Here is another project by the incredibly talented Italian architecture and design firm Marcante – Testa (previous one here) that I had to share because it is a work of art. Honestly I am blown away by this. A few details: This is the renovation of the communal areas of a 19th-century building facing a small canal in Sestiere San Marco, and one of its apartments. Prior to the project the building was completely without decorative-architectural features appropriate to its character. The project for this apartment develops through diaphragm-dividers with structures in painted metal and brass, infill elements in green glass and wooden panels treated with Venetian stucco: inspired by the intervention of Carlo Scarpa at Ca’ Foscari, the dividers conserve natural lighting even in the areas without windows. Inside the rooms, the relationship between the windows and the Venetian landscape is reinforced by a system of brass frames with gilded curtains of metal screen, that act to determine precisely revised openings towards the outside in a sort of continuous ribbon window through all the spaces. Through the glass of the lamps, the wallpapers with a shaded effect, the colors of the walls, all the way to the choice of the furnishings (like the glass tables or the iridescent carpet), the project sets out to interpret and incorporate the Venetian landscape, the lagoon and its colors. I have no words for the mind-blowing attention to detail here, and the bold choices in colours and patterns. This project is so inspiring, and brings creativity and eclecticism to a whole other level. Photos: Carola Ripamonti

I am DYING over the colours in the bathroom above. !!!!!

If you would like to participate in the Monday’s pets on furniture series please send photos, your name, location and a brief description to kim[at]desiretoinspire[dot]net, or hashtag your photos on Instagram with #DTIpetsonfurniture. Thanks!

This is norwegian Lars, he loves to pose and wait for drinks on the sofa.
– Nicholas

My sister Jen sent me this photo of one of her 3 cats, Spencer, lounging in her living room on a chair that used to be our grandmothers.

And one from me of my blue point Himalayan Milo watching the happenings on the street from the front living room window.

This Victorian terrace home in London is a stunner. Left minimal due to it being a location home, I can just imagine these gloriously bright spaces with some personal touches and some plants added throughout. Loving all of the bright white walls and bits of pale grey, brass hardware and minimalist lighting and WHOA that herringbone oak parquet floor! A real beauty. Available via Shoot Factory. 

I can’t tell you how many times I have stared at this photo. I’m not sure why I find it so enchanting but it’s about time I share it. I think I’m drawn to it because the art is quirky and beautiful and draws your attention to the lovely tile floor. *SWOON* Via Lisa Burke Interiors. 

A huge thanks to Edward for sending us a link that led us to Italian architecture and design firm Marcante – Testa (formerly UdA that I was a huge fan of and featured several projects here). They kindly sent over photos of all of their residential projects and OH LA LA!!! Lots of good stuff but this 150 m2 apartment in Milan might be my favourite. In love with the unique paint combinations, the flooring (including the painted detail) and the fun wallpapers. LE TEMPS RETROUVÉ: The visual relationship with nature was the guiding motivation behind the choice of this place on the part of the client. Materials like wicker, Vienna straw and linen that form seats, accessorized dividers, wardrobe doors, the fake marble laminate of the kitchen table, the wicker headboards of the beds, join forces to stimulate memories of spaces, perhaps experienced in a “grandmother’s house”, reinterpreted here and rendered functional for contemporary needs. A “light” project made of decoration and furnishings (vintage and custom) for a house to make on a tight schedule and a suitable budget for a rental, where the architectural structure of the building has not been altered, though its spatial perception has been improved. The view of the spaces changes and varies depending on the chromatic contrasts on the walls, using resin for the floors that partially covers the wood to become a “carpet” to mark the position of the table and its chairs. Sourcing details are here. Photos: Carola Ripamonti