent creation where an arch serves as a divider between two different home environments.

detail handle chains
material details
bar cabinet in front

The Home Office: A Haven of Creativity and Concentration

Moving away from the materials used in the living room but maintaining the same soft blue wallpaper background, you find the home office. This space is enclosed by bronze-finished frames, giving a sense of continuity with the rest of the apartment. Inside, a desk and shelves are entirely made of oak, where the wood finds its fullest expression.

home office prospective
home office details
details drawers

The multifunctional desk is a design masterpiece: it features a rounded corner, a part equipped with a pull-out shelf, and a cable pass-through at the back to maintain order. The wall shelves, illuminated by a study shelf light, provide an ideal environment for reading and working, adding a touch of warmth and coziness.

Here is an article entirely dedicated to home office corners designed for smart working.

home office closed and open
home office details
 cable gland

Details that Make the Difference

In the living area, the vital core of this apartment on Lake Como, every detail has been meticulously curated. From the raw Ceppo di Gre to the selection of warm and welcoming colors, from the peculiarly designed wall lights to the double pair of ceiling spotlights, each element offer not only functionality but also a strong aesthetic value. The perfect lighting and the skillful placement of each piece enhance the entire environment. The fine materials and sophisticated finishes blend in perfect harmony, highlighting the natural beauty and inherent elegance of each detail.

mobile ceppo di gre e finiture metallizzate

An Invitation to Live in Style

This apartment represents the perfect meeting point between past and present, a place where history intertwines with modernity, creating a unique environment, designed to offer a bespoke living experience. The combination of Ceppo di Gre, with its rough and authentic texture, and the bronze metallic finishes, with their sophisticated charm, creates a harmonious dialogue between tradition and innovation.

Light and Shadow: The Magic of a Multifunctional Anthracite Gray Kitchen

Light and Shadow: The Magic of a Multifunctional Anthracite Gray Kitchen

In a modern apartment just a stone’s throw from Bergamo, nestled at the edge of a quiet, green forest, we have designed an anthracite gray kitchen, crafted to be not only aesthetically refined but also extremely multifunctional.

anthracite gray kitchen

Kitchen Design

During the design phase, we considered the room’s square layout and the family’s habits. This led us to choose a corner kitchen, leaving the central space free for an extendable table, perfectly illuminated by a centrally positioned designer chandelier.

On the left side, the kitchen structure begins with a series of tall columns housing the pantry and ovens. From here, a long worktop extends to embrace the corner. One part of the countertop is equipped with high wall units, while the other part leaves space for a window overlooking the garden. Completing the opposite side, a large free-standing refrigerator is framed by a unit with a side pull-out.

anthracite gray kitchen front
kitchen details
 sink details
wall units details

Multifunctional Additions

One of the most interesting aspects of the design is the retractable spice rack. By utilizing additional depth, we managed to integrate a pull-out system placed behind the initial columns. This element, which opens laterally to the induction hob, features compartments for spices, small accessories, and a paper towel holder, making everything within reach during food preparation.

Other useful components include trash can drawers, a foldable door in the cabinets, and a column with a front extraction system that allows access from both sides. These features enhance practicality and efficiency, making it a true multifunctional hub.

spice rack open and close
spice rack details
extraction system details

Materials and Finishes

Considering the very bright environment, we chose to dare with anthracite gray, a dark and striking color that contrasts with the predominant white. The oak veneer wall units complement the honey-toned wood-effect porcelain stoneware, bringing a touch of nature into the home.

The worktop is made of Lapitec, a high-performance ceramic material with a slightly speckled, rough texture. It harmoniously blends, almost merging, with the anthracite color of the kitchen and the sink in the same shade of granite.

At the back of the kitchen, a glossy white Lacobel panel, in the same shade as the wall, creates a clear contrast between the gray countertop and the wood of the cabinets.

We present two more examples of anthracite kitchens: the first is a corner kitchen with a cooking island, while the second features a C-shaped layout ending in a central peninsula.

timelapse open and close

Coordination in the Space

The TV cabinet, facing the kitchen, has also been designed and built in the same anthracite gray, completing the space in a discreet and harmonious manner. Comprising drawers and doors with internal shelves, it offers ample space for storing elements and accessories related to the living area and kitchen. Next to the television, wall elements in white, gray, and anthracite alternate, creating a play of shapes and symmetries that enrich the overall aesthetic of the space.

TV cabinet anthracite gray
details tv cabinet
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detail front of the cabinet

Conclusions

There is no need to fear using dark colors, especially in bright environments or where white is predominant. In this project, anthracite gray was the perfect choice to balance the abundance of light tones, infusing the space with a decisive and refined elegance. This kitchen, combined with the living area, demonstrates how functionality and aesthetics can merge into perfect harmony.

