History boys

One creative couple turned to the heavyweights of Italian mid-century design to make a home that honours the past but is firmly set in the present

- Anna Bisazza

DINING ROOM

Christian and Francesco had been eyeing the perfect bright red Carlo Scarpa table since they lived in their previous apartment. 'But once we had finished the renovations, we realised we had exhausted our budget and wondered if we should opt for another table that we liked less,' says Francesco. In the end they agreed it was worth going for a few months without a table to end up with the one they really wanted.

Orseolo table, Carlo Scarpa at Cassina, Gaja chairs, Kazuhide Takahama at Cassina. NM07 stainless steel stools, NM3. Cnosso cup and Ganimede chalice, both by Damiano Groppi

THE OWNERS

Couple Christian Frascaro and Francesco Cristiano, both creative consultants for fashion and design brands.

THE PROPERTY

A one-bedroom apartment within a 1930s building designed by Giuseppe Martinenghi, overlooking Milan's Stazione Centrale. A generous entrance leads to a hallway that takes you to the living room, which is open to the dining room. Opposite are the kitchen and bathroom, while the bedroom is disguised behind a flush-mounted door off the entrance area.

LIVING ROOM

'Christian prepared a series of mood boards combining paints, fabrics and materials,' says Francesco of the apartment's revamp, the heart of which is this space. 'We had clear ideas for the house: to create a timeless atmosphere, without falling into the trap of current trends,' explains Christian.