By Micaela Morganelli
A remarkable fusion of Nordic design sensibilities and Bolognese charm has given rise to a stunning private residence on Via Toscana in Bologna.
Financier’s Bolognese Apartment Embraces Nordic Design
Seeking a bespoke and exquisitely designed home filled with iconic furnishings, the homeowner, a financier by trade, embarked on a quest for an architect who understood the intricacies of design auteurs and could aptly translate his vision. The task was entrusted to the talented architect Federica Franchi, whose expertise extends between Bologna and Cattolica.
Architect Franchi shares, “My approach generally involves conversations with the homeowner to pinpoint project requirements. The project then evolves organically. In this instance, the design enthusiast homeowner played a pivotal role, aligning well with my own tastes and design expertise. Taste is rooted in exploration, and I’m particularly drawn to design from the ’70s and ‘900s. I enjoy scouring vintage shops for objects that I seamlessly integrate into my projects, harmonizing them with contemporary furnishings.”
The outcome is an apartment that harmoniously merges the elegance of Nordic design with the vibrancy of Bologna, its windows framing captivating views of the Bolognese hills.
Designed as a haven for entertaining friends and unwinding amid sophisticated design, the residence caters to the needs of Stefano, the homeowner, who desired open spaces that seamlessly melded his private and professional domains under one roof.
This vision comes to life in the architect’s curation of the Montana furnishings, accentuated by the Fritz Hansen desk and armchair. These pieces are complemented by the iconic 606 Universal Shelving System from De Padova. A cozy reading nook is furnished with the warm-hued Swan armchair, while the living area challenges convention, replacing a sofa with two design classics: Vitra’s Ottoman chair and Arne Jacobsen’s Egg chair. Adorning the low tables are vintage ceramics, while the ’80s-inspired Parentesi and Tolomeo lamps from Flos cast a gentle radiance.
Upon entry, the living area unfolds, revealing a glimpse of the architect-designed kitchen adorned with elements from Bulthaup, Ilve, and Montana. Illumination is artfully achieved through Louis Poulsen lamps, handpicked by Stefano during his travels. The kitchen’s character is defined by artwork from Paulus Noomen, Fritz Hansen chairs, and curated objects by Alessi and Kay Bojesen. A smoked glass, sliding door by Rimadesio screens the kitchen and leads to the bedroom quarters.
Uniko Legno’s textured oak flooring evokes the rustic essence of Nordic barns, juxtaposing raw aesthetics with timeless elegance.
The hallway is thoughtfully illuminated, serving as a corridor leading to the bedroom wing of the house, effectively setting the ambiance.
In the bedroom, a blue leather Poltrona Frau bed offers a striking contrast against the ochre wall painted in Farrow & Ball’s distinctive hue. This juxtaposition is softened by the sugar-white hue of the Montana wardrobe. Flos sconces and Enzo Mari’s “la pera e la mela” print provide the finishing touches.
The en-suite bedroom bathroom boasts washable Farrow & Ball-painted walls, Vitra fixtures, and a mini PH5 chandelier by Louis Poulsen.
This dynamic, timeless home, awash with impactful design and bold colors, instantaneously provided Stefano, the homeowner, with a sense of comfort. The residence marries an assortment of family heirlooms, vintage treasures, and iconic designer pieces, exemplifying sophistication at its best.
Photography: Dario Borruto – Florence – www.darioborruto.it
