A Flat in Empoli

A radical make-over has transformed a Seventies flat into a contemporary home with metropolitan accents. Although the colour black prevails indoors, the atmosphere has been rendered warm and welcoming through a perfect combination of details, materials and finish. The strong, sleek character of black is mitigated by the vibrant whiteness of Biancone di Asiago marble, used for all the floors.

Carefully selected furniture and accessories of linear and austere style draw warmth from a number of twentieth-century pieces and from carefully distributed touches of décor. Dominated by an ample curved wall and by an imposing mirror, the entrance hall offers access to the kitchen, studio, and living area.

The layout has been analysed and revolutionised and the rooms along the corridor redistributed into an unusual sequence of spaces, some of which are dedicated to entertaining guests; while others, more private and intimate, are used exclusively by the family. Under the aegis of all-black and elegance, the sitting and dining rooms – which in the Seventies were separated by a wall and glass doors – have been transformed into an open, modern living space, with a large convivial table; a corner for reading and listening to music; and with sofas for the conversation area.

The finishing touch is provided by light curtains running along the entire perimeter of the room: a solution that merges and amplifies the spatial sequence, filtering the light from the large windows and creating a soft, velvety atmosphere. The living room leads into the sleeping area, where the styles and colours of the master bedroom and bathroom form a counterpoint to one another. With their minimal and ethno-chic accents – and a well-balanced mixture of designer objects, grandma’s furniture, antiques, and custom-made pieces – the rooms speak a contemporary language.