The Art of Design Issue 80 2026 | Seite 52

52

PRIVATE APARTMENT

URBAN VILLA LOCATED WITHIN A NEWLY BUILT HIGH-END RESIDENTIAL COMPLEX

Located in a newly built residential building in the Washington district of Milan, the apartment unfolds over three levels and is designed for a family of five.
The project naturally interprets the typically Milanese dialogue between history and innovation. A neighborhood characterized by historic buildings and a strong presence of green spaces becomes the ideal context for a contemporary urban villa project that embraces modern design while maintaining a deep sense of warmth and balance.
The living area opens into a spacious double-height living room that enhances both natural light and the perception of space. The interiors are designed to accommodate everyday family life as well as moments of social gathering. A large sofa becomes the focal point of the room— an invitation to conviviality, relaxation, and lingering.
The dining area is organized around a large table with clean lines, framed by dark volumes and suspended lighting that emphasize its graphic character. The decorated wall adds depth and identity, defining an elegant and convivial space designed for everyday sharing.
Behind a sliding door lies a compact and efficient operational kitchen, organized in an L-shaped layout to concentrate all functions within a practical workspace. Matte black volumes interact with a light marble-effect countertop, while a wooden snack counter introduces a warm and informal touch. The result is a technical yet refined environment, perfectly balanced between functionality and discretion.
The living area extends naturally outdoors, creating continuity between interior and exterior spaces. Large openings connect the living room with a sheltered urban patio, furnished as a true outdoor room. The pergola filters the light and defines the convivial area,
while perimeter greenery ensures privacy and tranquility, isolating the space from the surrounding urban context. It becomes a measured and refined extension of the living area, designed to enjoy outdoor living throughout the seasons as an integral part of the home.
The staircase on the ground floor becomes a central architectural element within the living space— a light and contemporary gesture that crosses the room without weighing it down. Cantilevered steps and a transparent glass balustrade emphasize the double height and amplify natural light, creating a continuous dialogue between the different levels of the house. More than a simple vertical connection, the staircase becomes a design statement that merges functionality and aesthetics, contributing to the airy and sophisticated atmosphere of the home.
The color palette is delicate and refined. Neutral tones— ivory, sand, and warm greys— interact with the warmth of natural wood parquet