Shadow play

Concrete surfaces feel even more indulgent when paired with cork, brass and smoked glass. Be inspired by this modern take on winter glamour

Cork, concrete and brass bring understated glamour to this Italian apartment

Alberto Guerzoni, a fashion manager and buyer, bought this loft apartment in the Italian city of Mantua in 2007. ‘ What is magical about it is the pleasure I derive from returning home,’ he says. ‘I travel so often for work that this place is my point of reference.’ The 140-square-metre open-plan space, renovated over two years by architect Monica Vincenzi, has a fluid layout, divided by two monolithic cork-clad columns that support a mezzanine floor above.

Downstairs, the columns create distinct and surprisingly intimate living and dining zones, while the cork not only insulates the rooms, but is beautifully decorative, providing a counterpoint to the cooler tones of the cement walls. Even the cement has character and texture. ‘It is brushed with a special pigmented resin to create a swirled effect,’ says Monica. In the living space, the glossy concrete floor counters the matt-look walls, while gleaming stainless-steel appliances add polish to the cast surfaces of the kitchen. Alberto’s vintage furnishings, many of which have accents of brass, add another luxurious touch.

The apartment’s mezzanine level is Alberto’s sanctuary. Here, the plaster walls are slightly darker in tone, as is the oak flooring. All 40 square metres are given over to his bedroom and bathroom, which are divided by smoked glass panels. The storage is all bespoke, tailored to Alberto’s needs. In the pared-back bedroom, it is built-in and barely-there, but in the adjoining bathroom it makes a design statement: a vintage haberdashery cabinet is framed by concrete.

It is these meticulously considered details that bring warmth and luxury to the home’s rigorous architectural lines. Consequently, Alberto describes loft living as cosy and comfortable. ‘My perfect evenings are when I’m settled on the sofa, wrapped in my winter cashmere blanket, with a good book and a gin and tonic,’ he says. monicavincenziarchitetto.com

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Previous spread Next to the Cassina sofa stands a ‘Toio’ floor lamp by Achille Castiglioni for Flos. On the right, there’s a vintage chair and black floor lamp from a flea market in Mantua. Behind, you can see the dining table, surrounded by ‘Medea’...