Giacomo Giardini, CEO of Giardini Wallcoverings, shares with Sona Decor Singapore how his colorful Milan apartment — which features some of his creations — took shape.
Giacomo Giardini fell in love with the central area of Porta Venezia, in Milan, where he purchased this 753 sq ft (70 sqm), one bedroom apartment. Because of the high demand in this part of the Italian city, the CEO of Giardini Wallcoverings had to move fast and make a decision right away.
Homeowner Giacomo Giardini is the CEO of Giardini Wallcoverings
Interior designer Francesca Bassi
Since taking the leap, Giacomo has done two renovations — the last resulting in the current layout.
He gave carte blanche to interior designer Francesca Bassi and stylist Bruno Tarsia to create the perfect home that Giacomo describes as “a sophisticated place to live in, not aiming to mere luxury, but created with heart and passion, through a maniacal choice of the right elements, which led to a unique care about details.”
Interior designer’s first project in Italy
Based in Santiago, Chile, Francesca — who is accustomed to working remotely — drew inspiration from her previous life experience in Milan, to which she travels very frequently too. She also drew upon her knowledge of Chilean suppliers to design her first project in Italy.
“Giacomo was very clear on what he wanted for the apartment from the beginning,” remembers the interior designer. “He gave me a lot of freedom and that was fundamental for the result because I could put [into] the project the best of his ideas and the best of my professional and creative skills.”
Francesca also took into consideration the location and architecture to nurture the project. “The concept was based on a strong and contemporary mix of colors, with layers,” she says. “This means that each space has its own tone and texture, but all of them combine together if you see them from different angles. The aim was to create a story and a vibe while you walk in the interiors.”
“Now I know I need colour”
Giacomo confesses he would have used white everywhere. “Now I know I need color,” he smiles.
Thanks to different wallcoverings from Giardini, the entrance is yellow, the kitchen and living room are based on blue, and the bedroom features a softer palette of grey and café. “The interior frame becomes a warm embrace of comfort and relaxation, within which you can plunge yourself and rediscover serenity,” says the interior designer about the most private area of the apartment.
“The style for the interiors was thought to be masculine, clean and sophisticated at the same time — without many elements, but the ones we chose had to be very strong in terms of design and materials,” says Francesca.
Classic & Contemporary Interiors
Bringing light, color and texture throughout to bring life into the home, the interior designer found a good combination of classic and contemporary wallcovering designs from Giardini.
“I actually learned more about myself once the interior was done,” the owner says. “I could see the reflection of who I am in the result (and through the process) of the design work.”
Always interested in pushing creativity forward, Giacomo is already considering starting another renovation by the end of the year. “It will be a fun project and offer me a new experience too,” he says.
Photos by Lorenzo Pennati. Interior Design by Francesca Bassi. Styling by Bruno Tarsia.