Interiors

THAT ‘70S SHOW-STOPPER

May 22, 2023

GROOVY ERAS, MID-CENTURY MODERN TOUCHES AND COMFORT APLENTY CONSTITUTE THE KEY INGREDIENTS FOR DRAGA & AUREL’S UTTERLY TRANSCENDENT MILANESE HOME.

From Ridley Scott’s controversial House of Gucci to Luca Guadagnino’s heart-wrenching I Am Love, Milan has been the captivating backdrop to many artistic endeavours conceived from a spectrum of colourful emotions, enriching stories and thought-provoking queries. Such is also the case for this neutral mid-century modern home by avant-garde royalty, Draga & Aurel. Channelling the groovy yet dynamic vibes of the late 1970s to early 1980s, the Italian design studio took on the innovative spirit of this era which unleashed creativity, hedonism, rebellion and emancipation from the dominant culture. In turn, an eclectic mix of vibrant patterns, colours, shapes, textures and materials is at play – especially from the duo’s vintage nightclub-inspired Night Fever Collection, created in partnership with Essential Home and DelightFULL.

Even with just two bedrooms, this two-storey home is colossal in size with highly functional, visually stimulating spaces. Jaws are bound to drop upon entering the main doorway for example, once the windows to the soul are locked onto the grandiose curved staircase floating to the top. Surrounded by transparent glass, each of its steps are brightly illuminated to mark an otherworldly impression. Highlighting this glorious effect is the row of enormous Marcus pendant lights, arranged in topsy-turvy fashion. Transporting an element from the outdoors is the modestly sized modern garden constructed below it.

Bursting with an effulgent aura, the living room is swathed in more neutral tones as a whole – think along the lines of nude, khaki, beige and tan – to allow detailed textures and accent colours to do all the talking. The former is exemplified in the form of a stone feature wall and fur rug while the latter does so via the hanging artwork, pillows, red Taboo side tables and gold-toned orange Caprice centre tables. These little additions pair well with the Xenon modular sofa, dominating the space without overwhelming it and offering ample comfort in the process. Equipped with similar features, the Xenon armchair instantly teleports one to the mod streets of New York during the late ‘70s. Augmenting this cosy atmosphere is the sleek, contemporary fireplace. 

Despite a lack of partitioning, both the kitchen and dining room are well-defined to allow one another to shine individually. Darker tones reign supreme in the heart of the home, where cherry wood is the most utilised material here. Imbuing a tad of brightness is the trio of ivory-hued Russel bar stools supported by a golden brass base, coordinating with the white tubular pendant lights hanging vertically above the island table. Speaking of which, each compartment of the see-through top cabinet is strategically illuminated with soft lighting to present an air of theatricality.

Striking a prominent presence is the round Maxime dining table with ruby glass and polished golden brass feet, complemented by the upholstered Roxy dining chairs with seemingly delicate legs. Taking on the role of a feature wall of sorts is the large wine cellar rack placed in front of the aforementioned cherry wood panels, appearing as an extension of the kitchen on the other side. Lit with the latest LED lights, this steel structure with a clear glass cover which also serves as a divider between the dining room and living room makes a bold statement with minimal effort – now that’s elegant simplicity done right.

The lounge area on the top floor features an abstract rug, leek wood-and-brass Mulligan bookcase and Tetris-like sofa set in muted terracotta to continue the warm approach taken. The playful Yoyo suspension light injects a sense of whimsy but in a pleasantly mature way. As for the private office, the glass walls not only invite plenty of sunlight indoors to rejuvenate the senses and replenish focus but offers an impeccable view of the outdoor pool and surrounding area. Within it lies a polished Edith writing desk, commanding the room with its velvet-covered body and walnut wood countertop. 

An inherently powerful aura is exuded in the master bedroom, luxuriated with gold and marble furnishings while comforted through dark shades of brown – a combination of preceding elements to create a sober, intimate cocoon. The Minelli bed acts as the space’s main protagonist, accompanied by ruby Taboo side tables. Keeping to the cosy feel, the lounge area offers a polished version of modern rusticity with the Elo armchairs paired with the playful Caprice cocktail table and tall side table. On the other hand, the master bathroom pulls out all the stops with the Midas touch, courtesy of Maison Valentina’s diamond mirrors, couple sinks and freestanding bathtub. 

Piquing curiosity at every turn in striking yet soothing contempo-vintage form, this Milanese manor is undoubtedly more than worthy of its geographical positioning in the global capital of design.

For more information, please visit www.draga-aurel.com & www.essentialhome.eu