How Home Design Strengthens Family Relationships

Residence in Montecarlo — Federico Delrosso Architects

Explore this thoughtfully reconfigured residence in the heart of Montecarlo, Monaco: a single home formed by merging three previously separate apartments. The architects describe the project as an effort to promote family connection and shared living while respecting the distinct character of each level. A clear centerpiece is the freestanding contemporary staircase that links all three floors internally, encouraging frequent interaction between parents and children and creating visual and spatial continuity throughout the home.

Interior view of a Montecarlo residence

The house follows a reverse vertical arrangement: the main entrance is located at the highest level, on the third floor, which accommodates the living area and a loft-style space. This top-level entry establishes the social heart of the home, where kitchen, dining and living spaces are positioned to receive guests and support family gatherings. The architects used this layout to orient daily life around the shared, communal areas.

The mid-level, intended primarily for parents, emphasizes calm, intimate and compact design choices. Here, the spaces are quieter and more contained, offering privacy and restful environments. The lower level was designed with children in mind: it has a more dynamic, playful arrangement that can adapt to the needs of a growing family. The three-tier program—child-focused, parent-focused and communal—helps balance privacy and togetherness without sacrificing functionality.

Staircase and interior details

Throughout the home, the design vocabulary leans toward elegant minimalism. Furniture selections are refined and restrained, allowing the architecture and materials to take center stage. The attic and loft areas are deliberately informal, populated with curated objects and personal artifacts that invite relaxed family life and the cheerful disorder that comes with everyday activities. These spaces act as comfortable counterpoints to the more orderly public and private zones.

Loft and living area details

Material choices emphasize warmth and natural texture. Floors are laid in grey oak paired with zebrano, creating a refined yet organic palette that softens the modern lines of the architecture. These materials contribute to a welcoming atmosphere while providing durable, high-quality surfaces suited to family life. Light is managed carefully to balance openness with coziness: large openings and well-placed interior volumes ensure visual connection across levels without compromising intimate moments.

Interior design with natural materials

The resulting interior is both natural and warm, with a lived-in quality that emphasizes the family’s everyday rhythms. The freestanding staircase, minimalist furnishings and considered material palette work together to create a residence that is modern yet deeply human. The architects’ strategy—uniting three separate apartments into a single vertically integrated home—successfully preserves individuality for each level while strengthening the connections that make family life richer.

Open-plan living area

This Montecarlo residence, designed by Federico Delrosso Architects, exemplifies a contemporary approach to family living: layered spatial planning, a strong interior connection provided by a central stair, and a warm material approach that supports everyday life. The project demonstrates how careful design can transform separate units into a cohesive family home without losing the qualities that make each level unique.

Family-friendly interior spaces

Photographs capture the layered volumes, the expressive staircase and the material details that define the project. The design balances open, sociable areas with quieter private rooms, producing a versatile home that responds to both daily routines and special moments. Overall, the residence offers a refined, humane interpretation of modern family life in Montecarlo.

Design details and materials
Cozy corners and family artifacts
Open stair linking levels
Minimalist furniture and warm materials
Natural textures and refined finishes
Architectural layout and lighting
Clean lines and modern design
Views across the residence
Final design touches