Milan apartment unlocks spring with blush marble
A restored Milan apartment, boasting a breathtaking Rosso Francia marble floor, is injecting a dose of springtime color and sophisticated design into the city’s heart.
A palette inspired by the season
Valencia Biscottini, the architectural firm behind the renovation, meticulously preserved the original 18th-century marble, using it as the cornerstone for a soft, pastel palette—a deliberate move away from heavier tones. The result is an interior that feels remarkably fresh and inviting, a welcome contrast to the city’s typically grey skies.
Key design elements
The living room anchors itself around a striking Marenco sofa upholstered in 100% cotton, complemented by Tacchini’s Pluto coffee tables and the iconic USM Haller modular console. Ignazio Gardella’s LP6 wall sconces pay homage to Parisian style, while Elettra armchairs from B.B.P.R. studio and Tacchini’s Pluto tables add a touch of playful geometry. It’s a considered collection, each piece echoing the overarching seasonal theme.
Beyond the initial impression
But the project extends far beyond a simple color shift. John William Valencia explains, "We wanted to tone down the colors, and bring them toward a dimension closer to the colors of spring." This is evident in the newly commissioned terrazzo floor, embedded with the same Rosso Francia red in earthy hues, and the subtly shifting beige walls that respond to natural light. The firm’s attention to detail is remarkable, from the discreet guest bathroom concealed behind bookshelves to the meticulously crafted Italian herringbone oak parquet in the bedrooms.
A harmonious blend
The design seamlessly integrates natural light, drawing the outdoors in through floor-to-ceiling windows. The spaces flow together, creating a cohesive atmosphere where the muted terrazzo continues throughout the hallways and kitchen, grounding the design with warm, natural tones. Wooden cabinetry provides further stability, while carefully placed lighting fixtures—from Oluce’s Giardino collection to Luceplan’s Gio Ponti fixtures—cast a soft, inviting glow.
A quiet luxury
Mutina’s Pico tiles in shades of pink and blue dominate the bathrooms, offering a subtle, sophisticated contrast. Throughout the apartment, the meticulous curation of lamps and light fixtures by esteemed houses like Oluce, Luceplan, Azucena, Servomuto, and Flos contributes to the overall ambiance – a delicate balance of color and light. The Noah bed by Bolzan in the master bedroom, and the unique Rosso Francia marble floor are the defining elements of this exceptional residence.
Final note
Giuseppe Biscottini emphasizes the importance of the outdoor greenery, stating, “It became an integral part of the home’s color scheme.” This apartment isn’t just a renovation; it's a testament to the power of thoughtful design, demonstrating how a single, enduring element – the Rosso Francia marble – can spark a transformation and breathe new life into a space.