Yes, Minimalism Has a Warm Side. Just Ask Vincent Van Duysen
This article originally appeared in the April 2023 issue of Elle Decoration France
It was while visiting his sister that Giovanni Molteni, vice president of Molteni&C, fell in love with a 1950s Milan building with the ideal exposure. In 2019, he acquired two adjoining apartments there, where he lived with his wife, Fiammetta, and their two daughters. When the time came to decorate, who better to take on the role than Vincent Van Duysen, artistic director of the family business?
“I wanted to create a family townhouse in a style that was both conservative and informal,” says the Belgian architect, who, in addition to supervising the in-house collections, just designed a modernist pavilion intended to welcome visitors to the head office. “To do this, I used a palette of light and warm shades. I also used natural materials including oak. For the entrance, which connects but also separates the two living rooms and the kitchen, I used Italian marbles such as Breccia Capraia and red travertine. Everything takes place in a bright environment, thanks to the whitewashed walls and ceilings.”
The owners drew on Molten&C classics, including an armchair by Gio Ponti and a table by Foster + Partners, to which they added other emblematic references such as chairs by Jean Prouvé. Because he is an enlightened art enthusiast, Giovanni frequently visits galleries hoping to spot emerging talent. When an artist catches his eye, he features their pieces in the brand’s showrooms and also in his home. Carefully chosen pieces—including freehand drawings of buildings by Aldo Rossi, the leading Italian architect and designer of the ’80s and ’90s and a family friend—hang on the walls. Everything, therefore, is a family affair.
The Homeowners
Fiammetta and Giovanni Molteni have raised their two daughters in this apartment, which—thanks to the help of architect Vincent Van Duysen—reflects their family life.
Living Room
To capture as much light as possible, the walls have been whitewashed, a move that also highlights the furniture. The armchair is by Gio Ponti, the Grado cocktail tables are by Ron Gilad, and the Paul sofa is by Vincent Van Duysen (all Molteni&C). The 1977 Atollo floor lamp is by Vico Magistretti, and the artwork, made with sneaker laces, is by Gabriele de Santis.
Dining Room
The dining room is structured around Foster + Partners’ Arc table for Molteni&C and is topped with the Noctambule pendant lamp by Konstantin Grcic for Flos. The dining chairs are by Jean Prouvé for Vitra. In the background, the Molteni&C sideboard is by Werner Blaser, the Nesso lamp is by Giancarlo Mattioli for Artemide. and the painting is by Vincenzo Schiallaci.
Kitchen
Van Duysen chose a kitchen from Dada, a group within the Molteni&C umbrella that the designer also oversees. This model creates a geometric space due to the handleless cabinets and doors. The blue in the room goes perfectly with the Breccia Capraia marble.
Primary Bedroom
The primary bedroom is illuminated by a duo of Daphine reading lights by Tommaso Cimini, produced in 1973. The Ribbon bed is by Van Duysen, and the Vicino bedside table is by Foster + Partners, both for Molteni&C.
Primary Bathroom
Art is omnipresent throughout the apartment, even in the primary bathroom. The floor is covered with herringbone parquet, and the bathtub and worktop are adorned with Breccia Capraia marble.
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