Vintage Reflections: A Journey into the Interior Design of an Apartment in Milan

Vintage Reflections: A Journey into the Interior Design of an Apartment in Milan

In the bustling heart of Milan, architect Lorenzo Visioli has breathed life into an apartment that seamlessly blends vintage charm with modernity through the skillful use of refined materials and details. Let’s explore how the soft reflections and captivating mirrors play a central role in this unique space that we’ve had the pleasure to furnish.

 Reflections, mirrors and roundness

ENTRANCE

The entrance warmly welcomes guests with a floor covered in light gray mortar, illuminating a relatively narrow corridor. A service cabinet entirely clad in mirrors on one side visually expands this confined space, creating an effect of spaciousness and brightness. Inside the cabinet, shelves and hanging space add functionality without compromising style. 

Here’s another example of a mirror-clad cabinet welcoming at the entrance.

mobile entrance open closed
 handle detail

KITCHEN CORNER

The kitchen, the heart of the home, embodies the fusion of style and functionality. Structured in a niche divided into two parts, with an equipped base and a frontal island, it stands out for the absence of conventional wall cabinets. In their place, vintage lamps in the style of “The Great Gatsby” illuminate the polished steel worktop, creating suggestive reflections that interact with the surrounding elements. The kitchen base, in a dark and clean tone, features concealed handles.

kitchen with island
kitchen zoom

A touch of originality is introduced by the niche beside the window, transformed into an open bar with crystal shelves hosting selected spirits. The presence of undulated glass, now a major trend, on each side reflects bottles and liquids, adding a touch of color. Internal LED lights make this element even more captivating when switched on.

open bar niche and window
niche open bar
 wavy glass detail reflections

FUNCTIONAL STORAGE

A key element of functionality and discretion is the integrated storage in the bathroom, where a washer and dryer find their place alongside all necessary household tools. Two tall, lacquered doors, matching the wall color, fold onto themselves, creating a visual effect that imparts continuity and harmony to the surrounding environment. This approach not only optimizes the available space but also adds a touch of sophistication to the overall design, thanks to slim handles and meticulous finishes.

 functional storage room
 handle detail

LIVING AREA

A delicate arch connects the entrance to the living and kitchen areas, introducing a sense of softness while emphasizing the importance of access. The flooring transitions from industrial mortar to vintage parquet, laid in three different patterns to enliven the pace. Refined details, such as reflections playing on materials and shapes, contribute to creating a dynamic and enveloping ambiance.

Here’s another example where reflective materials play a significant role in the project.

arch living area entrance
parquet detail

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, this vintage-inspired project distinguishes itself through the reflections generated by carefully chosen materials. Each element, from the luminous mirrors to the reflective surfaces, contributes to amplifying the spatial sense and creating a unique dynamism. A perfect blend of past and present, transforming living into an exquisite and timeless experience.

Furniture with a Minimalist Approach for Multifunctional Solutions

Furniture with a Minimalist Approach for Multifunctional Solutions

In a valley rich in history, architectural and artistic presence, surrounded by the greenery of nature, a young family has discovered the perfect solution to optimize the spaces. Through innovative design, the focus has been on the living area, utilizing minimal and multifunctional furniture to create an open, bright, and versatile environment.

kitchen entrance and multifunctional stairs

THE MINIMAL KITCHEN

Integrated into a fitted wall, the kitchen embodies the essence of minimal. With a palette of light colors and the use of natural materials, it provides everything needed without burdening the space. The laminated natural oak wood countertop recalls the external wooded environment and accommodates a modern black granite sink and a induction hob.

The choice of matte white MDF for the kitchen base and refrigerator column, along with ceiling tiles, contributes to maintaining a clean and luminous aesthetic. The light and variegated gray ceramic floor complete the welcoming atmosphere, ensuring ease of maintenance and cleaning, harmonizing with the materials and colors of the house. 

minimal kitchen
details kitchen top
details kitchen top

THE MULTIFUNCTIONAL SIDE STAIRCASE

A light staircase in front of the kitchen serves a dual purpose. Besides connecting the living area to the sleeping area, it has been designed with a structure of modular equipped wood and metal, making it both aesthetic and functional.

It houses shaped drawers that provide additional storage space, avoiding the wall unit to the kitchen for maintaining a light and minimal appearance while providing all the necessary storage space in an unexpected location.

Here’s another example of a staircase solution equipped with drawers.

lateral stairs with drawers
drawers from the top
details drawers
shaped drawes

THE WELL-EQUIPPED LIVING AREA

The living area is designed with careful attention to internal flows related to space utilization. A laminated oak wood dining table, coordinated with the kitchen countertop, accommodates 4 to 6 diners and is positioned in a passageway between the kitchen and the living room. It is convenient and non-intrusive.

