This Roman Designer Renovated Her Historic Home with Romantic Gardens in Mind

In recent years, Rome has attracted a new generation of young creatives, who have set out to blend their contemporary spirits with the Italian capital’s millennia-old history. Roman designer Ludovica Malagò, who cofounded Studio Malià with Gaia Rebecchini, demonstrates one graceful way to do so in this recent project. Located in the Prati neighborhood, at the heart of the city’s artistic scene, the space dates back to 1927, when it was first designed by architect Mario De Renzi. Once home to an acclaimed Italian architect—it served as his studio, and was frequented by many painters and artists—it has been dubbed “the artists’ condominium” by locals. “It left us speechless, even though it had been technically abandoned for years,” recalls Rebecchini. “For decades, it was also the studio of architect Cesare Rovatti, who agreed to sell it only after seeing our plans for its transformation. It was immediately clear that this atelier had to return to being the place it once was—a home for artistic creativity.” “We first visited the apartment in January 2023, and were captivated,” says Malagò, who, in addition to being the apartment’s designer with Rebecchini, is also its owner. The building’s distinctive façade is embellished with elegant rustication, frescoes, and large stained-glass windows. The space spans two levels: The lower floor has a more traditional layout, while the upper floor is more intimate. Because of its condition, the place needed some serious refreshing—though the architectural duo saw its potential. “The entryway used to be dark, wedged between load-bearing walls,” says Malagó. “It needed more light—we chose to brighten the space with colors.” Now, when one enters the apartment, they’re greeted by an unusual sunburst mosaic rendered in 12 different colors. On a whole new level The large space that comprises the kitchen and living room is split up on different planes, with the latter space physically raised a few feet higher on a platform. Still, the different functions blend seamlessly—and thanks to the soaring ceilings, both spaces are filled with light. In the living area, the design duo replaced older large windows with an iron-paned variety. “They are a tribute to the façade’s original design, which we rediscovered in the historical archives of the City of Rome,” says Rebecchini. Indeed, the renovation process led to some fortuitous surprises: “We uncovered many details that had been hidden by previous renovations, and we chose to restore most of them,” says Malagó. Notable finds include a spiral staircase leading to the loft/study, floral wall moldings that had been concealed by old wallpaper, and other historical motifs. The newer furnishings and material components are colorful, bold, and rich in contrasts. “We really enjoy working with materials and craftsmen,” says Rebecchini. “Almost every piece is the result of collaboration with carpenters, blacksmiths, and stoneworkers.” A green oasis A large, iron-framed window in the kitchen overlooks a lush terrace that serves as a natural extension of the indoors. The landscaping is designed to blend into the urban landscape, combining pots of various shapes and sizes that house climbing plants, evergreens, Japanese maples, and tropical species. The Unopiù outdoor furniture is swathed in custom fabrics from Loro Piana, while the seats, designed by Maison Drucker—the oldest artisanal manufacturer of rattan chairs—are embellished with a colorful weave on the seats and backs. Weaving a world “The furnishings are a mix of new and repurposed pieces,” says Malagò, who personally selected every object in her home. “We love reusing items that have been discarded.” Antiques made of straw, raffia, and bamboo contrast with modern steel elements like the Boffi kitchen island. In the bedrooms, just as in the living area, works of art and vintage furnishings get a new lease on life, thanks to rich colors—like grape-colored hallway carpeting—and iridescent fabrics. On cabinetry and tiles, botanical motifs evoke romantic gardens: Palm trees, leaves, and delicate designs on the floors and walls turn the different spaces into a fantastic garden. The interior and exterior become one, a magical pastoral world in the middle of the city. This Roman designer’s apartment was originally published in AD Italy.