Located in a 1930s building shielded by two graceful magnolia trees, this flat had lost its original character to a previous, poor renovation. The intervention aimed to restore light and a sense of domesticity, creating a new home for a rich book collection and playful design pieces.

To respect budget constraints, the layout was largely preserved, though the bathroom was split into two smaller units. Demolition was limited to the removal of existing suspended ceilings to restore the original internal heights. Material consistency was achieved by using white shades for all vertical surfaces – walls, doors, and bespoke joinery – balanced by warm timber flooring throughout, except in the bathrooms. In these rooms, square tiles were used to create a carpet-like pattern.

Particular care was given to lighting fixtures, exploring the interplay of white and translucent finishes. Ceiling lamps were selected for their white and translucent qualities, using specific forms and glass textures to ensure a soft, diffused glow.

Out of the windows, the magnolias remain, silent witnesses to a revitalised domestic space.