Upon entering the living area, the eye is drawn to a free-standing sofa against the wall with a slim high shelf in white lacquered sheet metal, contributing to maintaining a sense of openness and lightness. The frontal TV cabinet, acting as a partition between the kitchen and the living room and supporting the staircase, is an example of well-thought-out storage and organization element. Shaped on the steps, it contains well-studied doors and shelves, utilizing every available centimeter. A true demonstration of how minimalism can be functional. 

kitchen living room dining table
minimal living room
Tv cabinet open and close
lighted cabinet
lightweight sheet metal shelf

MINIMAL MULTIFUNCTIONAL FURNISHINGS

In conclusion, the entire apartment is an example of how multifunctional furnishings with a minimalistic spirit can optimize spaces without weighing them down. The most storage-intensive elements are integrated into the staircase support, while the upper part, thanks to glass handrails, rises transparent and luminous.

Everything around this central monolith of furnishings is essential, allowing to enjoy an airy, bright, tidy, and aesthetically satisfying environment. Living in a compact space does not imply sacrificing comfort and style.

Here’s another example of a minimal multifunctional apartment.

The Elegance of the Garage in a Fusion of Collecting and Modern Interior Design

The Elegance of the Garage in a Fusion of Collecting and Modern Interior Design

In the enchanting setting of a modern villa on the outskirts of the city, the basement transforms into a multifunctional space. Through the skillful use of precious materials and meticulously designed lighting, it reveals a harmonious fusion of garage, collecting, leisure, and additional service-oriented interior design.

multifunctional space

MULTIFUNCTIONAL ORGANIZATION OF THE BASEMENT

The basement is divided into various zones, each designed for a specific purpose and crafted by  studio di Architettura Mario Cassinelli. A significant portion of this space has been transformed into an authentic automotive art gallery, where Carrara marble and soft parquet come together to form a luxurious frame for a collection of vintage and limited-edition cars. Attention to detail is evident not only in the material pairing but also in the lighting, with lights specifically designed to enhance every detail of the vehicles.

automotive exhibition space

Adjacent to this space, contrasting black marble creates the perfect setting for a spacious, well-lit gym, complete with equipment for leisure activities. This area remains at a lower level, with the ceilings rising as a grand staircase with crystal handrails leads to the upper part.

well-lit gym
 marble staircase to go down
 marble staircase to climb

These two spaces are connected by a long corridor that transforms into a refined relaxation and waiting area with a comfortable sofa at the entrance.

corridor relax space

SERVICE CABINET FOR THE BASEMENT

The entire floor has been equipped with usability as the focal point of the project. Strategic cabinets have been incorporated, starting from the garage area. These cabinets conceal technical compartments and also serve as useful space for household items and an additional shoe rack. Illuminated at the base, they feature a customized handle, a symbol emblematic of the villa’s design.

cabinet external garage
shelves detail
details technical space
detail handle design

A second set of cabinets is strategically positioned near the staircase leading to the ground floor. Developed at full height, they serve as additional hanging space, accommodating coats and seasonal clothing. Attention to detail is also reflected in internal features, with double hinges supporting large doors and an internal lighting sensor that activates horizontal LEDs upon opening.

 cupboards under the stairs

The pristine white tone of the cabinets harmonizes perfectly with the dominant materials of the basement, from marble to the warm shades of parquet, creating a visual balance while remaining secondary to the undisputed protagonists of the space.

closed cupboards under the stairs
wardrobe garage
double internal door hinge
 opening light sensor
Horizontal internal LEDs

THE ENTRANCE DOOR

The entrance door to the basement, connecting the garage to the interior space, is a true work of art realized by Guerini Ferruccio. Characterized by a double covering of contrasting marbles, light on the inside and dark on the outside, it distinctively welcomes guests.

The same material language found inside is anticipated by this bifacial door, becoming the standard-bearer and, with its three crystal squares, offering a glimpse into the space beyond the threshold.

black marble external garage door
 light marble internal garage door

HOUSE ILLUMINATION

The basement features diverse light sources. Starting from the entrance, a unique corridor lighting with asymmetric fissures containing irregular length LEDs creates a rain of light effect, adding a touch of magic to the surroundings.

These elements darken, becoming simple black iron inserts towards the entrance but resume at the bottom of the exhibition area after a block of a fair-finished false ceiling. The spotlights are arranged in groups and can be oriented in four directions, providing customizable lighting for the area below.

Three large lamps with a golden profile peek into the sports area, warming the atmosphere with their soft colors.

Here, another project where lighting plays a fundamental role in defining the spaces.

Wall entrance LED light rain
LED details
detail of black iron inserts
spotlighted false ceiling

THE LEGACY OF ELEGANCE AND FUNCTIONALITY

In conclusion, the basement of this villa is not merely a functional space but an expression of taste and personality. The timeless elegance of the materials, the intelligent arrangement of spaces, and attention to detail make this underground space a masterpiece that seamlessly blends aesthetic beauty with functional efficiency.

Here’s another basement of a majestic villa utilized in a multifunctional manner.