Florence, Italy - Architectural heritage and contemporary design find an effortless balance in the latest project by Pierattelli Architetture: the full restyling of a 19th-century apartment in the heart of Florence. The Italian studio had previously renovated the prestigious Palazzo Stefanelli, where the residence sits, continuing its ongoing work of enhancing the building's historic identity through a contemporary lens. Covering 130 sqm, the apartment is organised around a luminous living area conceived in direct dialogue with the building's past. Generous openings and fluid spatial connections create a welcoming interior, while natural light draws attention to textures, finishes and architectural details. The result is a calm, balanced atmosphere where comfort and beauty coexist within a historically rich setting. 

This intervention is part of the broader regeneration of Palazzo Stefanelli, initiated by the studio through the restoration of the entire 19th-century structure. Located in Borgo Pinti—one of the main streets of Florence's historic centre—the building has been converted into twelve residential units. The renovation, carried out with deep respect for the existing architecture, enhances decorated ceilings, original materials and historic geometries, while integrating contemporary living solutions focused on comfort and sustainability: heat pumps, high-performance fixtures and next-generation home automation systems.

 

 

_{Casa A by Pierattelli Architetture, staircase. Ph Iuri Niccolai} 

In the apartment, the studio preserves and elevates the character of the historic architecture. The magnificent period frescoed ceilings—authentic decorative masterpieces with geometric and floral motifs—become the focal point of each room, enhanced by furnishings that harmoniously blend contemporary design with historic elegance.

In the living room, a marble Cappellini table interacts with the timeless lines of Knoll's Saarinen Executive Chairs, striking a balance between rigor and comfort. At centre stage, the rust-coloured velvet Marenco sofa by Arflex introduces warmth and softness, while Lema's Miki armchairs and a CC Tapis rug add chromatic movement. Dramatic lighting completes the scene: Baxter's Nuvola pendant lights mark the dining area, and Tooy wall lamps emphasises the conviviality of the space.

 

_{Casa A by Pierattelli Architetture, living area. Ph Iuri Niccolai  --  Casa A by Pierattelli Architetture, kitchen. Ph Iuri Niccolai} 

 

The custom-designed kitchen, manufactured by Elmar, features metallic pink lacquer in dialogue with the neutral tones of the walls and parquet. In the bedroom, Cassina's Biombo bed in midnight-blue velvet takes centre stage, accompanied by a chest of drawers and a walnut sideboard designed by the studio. 

A distinctive feature of the project is the wooden staircase that appears to "disappear" into the bedroom wall—an architectural gesture with a touch of magic. Based on an original Pierattelli Architetture design, the staircase features seemingly suspended steps and incorporates an invisible mechanism that allows it to rotate 90° to access a loft-study. 

 

_{Casa A by Pierattelli Architetture, master bedroom. Ph Iuri Niccolai}

The nursery, conceived as a poetic and soothing retreat, is framed by floral wallpaper that surrounds a wooden cot and a leather armchair. The mood is completed by Bonaldo's MOON coffee table and a child-sized bookcase. 

"Working inside Palazzo Stefanelli means engaging constantly with the history and beauty of Florence," says Claudio Pierattelli. "This new restyling reflects our philosophy: it is not about placing the contemporary over the ancient, but about creating a respectful and harmonious dialogue that enhances both. The staircase that disappears into the wall embodies this approach perfectly: a technically advanced solution that honours the historic character of its setting. 

The apartment thus adds a new chapter to the history of Palazzo Stefanelli, demonstrating how contemporary architecture can enhance historical heritage and create spaces that look to the future without losing sight of their roots.