The Hemingway Martini Apartment, a stunning contemporary renovation by Ciclostile Architettura in collaboration with Edoardo Morelli, presents a calm, sophisticated interior built around an open-plan layout and a muted, neutral palette. Located in a quiet neighborhood of Bologna, the apartment was reimagined to suit the needs of a young couple and their small child. A generous wooden balcony and adjoining deck open directly from the main living space, inviting abundant natural light and making the interior feel more expansive than its footprint suggests. The restrained neutral backdrop allows the curated collection of artwork to take center stage, while bold black cabinetry defines the kitchen and anchors the overall composition.
The apartment’s design emphasizes contrasts: a soft, cement-colored resin floor provides subtle texture underfoot, while selected black furnishings and metal accents create visual punctuation throughout the space. These dark elements—ranging from storage units to kitchen features—give the interior a contemporary, graphic quality that balances the lighter walls and ceilings. Smart, custom lighting adds depth and atmosphere, accentuating artwork and functional zones without overwhelming the calm, neutral environment.
Storage and organization were important considerations in the remodel. Thoughtful built-in shelving and cabinetry maximize usable space while maintaining clean sightlines and a sense of order. The home library and media storage are integrated into the living area, making them both accessible and visually cohesive with the rest of the apartment. This careful approach to storage keeps rooms uncluttered and highlights the material and color choices that define each zone.
In the private areas, practical solutions meet refined finishes. The bedroom includes a well-lit walk-in wardrobe that blends functionality with a warm, inviting atmosphere. The layout provides generous storage without compromising the room’s restful character. A comfortable guest room offers additional flexibility for visiting family and friends, reinforcing the apartment’s role as a welcoming family home.
The kitchen acts as a visual and practical hub. A sculptural black perforated metal panel organizes this area and provides a stage-like backdrop for a sleek stainless-steel island. The island’s clean lines and metallic surface contrast elegantly with softer finishes nearby, creating a focal point that complements the overall neutral scheme. Attention to materials and textures—matte black surfaces, warm wood, and smooth resin flooring—results in a layered, contemporary aesthetic.
The wall and ceiling tones subtly echo the flooring. The open-plan living area—combining kitchen, living, and dining—features a stagecraft-inspired structure clad in black perforated metal that frames a stainless-steel island.
Outdoor living is integrated smoothly into the plan. The wooden deck and balcony create an immediate connection to the exterior, extending the living space and offering generous daylight throughout the day. These outdoor elements not only improve natural ventilation and light but also provide a small, private retreat that enhances everyday life in the city.
The bathroom continues the apartment’s refined simplicity, pairing gray finishes with carefully balanced lighting to create an atmosphere that is both elegant and practical. Fixtures and fittings were chosen to complement the overall palette and to provide comfortable, everyday use for a family.
This renovation balances practical family living with thoughtful design gestures: a neutral color scheme, strong black accents, flexible storage, and fluid indoor-outdoor connections. Photography by Fabio Mantovani captures the calm sophistication of the scheme and highlights how light, materiality, and careful detailing come together to create a warm, contemporary home.