In this flat designed by NOMASS in Milan, the outside world seems to slow down the moment you cross the threshold. A delicate anthracite hue envelops the space, whilst the reflection in the mirror appears and disappears, as if deliberately slowing down movement. This interior does not reveal itself straight away – first it sets the mood, and only later does it allow itself to be discovered.
The kitchen, finished in deep high-gloss black, reflects the silhouette of a passer-by like a closed piano. A light-coloured surface with subtle veining traces delicate lines that emphasise the interior’s structure, whilst mirrors multiply the light. The living area emerges without a clear boundary – a light, backless sofa invites you to linger, without dictating how you sit. Next to it stands a bookcase, a contemporary interpretation of a ‘wunderkammer’, housing objects that have been collected rather than selected.
The focal point
A DJ console – dark, matt and with fluid lines – is positioned at the centre of the space. It is like an urban altar, an element with a distinct presence, though devoid of literal meaning. The works of art introduce tension and humour, breaking up the continuity of the composition; they also disrupt the order and serve as a reminder that this interior is never entirely static.
The linen curtains seem to let Milan in in measured doses, whilst the balcony suggests that time might flow differently there. Higher up, on the staircase, an off-white and off-black duo appears – two shades that come together like voices in a dialogue. Along the walls, prints form a visual sequence: arches, lines and repetitions that define the order of the passage.
Under the sloping roof
In the attic, the light softens. The master bedroom is defined by an architectural recess, whilst the sage-green colour follows the sloping lines all the way up to the ceiling, absorbing the geometry of the space. Furnishings have been kept to a minimum – a single accent piece, a graphic, an object. The desk has been built into the structure, creating a subtle pause. The built-in wall units remain hidden until opened, revealing a surprising depth.
Guest room
The guest room is understated, designed so as not to impose any function on the person staying there. A horizontal line defines the proportions, whilst the rest is deliberately restrained – in keeping with the idea that hospitality means leaving space.
The entire interior designed by the NOMASS studio can be described as a ‘score in silence’ – a space for people who appreciate pauses and subtle disruptions, who seek welcoming, unobtrusive places. The design is more graphic and more declarative than the studio’s previous projects, yet retains its characteristic sensitivity.
design: NOMASS
photography: Ventunopuntodue
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