L'Appartamento in Milan
What could be more dreamy than your favorite designers taking on a room each in a 19th century palazzo?
I’m back! I landed from Milan the other day and I have so much to share with you. I have seen SO MUCH furniture it’s ridiculous. My brain has not caught up with what my eyes have seen and I am still making sense of it all. But one experience stands out that I want to show you; L’Appartamento by Artemest. Inside Palazzo Donizetti, six internationally acclaimed interior design studios—1508 London, Champalimaud Design, Meyer Davis, Nebras Aljoaib, Romanek Design Studio and Simone Haag each transformed a distinct room.
Not to brag (well just a little) but we were able to access this location with our design tour group before everyone else, thanks to Angelica who’s a reader here on the Style Studies. This meant that we avoided a 3 hour (!!) line during Milan Design Week and we were able to see the spaces and meet the designers without hoards of people crowding the space. It felt quite luxurious and unhurried. Thank you so much Angelica!
If you’d like to join Bree and I next year in Milan, pop your name down here and you’ll get first access to information.
The Foyer by Simone Haag
Making our way up the first floor of Palazzo Donizetti via an eliptical staircase, the anticipation was building. We entered the foyer and were warmly greeted by our dear friend Simone Haag. Looking glamorous as always we chatted and shared one of those ‘pinch me’ moments to soak in this huge career achievement for Simone.
In the foyer Simone showcased her talent for combining pieces ‘that should not go together but just work’ to paraphrase her words. The pieces that she selected for the foyer work because they are bold and slightly edgy. They aren’t too ‘pretty’ against the detailed frescoes of the room. Each wall panel reveals a richly detailed delicate floral motif with bold furniture pieces creating the perfect juxtaposition.
The red chunky geometric coffee table anchors the room with a cream upholstered modular sofa and ottomans surrounding it with characterful lighting creating interest in the edges. It’s unexpected yet captures the Italianate spirit perfectly.
(also, you can shop the looks of each of these rooms at Artemest, if you feel so inclined!)
The Reading Room by Nebras Aljoaib
The Reading Room is through the first wooden doors off the foyer. The room was designed by Nebras Aljoaib, a Saudi designer and it was beautifully curated. I loved all of the furniture pieces and lighting she chose for her room, especially the unique desk chair and stone sling chair.
It’s really cool discovering new designers work this way.
The Oval Grand Salon by Meyer Davis
I mean you guys, this room was incredible. The oval shape was enhanced by a wonderfully decorated and painted ceiling. The windows looked out onto the street below, it was a dream.
Do you want to know my honest opinion? It didn’t knock my socks off like the foyer and reading room. For me, it felt too ‘pretty’ against the already pretty room and didn’t have that tension that makes a space vibey.
The Dining Room by Brigette Romanek Design Studio
I loved the way this dining room wasn’t predictable. The dining tables were a unique shape that locked in together and the chairs were mixed. The space looked like it had evolved over time, building on a clients art collection. Wall hangings, decorative plates and mirrors adorned the walls.
But can I tell you the best thing about this room? I met Brigette and she was so warm, friendly and gorgeous. We had a lovely chat about how spaces should feel ‘lived in’ and if you’ve been reading over here for a while, you know that’s what I’m all about. That’s what I loved about her space that although it’s grand, the way she has decorated it, it’s welcoming and not intimidating.
Other Highlights
With so many rooms I’m going to give you the highlights.
And if you still want more news from what was seen at Milan Design Week - we’re serving up all of the main themes, materials, colours and ideas for you to implement right away into your design practice.
The Milan In-Review event is your practical, no-fluff guide to what actually happened at Salone del Mobile.
Yes, some of the installations were delightfully abstract (hello, giant inflatable goblin), but we’re cutting through the spectacle to bring you the real takeaways—the colours, textures, shapes and ideas you can use right now to level up your interior design game.
And keep reading for more design inspiration!
Your jet-lagged and incredibly inspired friend,
Lauren