A mix of past and contemporary. Pierattelli Architetture designs the interiors of a flat in a fifteenth-century palazzo in Florence Bold colours, tailor-made solutions, natural materials and designer pieces: these are the ingredients for a restyling that intends to preserve the charm of the location and its history Florence, Italy | An ancient history, brought back to life in the present. In the charm of generous interiors, local materials, ornate frescoed ceilings mixed with contemporary reworkings that feature signature photos and designer pieces of excellence. In Borgo San Frediano, the district in Florence on “the other side of the Arno River”, the “Oltrarno”, voted one of the coolest in the world with its narrow streets and a melting pot of small artisan workshops, new bars, boutiques, bistros, and restaurants, Pierattelli Architetture breathes new life into a 240 m2 apartment, restyling it to create an elegant functional sense of welcome that reflects both the identity and eclecticism of this location.
Warm, bold colours, tailor-made artisan solutions and natural materials define the light-filled spacious interiors where the neutral hues of the walls contrast with the nuances of the painted ceilings. Existing important artwork such as the coffered ceilings and frescoes add value to the entire house and testify to its long history. This home has a large living area, featuring a living room connected to the kitchen and dining room, and a more secluded sleeping area.
The entrance hall, created ex novo during the restyling, was defined by the architects through design of a curved panel with a brass base and a structure in ribbed oak, an effect that makes the piece even more unique. This curved line then continues throughout the living area thanks to the choice of furniture such as the semi-circular modular sofa in Venise beige, designed by Gabriele & Oscar Buratti for Lema, in dialogue with the soft lines of the two Archibald armchairs, designed by Frenchman Jean Marie Massaud for Poltrona Frau. The bookcase was designed by the architects and handcrafted in Canaletto walnut and honey oak, while the suspended TV cabinet is by Lema. To give a sense of warmth and "embrace" the various elements present, the architects designed a circular rug with big visual impact, made in Pakistan, which also links the various colours on display, from the various shades of blue to orange and light beiges.
The two openings of the living room lead into the dining room with an open kitchen. The room reflects a sophisticated style and a sense of composure, and is furnished with iconic design pieces such as the oval, marble-topped Tulip dining table designed by Eero Saarinen, surrounded by comfortable seating such as Warren Platner's Platner Chair, both produced by Knoll. The dining area is lit by the golden Skygarden hanging lamp, by Marcel Wanders for Flos, a brand also represented by the two black IC Lights, by Cypriot designer Michael Anastassiades in the kitchen area, produced by Elmar in wood and brass to a design by the architects, with a walnut travertine top made by a local craftsman in warm Mediterranean earthy tones, enhanced by the red of the Archibald stools by Poltrona Frau.
The characterising element of the bedrooms, one the master and the other reserved for guests, is the Canaletto walnut headboard designed by Pierattelli Architetture, which in both separates the sleeping area from a wardrobe space with functional chest of drawers. The apartment is rounded out by a study and two bathrooms that feature different types of travertine—classic for the master bathroom and moonlight blue for the guest bathroom—completely renovated by the architects. A Turkish bath can be found on the second floor, accessed via a spiral staircase in pietra serena, an original element of the apartment.
Throughout the house, the original floor in Tuscan terracotta, one of the oldest and most traditional materials, has been preserved, and its reddish hues lend a sense of warmth to the rooms, and there are artistic photographs by the Frenchman Hervé Saint Hélier hung at various points on the walls.
Team:
Architects: Pierattelli Architetture
Photographer: Iuri Niccolai
Materials Used:
Furnishings: Lema, Poltrona Frau, Knoll, Flos
Kitchen: Elmar
