Saro and Rita live in a dual-aspect apartment in the Porta Romana neighbourhood, Milan. The building still retains its original terrazzo flooring, wooden and glass internal frames and high ceilings: elements that speak to a precise architectural history. The couple, partners in life and work, chose to inhabit it without erasing its memory. The project, designed by Numero 10 Architetti with custom furniture by NM3, works by grafting: what is new is clearly distinguished from what was found, without overlapping.

The entrance sets the tone immediately. A large custom steel portal designed by NM3 dominates the space: it reflects the original floors, anticipates the new furnishings, and amplifies the perception of the room. Beside it, an USM console in orange introduces the first element of colour. A deliberate contrast, not a casual one.

In the dining room, the solid wood table and chairs, developed by NM3 in collaboration with Nordiska Galleriet and presented during Milan Design Week 2025, occupy the centre of the space. Above, the Moon lamp by Davide Groppi. On the sideboard, also designed by NM3, a Nessino by Artemide. On the wall, a photograph by Luca Grottoli.

In the living area, a marble bench beneath the television and a steel bookcase on the back wall define the space with rigour. Opposite, the Perron Bun armchair by Willo Perron for Knoll introduces a play of volumes. On the floor, a CC-Tapis rug warms the room.

In the kitchen, the NM3 marble-top table is surrounded by Cesca chairs by Marcel Breuer. Among the details, an Alessi kettle and the Splügen Bräu pendant by Flos, designed by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni in 1961 and still perfectly at home.

The bathroom closes with contrasting black and white tiles, the free-standing York bathtub by Victoria + Albert and Canova tapware by Cristina Rubinetterie.

Saro and Rita travel frequently for work between New York, Stockholm, Paris and London. And their Milan home is what you bring back from all those places: a refuge built with care, piece by piece.

ph. courtesy Delfino Sisto Legnani