Perched on a hill overlooking Lake Garda in Italy is an apartment that combines the light-heartedness of Italy with meticulously designed elegance. It is a holiday home for a couple with two children who live in Warsaw – a place designed for relaxation, bright spaces and timeless simplicity.
The 80 square metre flat on the top floor of an intimate apartment block opens out onto three sides of the world. Large windows draw the eye towards the lake and the surrounding hills, whilst the interior layout – comprising two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a shared living area with a terrace – is designed to support the family’s daily rhythm, from morning coffee to evening conversations in the light of the setting sun.
Inspiration
Gabriela Bartczak of FRAMUGA studio began the project by analysing the surroundings. In the town, her attention was drawn to the Castello Scaligero, and more specifically to the castle’s distinctive battlements. This detail became the starting point for creating a ‘zigzag’ motif, which introduces a subtle sense of movement to the interior. It appears in the kitchen units, organises the long hallway, and in the bathroom – in the vanity unit and stone worktop – it creates a unique, precisely crafted detail. Even in the fabrics and the carpet, the designer has subtly incorporated this motif on a delicate, almost imperceptible scale.
Calm and comfort
From the outset, the owners knew they wanted bleached wood and steel elements. The designer’s task was to combine these materials in such a way that the interior remained cosy. To this end, she introduced buttery tones, warm burgundy and natural textures to balance the coolness of the metal. Their beloved chairs (original Wishbone Chairs) feature in the living area, lending the space a slightly Scandinavian feel, whilst still remaining rooted in a southern atmosphere.
A refined layout
The design was developed in parallel with the construction of the apartment block. This made it possible to introduce changes that significantly improved functionality: a concealed laundry room, better kitchen ergonomics, and refined bathrooms. Every element – from the joinery to the metalwork – was crafted in Warsaw and then transported to Italy. Logistics proved to be the greatest challenge, but it allowed us to maintain a standard of craftsmanship that would have been difficult to achieve locally.
A soothing space
The entire project was guided by the idea of creating a bright, elegant interior free from excess. Clean lines, natural materials and a consistent colour palette create an atmosphere of tranquillity. This is an apartment that does not impose itself through its form – instead, it opens up to the light, offers views and guarantees the tranquillity of a holiday. It is a space that allows you to slow down and truly relax.
design: FRAMUGA studio –GabrielaBartczak
photography: Pietruszka Fotografia
See also: Flat |Interiors | Italy | Detail | whiteMAD on Instagram
