La casa di ringhiera

The timeless charm of the traditional Milanese tenement houses represents an ambrosian journey through time, a dive into memory capable of exciting, every time, in a genuine and authentic way.

Yet the complete renovation of this apartment (followed by an interior design project) in the heart of renewed Milan, proved to be less straightforward than expected. This was mainly due to the independent bathroom, a typical feature of “old Milan” houses, with exclusive access from the balcony. This circumstance allowed, on one hand, a complete rethink of the internal layout of the spaces, and on the other hand, the annexation of the most intimate room to the apartment.

During the renovation tastings, two “hidden treasures” revealed unexpected riches. The demolition of a wall, which concealed it, unveiled the first surprise: a very dramatic red brick arch. The arch, whitewashed and brushed with a steel brush to enhance its vintage-decorative effect, adds movement, elegance, and fresh dynamism to both the kitchen and the living room. The removal of the ceiling (height 270 from the ground) offered the second, welcome surprise. The ceiling revealed wonderful exposed wooden beams. An unexpected discovery, which the “Sposari Home” team interpreted as an invitation to respect the place and its history.

The intervention on the structure was meticulous. To improve stability, solidity, and reduce energy consumption through better thermal insulation, the beams were cleaned, one by one, filled with putty, and sealed between the joints with small wooden strips. The large planks were whitewashed to bring brightness to the room and, at the same time, enhance the perception of space. The magic of the early 1900s comes alive, even on the floor, thanks to the distressed oak parquet, identified during the design phase as the best product to amplify the shabby-chic effect.

Living area-Kitchen

At the entrance, the refined elegance of the kitchen stands out, a masterpiece of impeccable craftsmanship (like every other piece of furniture in the house), capable of concealing a washing machine and a boiler between the columns. Here, the decorative element speaks the language of stencil applications and skimmed cement.

Even the main wall of the relaxation area has been embellished with the application of a decorative “counter-wall” aimed at inspiring new games of volume and chromatic contrasts. The living room, soberly refined, is protected by vintage double doors, refreshed and repainted in satin white enamel, an intuition that celebrates the cohesion between modernity and tradition.

Sleeping area

Decorative friezes are the common denominator even in the area dedicated to rest.

Accents of skimmed cement (in continuity with the material used in the other rooms) dominate the walls of the bedroom, played on colors ranging from aquamarine to blue. The walls are framed by white polystyrene frames, more economical than plaster ones, but no less fascinating, and enhanced by pendant lamps. On the other hand, the entire lighting design has been applied with a selected criterion of complement research (predominance of black and transparent glass) aimed at iconically keeping the “retro” atmospheres alive.

Bath

The bathroom, the project’s Gordian knot, does not fall short of the stylistic code that guided the concept. A flush-to-the-wall door is the solution identified to conceal the view of the most secluded part of the house, but also the device to enhance the presence of an anteroom, a mandatory hallway in compliance with current regulations, where a large mirror stands out, necessary to give depth to the room, embellished with LED spotlights. The shower, finally, has been managed with hexagonal tiles (Quintessenza Ceramiche), the other parts with satin enamel. Mixers and faucets are produced by M&Z, while the sanitary ware is from the company Stile based in Pavia.

There is nothing to be done: the emotion aroused by “la cà de ringhera,” a gem of Milan’s popular construction from the early 1900s, is not found in other solutions. It is a different way of living and inhabiting the city, a symbolic journey from the never predictable arrival, stimulated by the constant desire not to abandon our history, our culture, our identity.

Details:

Paola Sposari

CEO Sposari Home

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