The journey of transforming an apartment into a living masterpiece took flight with the discovery of a hidden gem—a faded fresco beneath layers of plaster and paint. Andres Eduardo Avanzi, a talented architect hailing from Chile, stumbled upon a whisper of soft blue during the initial stages of renovating his apartment nestled within a late 19th-century edifice in the heart of Bologna. This serendipitous encounter sparked a cascade of inspiration, setting the tone for a truly distinctive reimagining.
With painstaking care and devotion, the layers of history were meticulously peeled away, revealing the vibrant hues of the original fresco. What emerged became the cornerstone of the entire aesthetic—a palette of light blue, pastel pink, soft yellow, and gentle greens, woven seamlessly into every aspect of design, from materials and finishes to furnishings and lighting.
The essence of neo-classical grandeur permeates the space, harmonizing effortlessly with contemporary sensibilities. Lime-plastered walls and matte marble surfaces bestow a subtle antiquated allure, while straw-yellow oak floors and plush velvet upholstery in shades echoing the fresco’s hues infuse warmth and sophistication.
For Andres and his partner Martina Vesco, co-creators of Atelier Avanzi, crafting an environment transcends mere design—it’s a symphony of curated elements, a meticulous orchestration of form and function. Their own abode is a testament to this philosophy, a sanctuary where past and present converge in harmonious dialogue.
Throughout the six-month renovation journey, every design decision underwent scrutiny by the city commission for the superintendence of fine arts, honoring the heritage of the building with reverence. Structural alterations were kept to a minimum, with the removal of a dividing corridor serving to amplify the sense of space within the living area, where ceilings soar to majestic heights of over 3 meters.
Drawing inspiration from the timeless elegance of Haussmannian architecture, the interior is adorned with iconic pieces that pay homage to design luminaries. From Gio Ponti’s Leggera chairs to Knoll’s Platner table, each element exudes a refined aesthetic, allowing the eye to wander freely amidst the interplay of textures and colors.
In the living room, a sumptuous pink velvet sofa takes center stage, complemented by forest green armchairs and bespoke carpets that weave narratives of contemporary artistry. The bedroom exudes tranquility, with a palette of white and light blue enveloping the space in serene sophistication.
Art becomes an integral part of the narrative, with pieces by Tonino Gottarelli and Ayano Yamamoto adorning the walls, infusing the ambiance with ethereal beauty and poetic resonance. A serendipitous encounter with a painting titled “Attesa” further intertwines the personal with the artistic, symbolizing the imminent arrival of a new chapter—the birth of Andres and Martina’s daughter.
In this reimagined sanctuary, every stroke of color, every curated artifact, speaks to a deeper narrative—a testament to the transformative power of inspiration, and the timeless allure of design reimagined.
