The home of Massimo Pierattelli | Florence (Tuscany)

Private Residence, 2020

Overlooking Piazza de’ Pitti, the home of Massimo Pierattelli and his family is situated in the heart of Florence in the Santo Spirito area of the city’s Oltrarno quarter. The apartment retains some of the original early 16^th century details of the listed palazzo where it is located, while at the same time expressing the signature design style of Pierattelli Architetture, the architectural practice founded in 1980.

16^th century exposed wooden ceiling beams, stone fireplaces, and corridor archways blend seamlessly with bespoke solutions, iconic designer furnishings, artwork and ethnic items, all of which are a reflection of the architect’s own life. Designed by Massimo Pierattelli and his wife, urban designer Roberta Bencini, the 300-square-metre apartment reflects the multi-disciplinary and eclectic approach that Pierattelli Architetture design is known for.

In the living room, a playful, poetic linearity is achieved through the ceiling beams and the vertical blocks of a 3-section wooden bookcase painted grey. Designed by the studio, this latter piece of furniture adds character to the room and uses meticulously placed lighting to really showcase the space to theatrical effect. The living area also includes an iconic Arco floor lamp by Flos, Antonio Citterio’s 1986 Sity sofas, a Spun Light by Flos, a Cruise table by Lema and black Tulip tables by Knoll designed by Eero Saarinen. Artwork and ethnic items serve to heighten that personal feel and sense of recollection. These include a painting by Carlos Albertos Castellanos and Giampaolo Talani, a statue of a horse by Paolo Staccioli, Tuareg wares and Imba jewellery collected while travelling, and a Persian rug.

The kitchen was also designed by Massimo Pierattelli and features hand-crafted polished brass details paired with a granite worktop with wooden elements. In the master bedroom overlooking Piazza de’ Pitti, subtle chromatic contrasts are achieved through teaming pale walls with fleur de lys fabrics and furnishings. The room is finished off with a Spun Light by Flos and a painting by Andrea Chiarantini. The dining space includes the Block table by Acerbis and the Sheraton sideboard (both in black gloss). The latter was designed by Lodovico Acerbis and Giotto Stoppino in 1977 and was the winner of the Industrial Design Association’s Compasso d’Oro award in 1979. Taccia and Toyo lamps by Flos complete the space, along with Bea chairs by Lema, a glass fish sculpture by Egidio Costantini and artwork by Raffaele de Grada.

The walls of the apartment are coated with a highly polished lime plaster made with a mixture of gelatine, natural pigments, and powdered marble, while yellow Siena marble has been used for the main bathroom.