Milanese couple blends vintage charm with modern flair in 1960s apartment renovation
A young Milanese couple has meticulously restored their 1960s apartment in the Sant’Ambrogio neighborhood, weaving together retro elements with contemporary design – a testament to thoughtful curation rather than a wholesale overhaul.
A harmonious dialogue between old and new
Vincenzo Ferrieri and Stefania Faraone Ferrieri, active in the worlds of catering and fashion, sought to honor the apartment's history while tailoring it to their modern lifestyle. The second-floor residence, nestled within a building dating back to the 1960s, possessed a palpable soul that resonated with the couple, prompting them to preserve key features.
“It had been neglected for years, yet it retained its soul, which led us to decide to keep some of the furnishings,” Stefania explains. The couple zeroed in on the apartment’s original marble flooring, seeing it as a cornerstone of its character.
To guide the renovation, they enlisted the expertise of Lucrezia Calvi of LC Atelier, an AD100 Italy honoree known for her sensitive approach to restoration. Calvi’s philosophy centered on respecting the existing fabric of the Home, creating a dialogue between the old and the new.
The use of a purple Cipollino marble portal immediately signals the Home's unified color palette, which extends throughout. Straw wallpaper in the hallways evokes an earthy materiality that complements the rich Canaletto walnut, a prominent material throughout the space. The kitchen, a key area for Stefania’s culinary pursuits, blends a white resin floor with cream-colored tiles and the signature purple island.
The living area features a large mirrored wall and a custom table surrounded by chairs inherited from the previous owner. Central to the space is a Canaletto walnut bookcase, custom-designed around an artwork by Emilio Isgrò, a gift commemorating Vincenzo’s 40th birthday. The bookcase also displays a model of a Riva motorboat and books reflecting their passions – the sea, fashion, and cooking.
Even the master bedroom incorporates layers of time, with a restored 1960s headboard and a custom-upholstered closet. Throughout the apartment, vintage accents – 1960s and 70s mirrors and chandeliers – are thoughtfully integrated into the contemporary design, acting as