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 in order to restore the original internal heights.

An airy and enlightened feeling throughout the domestic space was achieved by using white shades for all vertical surfaces – walls, doors, and bespoke joinery – balanced by warm timber flooring throughout the rooms. The two bathrooms were an exception: here, square tiles were used to create a carpet-like pattern on the floor in blue and green tones.

On the ceilings, lighting fixtures were selected to explore the interplay of white and translucent finishes, ensuring a soft, diffused glow.

Outside the windows, the two magnolias stay, silently filtering the sunlight.