Discover the creative and flexible interior design of a 50sqm Milan apartment by Vito Salamone, blending vintage finds and set design aesthetics.
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A Theater of Life: Vito Salamone’s Milan Apartment
Located in Milan, Italy, this 50-square-meter apartment is a testament to the creative mind of Vito Salamone, an Italian designer born in Sicily. Since his arrival in Milan in 2015, Salamone has been on a creative journey, turning his home into a rich narrative, a testament to his multifaceted career as a creative, set designer, and, in this instance, the architect of his own unique space. Repurposed props from his set design projects find a second life within his home, enriching its eclectic and intriguing ambiance. This space is a delightful mix of the personal and the professional, a reflection of a life both lived and crafted. This project demonstrates the importance of incorporating personal items in interior design. The inclusion of vintage furniture and set design elements provides a unique character and narrative. It is the perfect example of how to create a unique space that reflects the owner’s personality and interests. This project also demonstrates the flexibility and adaptability of small spaces. By being creative and resourceful, designers can create a home that is functional, stylish, and a reflection of the owner’s personality.
A Visual Narrative: Merging Set Design and Interior Design
Vito Salamone, with his background in interior design from Milan’s NABA Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti, found his calling in set design and photography, blending the two seamlessly within his own living space. His creative process is profoundly influenced by set design, emphasizing the importance of space, light, and form, as well as the power of storytelling through textures, colors, and forms. This 50sqm Milan apartment showcases how to integrate set design principles into interior design. For example, the deep, saturated colors on the walls, the custom-designed curtains, and the vintage furniture all create a theatrical aesthetic. But unlike a conventional set, everything in the apartment also reflects a personal style, with the objects and textures telling stories and revealing a depth of character that is unique to Vito. This approach helps to create a dynamic and engaging living space that is both visually appealing and emotionally resonant. The use of a theatrical palette within this small space helps to create a sense of depth and drama. For example, the deep green walls and rich purple sofa help to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. This type of design can also be used to make a small space feel larger by using a variety of textures and colors to create a sense of depth.
A Blend of Eras and Styles: Eclecticism as a Design Language
Salamone’s approach to interior design emphasizes the unique and the unexpected. He is a proponent of eclecticism, believing that objects from different eras and cultures can coexist harmoniously. Salamone says he likes to ‘mix and match’ his design elements, creating a non-standard interior that reflects his individual taste. His home exemplifies how vintage furniture and objects can be used to create a visually interesting and unique space. Salamone’s collection of vintage furniture and objects, sourced from flea markets and auctions, helps to create a space that is both stylish and comfortable. This approach helps to create a home that is both personal and inviting. This 50sqm Milan apartment is a prime example of how to use eclecticism in interior design to create a space that reflects your personal style. By using a mix of textures, colors, and vintage pieces, you can create a space that is visually appealing, unique, and tells a story. This approach helps to create a home that is both personal and inviting.
A Hands-On Approach: DIY and Personal Touches
Throughout the apartment, the design is characterized by personalized touches, and a strong DIY ethos is evident in his crafting of decorative features such as the custom-designed entryway door with its Milanese-style molding. The apartment is a testament to the power of DIY and personal expression in interior design. Salamone’s hands-on approach is integral to the identity of the home. Every corner reveals details that reflect his creative imagination and manual dexterity. These details include handcrafted wooden horse figurines, custom-made curtains, and the ‘Alvar Baasso’ furniture series inspired by Alvar Aalto. The apartment demonstrates the importance of DIY in interior design. By adding your own personal touches, you can create a space that is unique and reflects your individual style. The apartment also provides inspiration for those who are looking to create a more personalized living space. By incorporating DIY elements, you can create a space that is both beautiful and unique.
A Symphony of Color: Transforming a Blank Canvas
The apartment’s initial blank canvas of white walls prompted Salamone to infuse the space with color, a defining feature of his creative approach. Salamone’s color choices are an integral part of the apartment’s personality. He chose deep tones for the walls and ceilings, creating a sense of intimacy and drama within the compact space. It helps to create a sense of warmth and comfort in the space, helping to avoid any feeling of coldness or emptiness. This apartment illustrates how color can be used to transform a space. By choosing a deep color palette, you can create a more intimate and dramatic atmosphere. This approach can be particularly effective in small spaces where you want to create a sense of coziness and warmth.
A Reflection of Experiences: Blending Influences and Inspirations
Vito’s design process draws inspiration from a range of sources. Designers such as Ettore Sottsass and Ugo La Pietra, along with the visual storytelling of Bruno Munari, have profoundly shaped his aesthetic, particularly in the realm of children’s picture books. Architect Carlo Scarpa’s museum layouts have also provided Vito with valuable insights and inspiration. This demonstrates the importance of looking to a variety of sources for inspiration in interior design. By considering a wide range of design influences, you can develop a unique and personalized aesthetic. In this project, the designer has combined a variety of influences, including vintage furniture, set design principles, and the work of famous designers, to create a home that is both unique and personal.
A Curated Collection: Blending Vintage and Personal Objects
Vito’s ability to tell a story through his curation of furniture is a testament to his design philosophy. He sources furniture from various avenues—flea markets, online auctions, and even family heirlooms from his Sicilian roots. The apartment highlights the importance of carefully curating the objects in your home. By choosing pieces that have meaning or reflect your personal style, you can create a space that is more interesting and inviting. It shows that you don’t always need to buy new things to create a beautiful and unique home. It provides a valuable example of how to integrate vintage furniture and objects into your interior design. It demonstrates the power of storytelling through objects and furniture. This 50sqm Milan apartment is a testament to the fact that you can create a beautiful and personalized living space by using a combination of vintage finds and personal objects.
A Lasting Impression: Capturing the Essence of Life
For Vito, the visual narrative is paramount. He aims to capture fleeting moments and imbue them with a sense of timelessness. His ability to showcase the ‘eternality’ of objects and spaces has resonated with his clients. The apartment is a testament to the importance of creating a space that reflects your personal style. By carefully selecting furniture and decor, you can create a home that is both comfortable and visually appealing. It also highlights the importance of considering the lighting and layout of your space. By carefully considering these elements, you can create a home that is both functional and beautiful. The use of vintage furniture and objects adds character and warmth to the space, creating a sense of history and nostalgia. The apartment is an inspiration to those who are looking to create a home that is both unique and personal.
Project Information:
Project Type: Residential Interior Design
Architect: Vito Salamone
Area: 50 sqm
Year: 2015
Country: Italy
Main Materials: Vintage furniture, textiles, wood, steel
Photographer: Unknown
