In the heart of Milan, two distinct apartments have undergone remarkable transformations, showcasing the power of subtle yet impactful design interventions. These projects, led by renowned studios Moitié Studio and Chromastudio demonstrate how thoughtful architectural decisions can redefine living spaces, enhancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
The first project, a 1930s Rationalist apartment, was revitalized by Francesco Gennaro and Giorgia Rossi of Moitié Studio. Their approach focused on restoring the apartment’s original flow and light, transforming it from a dark, compartmentalized space into a bright, open family home. The second project, Residenza B05 was reimagined by Chromastudio who used color as a structural element to organize the space, creating a vibrant and dynamic living environment.
The Art of Subtle Transformation
At the core of both projects is the philosophy that the most effective design solutions are often the ones you barely notice. In the 1930s apartment, what appears to be a simple feature wall is actually a cleverly concealed storage unit. A mirrored volume not only hides a home bar but also reflects light, enhancing the Even an awkward structural pillar was transformed into a functional and aesthetically pleasing element.
These ‘micro-architectures,’ as Moitié Studio refers to them, completely alter the way the apartment is experienced. The designers focused on restraint, carefully restoring existing details and allowing them to ‘migrate’ to other parts of the home, creating a cohesive and sophisticated interior. This approach is evident in the painstaking restoration of the original floor, which was extended to reconnect every room, and the use of a soft, creamy palette that allows light to travel effortlessly through the space.
Color as Structure
In contrast, Chromastudio approached the redesign of Residenza B05 by treating color as a structural element rather than mere decoration. The studio threaded a central corridor through approximately fifteen interrelated tones, using chromatic fields to define different functions and spaces. This innovative use of color eliminates the need for traditional partitions, creating a fluid and dynamic living environment.
The living area unfolds as an open-plan sequence, with a peach-colored ceiling guiding the eye toward the sage-green kitchen. The corridor itself is conceived as an inhabitable space, featuring a large custom-built wardrobe that absorbs the laundry area and a burgundy ceiling with softly rounded corners. This design turns what would typically be residual space into a lived-in environment, enhancing the
Functional Aesthetics
Both projects emphasize the integration of practical features into the architectural design. In the 1930s apartment, bespoke joinery conceals storage while framing walnut bookshelves, creating a calm and organized living room. The mirrored volume not only hides a walnut home bar but also reflects light, exaggerating the sense of scale and depth in the space.
Similarly, Residenza B05 features a bespoke sliding partition built in glass, with graphic arches that mark the threshold between the living room and kitchen. This detail recalls Parisian architectural imagery, responding to the clients’ wish to bring memories of their time in Paris into their Milanese home. The use of color extends into the private areas, where deep greens, soft pinks, and terrazzo surfaces combine to create a cohesive and visually striking interior.
These projects demonstrate that the most effective design solutions are often the ones that blend seamlessly into the living environment, enhancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal. By focusing on subtle yet impactful interventions, these studios have transformed two Milan apartments into light-filled, dynamic spaces that prioritize the needs and preferences of their inhabitants.
