Giulia Zucchiatti Architect and interior designer
Via Ripamonti
Intervento
Progetto del layout interno e degli arredi principali, progetto esecutivo e direzione lavori.
Metratura
100 mq
In collaborazione con
Michela Romanò e Tommaso Abbado
Fotografie
Giulia Benedetta Costa
Aziende
Tempini srl, Grandinetti, Vetreria Falcea, Cappellini Cucine

The partial renovation of a Milanese apartment, designed to accommodate a young couple, resulted in a skillful redistribution of the interior spaces, aimed at improving functionality and making the home more livable while preserving the apartment’s historic charm. One of the main interventions involved the creation of a brand-new living area with a decidedly modern character, in sharp contrast with the other parts of the home, which retain the authentic spirit of “Vecchia Milano,” characterized by period architectural details, high ceilings, and historic finishes.

To warm the atmosphere and maintain a tactile connection with the building’s style, walnut wood was chosen for the cladding and custom furnishings: a warm, elegant, and timeless wood that gives the spaces a strong identity and a sense of stylistic continuity with the past. The bathroom, on the other hand, was reinterpreted with respect for the historic context, featuring vintage-style cement tiles that evoke the original soul of the house and restore authenticity to the spaces, recalling the atmosphere of the early twentieth century.

The interiors have been enriched and personalized with a careful selection of furniture and objects: the couple chose to furnish the apartment with vintage pieces found at flea markets and family heirlooms, carrying memories and affection, which add a unique, lived-in touch to the spaces. These elements are complemented by contemporary furnishings, such as iconic lamps by Marset and Flos, introducing clean lines and accent lighting, and the red chair by Varier Furniture, a bold and innovative design piece that stands out strikingly within the balanced setting. The result is an eclectic, elegant, and warm environment where past and present naturally intertwine, telling the story and personality of its inhabitants.

Particular attention was given in the bathroom to balancing tradition and innovation. The surfaces are clad with Grandinetti terrazzo tiles from the Nuovavita collection, an innovative line made with 50% recycled material sourced from pre- and post-consumer waste, highlighting a commitment to sustainability. The walls echo the warm pink/brick tones found in the tile inserts, creating a coherent and delicate color scheme. Elegant ribbed glass elements were also incorporated, adding visual lightness and allowing light to diffuse, contributing to an airy and refined atmosphere.

The master bedroom, generously sized as is often the case in period homes, was functionally divided through a carefully designed furnishing plan: a walk-through wardrobe area leads to the sleeping zone, where the bed is located. This solution ensures order and practicality while maintaining spatial fluidity and making the most of the available square footage. The final result is a coherent, welcoming, and elegant environment where every design choice reflects the identity of the home and its inhabitants, embodying a constant balance between memory and modernity.

Ekstrem

The Ekstrem armchair by Varier, designed by Terje Ekstrøm in 1984, is an icon of Norwegian postmodern design. Its sculptural shape and unusual geometry allow for various seating positions: leaning forward with feet on the ground, sitting sideways with legs on the armrests, or reclining fully with the torso against the backrest. This versatility offers a unique and dynamic seating experience.

The frame is made of steel covered with polyurethane foam, while the upholstery is in wool tricot fabric, available in six distinctive colors. Each chair is handcrafted in Europe, ensuring high quality and attention to detail.

Featured in Via Ripamonti

Bilboquet

The Bilboquet by Flos, designed by Philippe Malouin, is a table lamp that combines functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability in a compact and versatile design. Inspired by the 16th-century French game, the lamp features two colored cylinders connected by a magnetic sphere, which acts as a pivot allowing the lamp head to rotate freely and direct light where needed.

Available in Sage, Tomato, and Linen tones, the Bilboquet stands out for its use of pigmented polycarbonate derived from a paper production byproduct instead of petroleum based materials. This not only reduces environmental impact but also gives the lamp a uniform, paint-free appearance, enhancing its durability and aesthetic quality.

The steel sphere is treated with a protective PVD coating, replacing traditional electroplating processes, to ensure a corrosion-resistant and durable finish. Its glue free design allows for easy disassembly, facilitating repair, replacement, and recycling of components.

Bilboquet is designed to adapt to various settings and needs: it can serve as a desk lamp, indirect ambient lighting, or a focused light for reading or highlighting a specific corner.

Featured in Via Ripamonti

Sedia Chiavarina

The Chiavarina chair, also known as the campanino, is a lightweight and sturdy wooden chair, symbolizing Ligurian craftsmanship and Italian design. Created in 1807 by the cabinetmaker Giuseppe Gaetano Descalzi in Chiavari, this chair is distinguished by its simple and functional structure, inspired by the French Empire style but simplified in decorative details.

Made from local woods such as wild cherry, maple, beech, and ash, the Chiavarina features a handwoven seat made from thin fibers of marsh willow, directly attached to the frame according to a system devised by Descalzi himself. This technique gives the chair surprising lightness while maintaining remarkable sturdiness, and makes it easily stackable.

Over the years, the Chiavarina has undergone various reinterpretations, preserving its artisanal essence while adapting to new styles and materials. Today, it is appreciated both for its historical value and its versatility in contemporary design.

Featured in Via Ripamonti

Simple - Yotam Ottolenghi

Yotam Ottolenghi’s book Simple is a collection of recipes designed to be tasty, quick, and easy to prepare. With a practical and creative approach, Ottolenghi offers dishes that combine fresh flavors and quality ingredients, perfect for those who want to cook without complications but without sacrificing taste. It’s ideal for lovers of Mediterranean cuisine reimagined in a modern way, with a keen focus on simplicity and efficiency.

Featured in Via Ripamonti

Konoha

The Konoha is a wall lamp designed by Yabu Pushelberg in 2023 for the Spanish brand Marset. Its distinctive design combines functionality and style, offering both direct and indirect light thanks to a 360° adjustable spotlight hidden beneath a hat-shaped lampshade. When the spotlight is directed upwards, the light is reflected to create soft ambient illumination; when aimed downwards, it provides direct light, ideal for reading.

Available in several finishes, including Black, Terracotta, Chalk, and Moss Grey, the Konoha easily adapts to various settings such as bedrooms, waiting rooms, corridors, or hotel entrances. Its compact size and elegant design make it a versatile choice for modern and refined spaces.

Featured in Via Ripamonti