Location / Milan, Italy
Year / 2024.
Area / 61m²
Client / Private
Project team / Zoja Turković / Mirko Milanović
In the heart of Milan, within an old residential building full of character, lies an apartment that has undergone a thoughtful and deliberate transformation—from an untouched, timeworn interior into a bright and functional oasis for a young couple and their dog.
Located on the fifth floor of a building without a freight elevator, the apartment posed a major logistical challenge during furnishing. Nevertheless, with good organization and a clear focus on essential interventions, the space was successfully refreshed and adapted to modern life, all while preserving the spirit of the building and its history.
The apartment had remained largely untouched for decades. With a limited budget, the design approach prioritized keeping the original structure intact. Rather than opting for major construction work, the focus was on reorganizing functions, refreshing the visual identity, and creating an atmosphere filled with warmth and personality.
A new floor was laid over the old ceramic tiles, the walls were repainted, and the outdated kitchen was replaced with a simple yet functional new one. The bathroom was redesigned within the existing plumbing layout, with a careful selection of tiles and fixtures to bring new life to the space.
The living room gained a new purpose: a dedicated home office nook was carefully integrated, visually separated by a curtain that adapts to different usage modes. Instead of a television, a projector with a screen was installed, giving the room a sense of openness, lightness, and multifunctionality.
Natural light floods the apartment from three directions throughout the day, and the views from the windows stretch all the way to the Alps. The two spacious balconies, enriched with greenery, act as extensions of the living area—offering serene outdoor spaces for dining, relaxing, and enjoying nature.
The ambiance within the apartment is soft and serene—abundant plants, art photography from Sicily (a beloved destination of the clients), a neutral color palette, and designated areas for yoga in both the living room and bedroom. Even the dog has thoughtfully designed spots for eating and sleeping.
This apartment is a testament to how, even with a modest budget, careful planning and strong architectural logic can yield a space that not only meets the needs of modern living—but brings joy, warmth, and a distinct personal identity.
