Young architect Carmine Abate shares with Sona Decor Singapore the fascinating tale behind the design of this chic Italian home that is filled with 1970s influences.
The Italian entrepreneur who lives here with his Cuban wife and their son gave carte blanche to Carmine Abate for the renovation of the 2,152 sq ft (200 sqm) interior spaces and 3,229 sq ft (300 sqm) outdoor areas.
![luigi-ganzerli-i-napoli-i-2021-i-e294ace28c90carlooriente2022-18-1024x682-1 Eames lounge chair and ottoman. Coffee table by Isamu Noguchi from Vitra. Sofa by Edra.](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/luigi-ganzerli-i-napoli-i-2021-i-e294ace28c90carlooriente2022-18-1024x682-1.jpg)
Home in Naples, Italy
“I trusted Carmine blindly,” says Luigi, the homeowner, who had previously worked with the architect for the transformation of the historic headquarters of his business and offices in Naples, Italy.
Located in that same city, the apartment needed to be close to the airport as Luigi spends about half of the week all over the country for work.
![luigi-ganzerli-i-napoli-i-2021-i-e294ace28c90carlooriente2022-14-1024x683-1 Capitol Complex table and chairs by Hommage à Pierre Jeanneret from Cassina. Chandelier by Fontana Arte.](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/luigi-ganzerli-i-napoli-i-2021-i-e294ace28c90carlooriente2022-14-1024x683-1.jpg)
’70s Interior Design
“Carmine and I both admire the charm of the 70s,” confesses the homeowner. This aesthetic was the inspiration behind most of the decorative elements, including the furniture and materials.
One specific feature particularly honors this approach: About 13 metres long, the corridor comprises a large wardrobe in pleated canaletto walnut on one side — which hides the laundry, shoe rack and bedroom doors — contrasting with the other side made of panels decorated with herons on a gold background.
![luigi-ganzerli-i-napoli-i-2021-i-e294ace28c90carlooriente2022-25-1024x683-1 Stanford armchair from Poltrona Frau. Pouf by Missoni.](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/luigi-ganzerli-i-napoli-i-2021-i-e294ace28c90carlooriente2022-25-1024x683-1.jpg)
The corridor culminates to what is called the “agora” of the home — a circular antechamber that leads to the different rooms and is adorned with 16 sliding panels in solid oak, in addition to warm materials and bright colours, such as the Missoni fabrics and art by Riccardo Dalisi.
Kitchen by TM Italia. Blue Bramante, cabinet by Cassina.
![luigi-ganzerli-i-napoli-i-2021-i-e294ace28c90carlooriente2022-8-1024x683-1 Kitchen by TM Italia. Blue Bramante, cabinet by Cassina.](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/luigi-ganzerli-i-napoli-i-2021-i-e294ace28c90carlooriente2022-8-1024x683-1.jpg)
![luigi-ganzerli-i-napoli-i-2021-i-e294ace28c90carlooriente2022-11-1024x683-1 Vic metal 649 stools by Sgabelli. Faucets by Gessi.](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/luigi-ganzerli-i-napoli-i-2021-i-e294ace28c90carlooriente2022-11-1024x683-1.jpg)
Vic metal 649 stools by Sgabelli. Faucets by Gessi.
Open Concept Living Room
The open living space consists of three main areas that have different flooring, such as the black-and-white triangle motifs in marble for the living room, which hosts an Edra sofa with Blooming cushions, a Vitra coffee table, Viabizzuno lighting, Baxter bar cabinet, and Nobilis and Misha wallcoverings; wood for the dining area, where a Fontana Arte chandelier combines with a table, chairs and sideboard by Cassina; and stone for the TM Italia kitchen furnished with Pedrali stools.
![casa-luigi-ganzerli-i-napoli-i-2021-i-e294ace28c90carlooriente2021-23-1024x683-1 Poufs by Missoni. Zellige tiles from Galleria Elena.](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/casa-luigi-ganzerli-i-napoli-i-2021-i-e294ace28c90carlooriente2021-23-1024x683-1.jpg)
Swimming Pool
The curtains, by Dedar, filter the natural light from outside, where tropical plants from Brazil, Australia and the Mediterranean create the perfect backdrop for the swimming pool.
![luigi-ganzerli-i-napoli-i-2021-i-e294ace28c90carlooriente2022-1-1024x683-1 Twelve a.m. bed and bench by Molteni&C. Mad chair by Poliform. Sliding panels by Glas Italia.](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/luigi-ganzerli-i-napoli-i-2021-i-e294ace28c90carlooriente2022-1-1024x683-1.jpg)
Bedroom & bathroom
Designed as a dreamlike environment, the bedroom is an invitation to an imaginary exotic journey with its wallpaper by Misha, which was framed to give the feeling of an artwork.
In the bathroom, the magic continues with a decor that evokes majestic mountains and rocky terrain.
![luigi-ganzerli-i-napoli-i-2021-i-e294ace28c90carlooriente2022-2-683x1024-1 Sikkens paint. Wallpaper by Misha.](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/luigi-ganzerli-i-napoli-i-2021-i-e294ace28c90carlooriente2022-2-683x1024-1.jpg)
Sikkens paint. Wallpaper by Misha.
Bathtub in Cristalmood by Antonio Lupi. Lighting fixtures by Tom Dixon.
![casa-luigi-ganzerli-i-napoli-i-2021-i-e294ace28c90carlooriente2021-11-683x1024-1 Bathtub in Cristalmood by Antonio Lupi. Lighting fixtures by Tom Dixon.](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/casa-luigi-ganzerli-i-napoli-i-2021-i-e294ace28c90carlooriente2021-11-683x1024-1.jpg)
In this apartment, Carmine Abate succeeded in visually connecting inside and outside, finding the perfect balance for a chic yet inviting home.
“The resulting design is so eclectic, I liked it immediately,” says the homeowner.