Milan, known for its bustling streets and architectural wonders, harbors secret oases that offer a contrasting tranquility amidst the city’s vibrant energy. Behind the grand doorways lie verdant internal courtyards adorned with bicycles and buggies, basking in the warm glow emanating from the expansive windows of overlooking apartments. Tucked away on Via Luigi Settembrini, a truly exceptional secret escape awaits.
Francesca Pellicciari and Giacomo Donati, the visionary founders of the renowned Japanese curated concept store Nanban, have transformed their third-floor apartment into a haven that beautifully merges their passion for contemporary Japanese objects with their love for collecting iconic Italian design pieces. Settling in this unique dwelling in 2017, the couple deliberately chose the area nestled between Lazzaretto and the Central Station. This central location offered the perfect balance, being untouched by gentrification, unlike the bustling northwest district of Isola. Pellicciari candidly shares her sentiment, “I really don’t like places that are too perfect.” Moreover, the burgeoning NoLo area felt too youthful for their tastes. Explaining their choice, she adds, “Back then, this area was a bit more affordable, but still with a really good quality of construction in the buildings.” The presence of the tram lines and the nostalgic ambiance give residents a feeling of living in the bygone era of the 1920s.
The couple collaborated with their architect friends from Baukuh to breathe new life into their apartment’s layout. Originally comprising small rooms, the century-old space underwent a remarkable transformation, embracing the contemporary trend of open-plan living. Walls were dismantled, and the entire floorplan was reimagined, resulting in a captivating tale of two halves. One side boasts a captivating living and dining space defined by its original wood parquet flooring, lofty ceilings, and enchanting stained-glass windows dating back to the 1920s. This area showcases a blend of large Chinese antiques, inherited artworks, and a captivating mid-century teak dining set designed by Danish maestro Hans Wegner. Adding to the allure are a stunning bamboo pendant light by Ingo Maurer and a captivating piece by Le Corbusier, which Pellicciari acquired at the tender age of 16.
On the other side of the symmetrical saloon-style doors lies the couple’s office space. Nestled in the corner is a chair designed by the acclaimed Japanese designer Sori Yanagi, harmoniously coexisting with artworks contributed by their talented circle of friends, including Perugian artist Sauro Cardinali and London-based Rose Blake. Pellicciari emphasizes the importance of diversity in their collection, saying, “It’s important to us to have mixed things. We don’t have a lot of art pieces, but we like to mainly have works from people we know.”
Francesca Pellicciari and Giacomo Donati’s Milanese sanctuary showcases the harmonious union of Japanese and Italian design sensibilities, intertwined with personal connections and a respect for the history that surrounds them. This extraordinary apartment serves as a testament to the transformative power of vision and collaboration, transporting residents and visitors alike to a realm of timeless elegance and cultural fusion.