In this flat located a short distance from the historical centre of Bari and converted into a tourist rental unit by engineer Nicola Bux, two worlds coexist within a few square metres: the contemporary and the historical.
The flat, named Casa Ettore, is located within a 19th-century building that still contains certain period features, such as the small vaults interspersed with metal beams characterising the ceilings of every room, including the bathroom.
The vintage references do not end there: it is the floor that immediately catches the eye, seamlessly accompanying the entire space.
The surface of the bathroom, sleeping area and kitchen are covered with the unmistakable pattern of the Ottocento porcelain stoneware collection, chosen in the Talco-color Tappeto 7 variant, a pattern that pays homage to 20th-century cement tiles, lending an old-world charm to the entire flat.
To ensure continuity and harmony between the coverings, including in terms of color shades, the Ottocento collection was again chosen – this time in a solid color Cobalto finish – to clad the backsplash of the small but cosy kitchen.
The 20x20 cm size and the look of the tile – with its deliberately ruined edges and slightly faded hues – give a retro, artisanal feel to the rooms, which is nevertheless perfectly suited as a backdrop for the contemporary design décor of this luxury flat.
It is precisely the furnishings chosen by the designer that represent the modern spirit of Casa Ettore: velvet armchairs and poufs in bright colors, minimalist black lamps, an exposed wardrobe and a bathroom equipped with every contemporary comfort, such as a large walk-in shower covered with porcelain stoneware Look tiles laid in a herringbone pattern to enliven the room.
The irregularity of the surface and the special glossy finish of this small-size (6x24 cm) brick tile helps to create unexpected plays of light, including in its darker colors: for Casa Ettore’s bathroom, the Avio blue shade was chosen, a further touch of style designed to recall the idea of a ‘water room’.
Ph Giovanni Carrieri
