Margine Studio has recently completed the renovation of a bright apartment in Rome‘s Monti district. This charming space is located near Colle Oppio Park and just a short walk from the historic Domus Aurea. The space is set at the top flor of Villino Brini-Meschini, a unique example of Roman “barocchetto” architecture, designed in 1923 by architect Pietro Aschieri.
The villa was commissioned by notable Art Nouveau decorators, and features a staircase with a beautifully carved solid cherrywood handrail that leads to the attic once owned by Brini. In this attic, the painter left his mark with a trompe l’œil that visually connects to the pentagonal window on the main façade.
During the initial inspection of the apartment, additional historical elements were uncovered, including study sketches attributed to Brini’s son, Ercole. A renowned graphic artist and set designer, Ercole collaborated with famous filmmakers like Fellini and created iconic film posters for works such as Antonioni’s Blow-Up and Pasolini’s Mamma Roma. The creative legacy of both father and son resonates throughout the apartment, reflecting their artistic contributions and the rich history embedded in the space.
A Roman surgeon approached Margine Studio with a vision to transform his apartment into a haven of contemporary elegance. He envisioned a clean, minimalist design that would perfectly align with his family’s lifestyle. His preference for deep, luxurious hues aimed to create a striking contrast against the abundant natural light pouring in from the three expansive windows in the attic.
Preliminary surveys revealed a hidden gem: the dropped ceilings in the living room and bedrooms concealed a stunning vaulted ceiling crafted from stone and supported by robust steel beams. Restoring this architectural feature not only elevated the living room’s aesthetic but also enhanced its overall grandeur.
The old, worn parquet flooring was replaced with exquisite walnut planks interspersed with oak, meticulously aligned with the ceiling beams. Meanwhile, the existing fireplace underwent a transformation into a sleek, minimalist design, clad in concrete slabs and suspended above a microcement base that doubles as a bench, seamlessly connecting the living room to the veranda area and harmonizing the historic home with its modern enhancements.
The veranda, once a modest panel-covered structure, has undergone a stunning transformation into a contemporary kitchen that beautifully merges with the outdoors. Designed for clients who have a deep passion for culinary arts, this space is a celebration of light and connection.
The kitchen, crafted from steel and suspended from the veranda’s framework, gives the illusion of floating, enhancing the airy feel. The flooring echoes the material of the fireplace base, while the ceiling showcases bi-chromatic planks that mirror those in the living room, creating a cohesive aesthetic.
Stepping through the glass doors of the veranda, one is greeted by a terrace that boasts breathtaking views of Colle Oppio and the iconic Colosseum. The terrace is elegantly paved with colored terracotta bricks arranged in a herringbone pattern, reminiscent of traditional Roman designs. A pergola, perfectly aligned with the veranda, provides a shaded area for outdoor dining, adorned with newly planted jasmine that adds a touch of nature’s fragrance to the experience.
Upon re-entering the home, a wooden door leads to the private quarters, including bedrooms and bathrooms, contrasting beautifully with the adjacent bookshelf. The master bedroom, featuring a captivating view of the Colosseum, is enhanced by Prussian blue walls and the restoration of the original modular parquet flooring.
A striking central lamp, Groppi’s Moon, casts a soft glow, reminiscent of a starlit sky. The previous kitchen and bathroom have been ingeniously combined to create a cozy small bedroom, complete with a custom-built alcove that features a raised bed and storage drawers, while the unique flooring design divides the space into four distinct quadrants, showcasing alternating walnut planks.
The former single bedroom has been transformed into two distinct bathrooms: a compact one for everyday use and a more spacious, private retreat for the master suite. Both spaces are adorned with Agape fixtures, creating a captivating sensory experience through the interplay of rough and smooth textures. The loft areas, characterized by their wooden trusses now accentuated with a fresh coat of white paint, have been seamlessly incorporated into the cozy bedroom and kitchen spaces.
The original wooden window frames have been meticulously restored to preserve the aesthetic integrity of the historic building, while being upgraded with low-emissivity double glazing to enhance energy efficiency. All systems have been modernized to ensure maximum comfort. Key design elements, including architectural lighting from Groppi, Flos, and Viabizzuno, the rich tones of Foglie d’Oro wood, textured finishes by HD Surface, artisanal terracotta from Fangorosa, and classic cast iron radiators by Artekalor, serve as the primary decorative features. These elements, with their subtle yet sophisticated elegance, pay tribute to the historic essence of the original property.