By Ali Ikhwan 
A stone’s throw from the majestic Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie, nestled within a distinguished historic building on Corso Magenta, lies a 484-square-foot Milan apartment that masterfully narrates the story of a family of Sicilian entrepreneurs. This compact yet sophisticated urban dwelling serves as a testament to their dynamic lifestyle, balancing their roots in the sun-drenched shores near Syracuse, Italy, with their professional engagements across London and New York City. For years, this family has sought a Milanese sanctuary that could seamlessly synthesize their multifaceted lives, a quest that culminated in the acquisition of this recently redeveloped Corso Magenta apartment, where only the building’s historic facade remains as a sentinel of its past.
The ambitious undertaking of reimagining the interiors fell to Danielle Cohen, Chiara Confalonieri, and Iris Capra of Studio dxp architetti. Having cultivated a long-standing professional relationship with the family, the trio embarked on a three-year collaborative journey, working in lockstep with the clients and contractor to meticulously define every aspect of the residence. This extended period of co-creation underscores the dedication to achieving a truly bespoke living space, one that not only meets the practical demands of a globetrotting family but also resonates with their personal aesthetic and Sicilian heritage.
Overcoming Dimensional Constraints with Ingenuity
The paramount challenge presented by this apartment was its contained dimensions. The design team’s primary objective was to maximize every square inch, concentrating all essential home functions within the limited footprint. This was achieved through a strategic division of the living space along a central axis, envisioned as a unifying hall that would fluidly connect the living room, hallway, and bedroom.
The finished apartment now features a striking herringbone parquet floor that defines this central artery. Complementing this is a sophisticated ceiling track lighting system by Wever & Ducré, which acts not merely as an illumination source but as a narrative device. The light guides movement, accentuates depth, and crucially, amplifies the perception of spaciousness, making the apartment feel larger than its actual square footage.
A continuous wall integrates a series of concentrated storage solutions and technical functions, all seamlessly concealed within custom wooden built-ins. This design choice mirrors the efficiency and thoughtful planning often found in naval architecture, where every element is meticulously considered and nothing is left to chance. The materiality, particularly the use of Canaletto walnut, plays a vital role in unifying the apartment’s aesthetic from the entrance to the furthest reaches of the living space. This wood not only delineates key architectural features but also imbues the home with a sense of warmth and continuity.
The deliberate choice of made-to-measure furniture was essential in overcoming the spatial limitations. A prime example is the bench that elegantly wraps around the breakfast nook table, an intelligent solution for maximizing seating in a compact dining area. Similarly, the main living room features a custom-designed sofa, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal utilization of the available space. This commitment to bespoke pieces highlights a design philosophy that prioritizes functionality and integration, transforming potential constraints into opportunities for creative problem-solving.
A Harmonious Blend of Materials and Textures
The design narrative extends to the kitchen, a space custom-designed and manufactured by Zero Otto Arredi. The cabinetry, rendered in rich Canaletto walnut, is complemented by sleek black metal recessed handles. The countertop boasts a Dekton finish with a travertine-effect marble appearance, offering both durability and a sophisticated aesthetic. On the shelves, vases from the Roman collection by Polspotten add a touch of artisanal charm and a subtle nod to classical design influences.
In the living area, an armchair from Kave Home is thoughtfully positioned alongside coffee tables from La Redoute and Westwing. A sideboard by Sklum and a smoked glass wall lamp by Marset complete the ensemble, creating a layered and inviting atmosphere. The custom chaise longue by Villa Salotti, upholstered in a luxurious Sweet Seduction fabric by Carlucci, provides a comfortable and elegant focal point.
The dining area features a Gravity 2 lamp by Forestier suspended above a Menorca table by Westwing. The accompanying Lali chairs by Sklum, paired with a custom upholstered bench in Sentimental Spirit fabric, create a convivial setting for meals. This thoughtful selection of furnishings demonstrates a careful balance between comfort, style, and practicality, ensuring that each space serves its intended purpose while contributing to the overall design coherence.
Unexpected Graphics and Sicilian Echoes
Drawing inspiration from Milan’s historic buildings, characterized by their ornate and decorative surfaces, the apartment incorporates elements that introduce an element of surprise and visual intrigue. The vestibule entrance, for instance, is adorned with Dedar’s QB Wall wallpaper, featuring an unexpected woven graphic pattern that immediately sets a unique tone. This choice signifies a departure from conventional entryway design, signaling the apartment’s distinctive character.
The color palette leans towards warm white tones and the sophisticated allure of green marble. These hues define both the bathroom and the main living area, the latter being conceptualized as a convivial and highly functional space. The custom-made corner seating in the living area is a prime example of this philosophy, optimizing the apartment’s footprint while creating an inviting zone for relaxation and social interaction.
The sleeping quarters, however, hold a special place in the owners’ affections. Here, a bespoke headboard not only serves as a comfortable and stylish element but also cleverly integrates storage solutions, seamlessly blending into the closet design. This ingenious approach to space-saving is a recurring theme throughout the apartment, reflecting a deep understanding of the clients’ needs and lifestyle.
A Masterpiece of Compact Living
The final result is a compact apartment that masterfully transcends its dimensional limitations. Through the strategic use of custom-made furniture, textured surfaces, and a coherent design language, each element contributes to a harmonious and sophisticated living environment. This project is more than just an exercise in architectural style; it is a profound reflection of the family it houses – their Sicilian heritage, their international outlook, and their unwavering belief that a home, regardless of its size or location, should be an authentic expression of its inhabitants.
The apartment’s design process, which spanned three years, involved close collaboration between the architectural team and the clients. This dedication to a shared vision ensured that the final outcome was not only aesthetically pleasing but also deeply personal. The selection of materials, such as the recurring use of Canaletto walnut, and the integration of bespoke storage solutions, speak to a desire for both enduring quality and practical elegance.
The bathroom, a sanctuary of calm, features Marble Look Verde Aver tiles by Marazzi, lending a luxurious and natural feel. A side table from La Redoute and Afteroom metal wall hooks by Audo Copenhagen add functional accents. The bathroom fittings, including the Rubinetterie Tortona by Gessi, exemplify the commitment to high-quality, design-forward elements. A custom-designed door, produced by Zero Otto Arredi, further enhances the bespoke nature of the space.
The overarching success of this Milanese apartment lies in its ability to create a sense of generosity and spaciousness within a constrained footprint. The designers have managed to imbue the 484-square-foot dwelling with a feeling of expansiveness, proving that thoughtful design and meticulous attention to detail can transform even the smallest of spaces into luxurious and highly functional homes. The apartment stands as a compelling case study in modern urban living, demonstrating how a deep understanding of client needs, coupled with innovative design solutions, can result in a truly exceptional living experience.
The project, originally featured in AD Italy, highlights the growing trend of optimizing smaller urban spaces for discerning clients. In an era where city living often means smaller apartments, this renovation offers a blueprint for how to create elegant, comfortable, and highly functional homes that cater to the demands of a modern, mobile lifestyle. The family’s ability to maintain a strong connection to their Sicilian roots while embracing an international perspective is beautifully encapsulated within the walls of this Corso Magenta residence, proving that a home can indeed tell a compelling story of identity and belonging.