A Fresh, Modern Look for a Roman Penthouse

Located near Piazza Navona overlooking the rooftops of Rome, a penthouse in a centuries-old building received a stunning renovation courtesy of Carola Vannini Architecture.

Photographer: Stefano Pedretti

Honoring the home’s historic roots while updating its interior, the designers created a compelling contrast of old and new. The ancient architectural envelope now plays host to a minimalist composition of contemporary furnishings and lighting —including several Vibia fixtures— arrayed against a backdrop of crisp white walls.

Photographer: Stefano Pedretti

On the wall ascending the stairs to the residence’s entrance hangs a striking installation of the Set lamp by Xuclà. A customised composition of rectangular pieces that both generates and reflects light, it casts elegant rays of light and shadow against the blank canvas of wall like a piece of dramatic décor. A modern sculptural counterpoint to the rounded archway below it, its angular form echoes the slanted railing of the staircase.

Photographer: Stefano Pedretti

Suspended in the lofty double-height living area, Arik Levy’s Wireflow draws the eye upwards. Formed of slim black cables that provide a graphic punch within the room’s pale palette, Wireflow is a cutting-edge take on the classic chandelier. Its airy, three-dimensional silhouette offers an unobstructed view of the illuminated staircase and original tromp l’oeil fresco that borders it.

Photographer: Stefano Pedretti

Levy’s futuristic Wireflow Lineal provides a pleasing juxtaposition with the traditional wooden table and chairs in the dining room. Suspended in tandem like a transparent curtain tipped with LED terminals, its web of fine cables adds a geometric feel to the space while picking up the dark tones of the wall map behind it.

Photographer: Stefano Pedretti

Brightening the master bedroom upstairs is the Pin sconce designed by Ichiro Iwasaki. Complementing the room’s quiet colours and streamlined sensibility, its slender lines stretch outwards from a bold circular base. Its tips radiate in a gleaming nimbus of ambient light, subtly doubling as abstract art amid the minimalist décor.