The quest for early modern Milan, in a former factory

Walnut White is an apartment located within the former Borletti factory, an eclectic-style building constructed in the early 1900s, once used for producing clocks, alarms, and sewing machines. The liberty ambiance that once filled the space still seems to define the stylistic character of this place, especially in the interiors of this elegant contemporary residence, despite the radical change in purpose following its recent restoration.

The project, curated by PLUS ULTRA, operates on three main levels.
The first involves the color scheme, which features a palette of neutral colors paired with rich material textures, from the dark wenge flooring to the reeded walnut panels adding depth to the surfaces, further enhanced by decorative elements such as light-colored boiseries and moldings that run along the walls.

The second level focuses on the flexibility of certain solutions, such as the translucent partition between the dining room and kitchen, where semi-transparent panels can slide to either divide or unite continuous spaces, continuously altering their perception. The ways in which natural light is reflected or absorbed create shifting atmospheres that highlight the material qualities of the finishes. 

The third level involves the selection and custom design of the furnishings — a curated ensemble of pieces that compose a new, elegant narrative, at times eccentric but never verging on kitsch. The harmony among these three lines creates what the designers describe as a “refined homeliness and sophisticated elegance,” embodying an ever-renewing tradition of Italian interiors.