Uncovering history
Period details get an injection of colour in this apartment in the heart of Naples
This grand apartment in the heart of Naples has been reinvigorated with a rich mix of styles, resulting in a multi-layered interior that works in harmony with the past
Terrace Bright orange ‘Locus Solus’ chairs by Gae Aulenti for Exteta lend the blue tiles by Galleria Elena Superfici an extra pop of sunshine Living area A bespoke fireplace makes a statement along with Le Corbusier’s ‘LC2’ sofa and armchair for Cassina, and the ‘Chess’ side table and striped rugs by Moooi for Kasthall Stockist details on p167
Ilove the atmosphere of the neighbourhood – it’s the essence of the Neapolitan way of life,’ says architect Giuliano dell’Uva, describing the historic waterfront quarter of Naples where he and his wife, Andrea Sorrentino Mangini, found the ideal second home for themselves and their one-year-old son Tancredi. The Milan-based couple were both born here – Giuliano in this very district – and bought this 18th-century apartment as a way of connecting with their roots. ‘Andrea found the apartment. She’s very good at property hunting and knows exactly what I like. It was a complete wreck when we bought it,’ says Giuliano, whose main aim was to enhance the period feel of the space, while modernising it to suit the needs of their family. As such, much of the work focused on stripping everything back, and Giuliano was able to recover some original wall murals and flooring. He also took the decision to demolish an additional room that had been built on the terrace, reinstating the apartment’s sea views.
After reversing many years of ill-considered updates and alterations, Giuliano set about implementing a rich interior scheme that would breathe new life into the building’s old bones. The two-bedroom home is now arranged across three levels, with a mezzanine taking advantage of the apartment’s high ceilings. Outside, the terrace has been tiled in vibrant sea-green and white ramina tiles, while inside the block colour continues. Segments of bold colour add vibrancy to the rugged textures of the patinated walls and doors, and the sleek, dark granite kitchen island brings even more of a contemporary touch to this historical home.
‘The interior palette was chosen in accordance with the exterior of the house,’ explains Giuliano. ‘For example, in the living room, which leads out onto the terrace, I used quieter colours so that the eye is drawn outside. The colours in the bedroom are more intense, making the space more introspective and intimate.’ Furniture is a mix of family heirlooms, contemporary pieces and Italian design classics by the likes of Gio Ponti and Vico Magistretti – a fitting medley of eras for an architectural mash-up that combines old and new with confident aplomb. giulianoandreadelluva.it
Portrait Architect and owner Giuliano dell’Uva Living area The ‘Sled’ sofa by Rodolfo Dordoni for Cassina and red ‘969’ chair by Gio Ponti (behind), give this stripped-back space an air of modernity. The lamp is the ‘Spun’ by Sebastian Wrong for Flos and the artwork is by Marzia Migliora Stockist details on p167
Kitchen Bespoke black cabinets and a granite island are paired with vintage pieces – the table from the 1970s was a gift from Giuliano’s grandmother. It’s paired with chairs by Gio Ponti Hallway The two wall lamps are original 1970s pieces by iGuzzini. A built-in plinth displays vases by Ettore Sottsass, art by Victor Vasarely and the minimalist ‘Bridge’ lamp, designed by Francesco Meda Stockist details on p167
Guiliano enhanced the period feel of the space, restoring original features while modernising the apartment for family use