Casa Draghi
Carlo Oriente

Timeless Elegance: The Renovation of a Historic Apartment in an Early 20th-Century Building

Nestled within the heart of a historic early 20th-century building—defined by its tuff masonry and wooden beam ceilings—this apartment has undergone a radical transformation. The renovation was driven by a desire to uncover its hidden potential while adapting the space to meet the needs of contemporary living.

photo_credit Carlo Oriente
Carlo Oriente
photo_credit Carlo Oriente
Carlo Oriente

By removing unnecessary partitions, the project restored the apartment’s original essence, allowing natural light to play a central role in every room. The newly open layout created a harmonious flow of interconnected spaces where comfort and functionality are the foundation of the design.

photo_credit Carlo Oriente
Carlo Oriente
photo_credit Carlo Oriente
Carlo Oriente

The living area, featuring original terrazzo flooring that recalls the home’s history, opens onto a spacious west-facing terrace. Here, afternoon sunlight enhances the apartment’s warm tones, creating an inviting, vibrant atmosphere. The kitchen, elegantly separated from the living room by a custom system of bookshelves and glass-panelled doors with gridded glass, becomes a flexible space—able to open up for social moments or close off for privacy, without disrupting the visual continuity.

photo_credit Carlo Oriente
Carlo Oriente
photo_credit Carlo Oriente
Carlo Oriente

The sleeping quarters are designed to provide maximum intimacy and practicality. A generous hallway serves as a transitional space between the living area and the private rooms, leading to two bedrooms, a bathroom, a laundry room, and a home office. Hungarian herringbone oak flooring brings a sense of refined warmth, visually connecting the night area with the rest of the apartment.

photo_credit Carlo Oriente
Carlo Oriente
photo_credit Carlo Oriente
Carlo Oriente

One of the defining features of this renovation is the use of boiserie, extending along the ceilings and the upper portions of the walls. This refined “white crown” visually lightens the ceiling, giving it a floating effect. The separation between the upper and lower wall sections, accentuated by a trim aligned with the doors and window frames, adds a discreet elegance to every room.

photo_credit Carlo Oriente
Carlo Oriente

The master bedroom is a true retreat, complete with an en-suite bathroom and a walk-in closet. Bathed in natural light filtering through glazed doors, the closet creates a serene, functional corner that enriches the room without overwhelming it.

photo_credit Carlo Oriente
Carlo Oriente
photo_credit Carlo Oriente
Carlo Oriente

In the bathrooms, every detail has been carefully curated to blend the building’s heritage with modern needs. The guest bathroom features tiles that recall traditional designs, while the master bath incorporates salvaged tiles from the apartment’s original living room, creating a visual and emotional bridge between past and present. This thoughtful reuse of materials reflects a deep respect for the building’s history, without compromising on contemporary function and aesthetics.

photo_credit Carlo Oriente
Carlo Oriente
photo_credit Carlo Oriente
Carlo Oriente

All furnishings were custom-designed—from the living room cabinetry to the bathroom fixtures—using sophisticated materials that echo the home’s historic character and warm palette, such as Vienna straw and gridded glass. Carefully selected design pieces, including Miniforms furniture and Fontanarte light fixtures, enhance the interior with a continuous dialogue between contemporary design and architectural heritage.

photo_credit Carlo Oriente
Carlo Oriente
photo_credit Carlo Oriente
Carlo Oriente

This renovation transformed the apartment into a luminous, functional, and emotionally rich living space. Every element—from spatial layout to material selection—tells a story of craftsmanship and intention, where natural light ties everything together, creating an environment designed for daily wellbeing and timeless beauty.

Caption
Share or Add Casa Draghi to your Collections