Elegance in Miniature: Studio Greca’s Ode to Italian Entryways.

In Rivoli, Italy, a stone’s throw from Turin’s gates, lies a project that whispers of classic Italian elegance while shouting experimentation. Studio Greca’s Interno A is a love letter to the Italian entryways. Nestled within a historic residence once graced by the Savoia family, this 50-square-metre space posed a unique challenge. How does one distil the essence of a 150-square-metre lifestyle into a space a third of the size without losing any sophistication?

Enter Federico Greca, who took on this task with a mix of pragmatism and poetry. The brief? “We have two months and 50 square meters— what can we do?” Federico explains. It was a call to arms the designer couldn’t resist, especially when the client was Antonella, a 50-year-old embodiment of classic Italian style.

The project’s hero is the custom-made portal at the bedroom’s threshold. At first glance, it could be mistaken for an elevator or an entrance to another flat entirely. This clever illusion not only saves space but also pays homage to the grand entrances of Italian architecture.

The living area has a timber pillar that doubles as a liquor cabinet. Unsuspecting guests often mistake it for an aviary. These touches of whimsy elevate the space.

In the kitchen, a yellow PVC curtain serves a dual purpose—it’s not just a splash of sunshine but a practical solution for isolating sounds and smells while letting natural light dance through. On sunny mornings, it transforms the interior into a kaleidoscope of colour and warmth.

Compact Living 💎

Explore more Compact Homes and Spaces on Yellowtrace archives. Cool beans.

The bathroom, hidden behind a wall-to-wall door, showcases the designer’s problem-solving prowess. A “chocolate compass” beauty zone cleverly delineates the storage area from the shower and sanitary spaces, achieved without moving a single wall.

Federico’s respect for the building’s heritage shines through in the timber decorative details that echo the motifs found in the building’s entrance. A strategic wallpaper corner near the kitchen playfully alludes to traditional wall boards, creating a seamless flow between old and new.

In a nod to personal history, the bedroom’s green palette takes its cue from Antonella’s cherished wardrobe piece. An asymmetrical bed design ensures warm feet on chilly mornings, with hidden storage to boot.

Selected artworks punctuate the space, softening the austere atmosphere. The bathroom and bedroom feature pieces by Doriano Ruggiero, a fashion designer and friend of Federico, adding a layer of personal connection to the project.

Federico Greca reflects on the project: “I’m happy about the ambiguity and the transformism hidden behind the details of the project. There is everything, but you can’t see.”

A Lively Diorama: Artistas Apartment in Madrid by Nomos Architects.

Once a cramped Madrid home, the renovation breathes a beating heart into the space designed for social gatherings while embracing the atmosphere of the street.

[Images courtesy of Studio Greca. Photography by Barbara Corsico.]