A contemporary spirit for an early 20th century Milanese apartment

Just beyond the Spanish Walls of Milan, an apartment in the Risorgimento area has just been renovated to accommodate a family of four. Originally made up of two separate and adjoining units, it was later converted into a single dwelling after being acquired by the same owners, who retained the double access from the staircase. A double living room is the focal point and true manifesto of the entire project by 2b Architects: a large sliding partition in glass and white wood divides the space, separating the living area from the "music room" and making the space both lighter and more flexible. Traces of the original early 20th century house can be seen in this room: the plasterwork decorations on the ceiling, typical of the period, have been restored and left visible.

The herringbone oak parquet floor and the white boiserie that runs along the walls of the living room enhance the design objects punctuating the room, from the Lampe de Marseille and wall sconces designed by Le Corbusier to the Bellhop Table by Flos and the chairs and tables typical of Scandinavian design.

The same system of glass walls is repeated in the kitchen, the first of the rooms arranged in an L-shape around the living room and divided by a central corridor, which also houses a mini laundry room. Three bedrooms complete the apartment – a master suite and two singles for the owners’ daughters – and two bathrooms, a larger one in the sleeping area and a service bathroom for guests.