A 1920s Italian Apartment Reborn Through Bold Colors and Timeless Design
A century-old apartment in Termoli, Italy, has been transformed into a vibrant living space that blends history with modern design. Architects Ilaria Sepri and Marco Petrini of Nero Studio completed the renovation in 2024, breathing new life into the 1920s building while preserving its original character.
The apartment was once home to railway workers, its structure carrying the marks of time. The renovation focused on retaining key features like exposed brick walls, historic wooden doors, and a ceramic-tiled staircase. Even the terrazzo floors, worn by decades of use, were carefully restored to maintain their authenticity.
Colour plays a central role in the redesign. A pink partition wall separates the living areas, where a pastel-green kitchen stands beside a dark wood dining table. Blue velvet armchairs by Sergio Mazza and Giuliana Gramigna add a touch of luxury, their hue inspired by the warm tones of an Italian sunset. The living room itself is an eclectic mix, filled with small sculptures, paintings, and vintage pieces, all anchored by a glossy black resin floor that creates an illusion of depth. The contrast between textures continues into the private spaces. In the bedroom and bathroom, rough surfaces meet smooth finishes, with the bathroom showcasing a striking custom sink made from red marble embedded with fossils. The architects, Vera Rispoli and Gaetano Guerrera, ensured that every detail—from the bold colour choices to the preserved historical elements—worked together to honour the apartment's past while making it feel fresh and contemporary.
The completed renovation now stands as a harmonious blend of old and new. Original architectural details remain intact, while the carefully chosen pastel palette and modern furnishings give the space a lively, contemporary feel. The apartment's transformation reflects both its rich history and a bold vision for the future.
