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As designers when we visit Milan we are always inquisitive about those glorious Milanese Palazzi. We look up at the facades wondering what lies beneath the walls, what lifestyle is portrayed behind the curtains, what designs have been created, what references are present to the historic symbolism of the structure, what is the overall ceiling height and finally and most importantly if only we knew the owners to end all our hypothetical whats. Well we are delighted to say ‘WE KNOW THE OWNERS’ of one of the great ones and of course we went behind the walls. The doors of this 18th century Palazzo were opened to us by the talented designers of DIMORESTUDIO. Britt Moran and Emiliano Salci have very cleverly set up their studio on the ground floor and their residence on the upper level, taking advantage of this wonderful structure 24/7.

The residence has been designed creating a unique en vogue atmosphere with great detailing and timeless elegance. Upon entrance we instantly fell in love with the white French window and balcony door framings. Shutters from another circa with deep moldings and patterned ceiling designs are exactly what we anticipated from these interiors. This timeless character is also interpreted in the white glazed double door interior framing. The French influence is present in the different and eloquent finishes of these door frame details. A transitional style incorporated also in the build in fixtures to empasise the balance and character. One can say it’s a blend of Daliesque style meets French socialite.

A marriage of excellence. A key fixture which makes these structures even more dominant is the colour palette present throughout the residence. The colour selected by the designers is a dusty grey tone which brings out the frames from the walls and encompasses an elegant atmosphere. Another element which it brings out is all that is black, from the loose furniture items to the very slick and mod painted lower bottom detail. A skirting board illusion consisting of a black linear design taking advantage of the great ceiling heights by allowing this detail to be of a sufficient height. 

In the decorative finishes present there is a unity of materials such as corroded metals with aged silver and oxidized brass. The kitchen consists of a modern worktop bench with a retro ceiling pendant and a worn out cupboard storage unit. Everything has an uncontrolled balance which blends together creating an interior from different eras with historical pieces. This is most apparent in the greatness of the living room. The blue velvet low 40’s type sofa is combined with a Serge Mouille wall light an antique secretaire and a collection of ceramic vase objects. All these fixtures are submerged creating a room were everything has a meaning and an importance. Nothing is put anywhere within this space because it looks good. Most furniture pieces are original antiques placed beside modern fixtures made out of precious materials. There are different fabics, styles, colours and furniture pieces in one space which work well together not creating chaos but originality.

This presence of variety is of course also incorporated in the private quarters of the master bedroom. Different vintage light pendants are hanging down un-symmetrically from the ceiling not following the guided laws of light per each side and same night stands. Here everything is placed as an original with no cookie cutter design. With this ideology it is incorporated that all items are one of a kind and have a great importance to the owner. The cupboard storage is wall hung and under light, a modern approach one might say but once more with a finish of vintage importance and value.

This residence is an overall original. It follows no written rules or guidelines but those of the designers beliefs and lifestyle. There is a greatness of optimism when we discover interiors such as this, exuberating originality and a very particular and strong design system. We like designers that think outside the box and have the confidence to break away from the heard.  Designers that when we are able to see behind their walls they surprise us and inspire us. Designers such as DIMORESTUDIO.