Downtown Milan is pulsing with frenetic energy just a few blocks from the apartment belonging to entrepreneur and risk management consultant Enrico Guarnerio. An island of serenity for Enrico and his family, as soon as you step inside, you enjoy a fulfilling silence. The structure of the building – a villa from the early 1900s that is situated in a thriving green area with private gardens – is divided into three apartments, one for each level and each of them characterised by large spaces. Light flows in from the four sides of the house, all of them with full-height glazing.

The restoration works and furnishings were carried out by well-known interior designer Francesca Neri, together with her collaborator Diletta Stazzi. Though the extensive works proved to be a great challenge, the duo made it possible for the Guarnerio family to move in within seven months. Francesca made plans to revive all the original features present in the space – including the parquet floors, stucco, reconstituted marble, doors and handles – and she executed this with the help of some of the top craftsmen in Italy. Meanwhile, volumes and materials were redefined to meet the needs of a more contemporary lifestyle.

Myriad patterns and metallic accents add vibrancy to a palette of black, whites and neutrals.

The living room is filled with jewel tones, plush textures and modern statement lighting pieces.

Parquet floors, doors and handles were some of the many features of the 20th century villa that were preserved.

Interior designer Francesca Neri and her collaborator Diletta Stazzi worked on the furnishings and restoration of the space with some of the best craftsmen in Italy.

Modern pendant lighting contrasts with the historic shell.

Pops of red can add fiery pizzazz to any interior...

...even in rooms like the bathroom, where cool hues typically rule.

The marble used throughout the home is one of the features that initially attracted Enrico Guarnerio to the apartment.

The comfortable master bedroom looks out onto the surrounding neighbourhood.

A closeup of one of the luxurious chandeliers in the dining area.

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