November 13, 2024

Marmorata Apartment by MGK | Studio

MGK | Studio reimagines an early 20th-century apartment in Rome’s Testaccio neighborhood to cater to a new clientele. Maintaining the original layout, Marmorata Apartment features a central spine, restored, exposed-brick vaults, and a distribution filter, dividing the space into a living area and two separate suites. Unified color schemes, furniture, and art, including Davide Groppi lighting and Salvatori marble pieces, reflect a vintage and contemporary mix. A balance of past and present architecture and decor defines the restyled interior.

Minimalist living room with exposed brick ceiling, neutral tones, and built-in shelving.

Redefining Interiors in Testaccio

Located in Rome’s historic Testaccio neighborhood, the Marmorata Apartment exemplifies MGK | Studio’s commitment to balancing the fresh and familiar. Situated in a building dating back to the early 1900s, the project draws upon the street’s historical significance as a storage hub for marbles and stones awaiting sale or processing, dating back to ancient Roman times.

MGK | Studio’s renovation focused on reshaping the layout and services to meet the needs of the new client all while staying true to the apartment’s roots in many ways.

Minimalist open-plan room with exposed brick ceiling, built-in fireplace, and wood floors.

A Refined Interior

MGK | Studio has preserved the apartment’s historical essence while ushering in a modern elegance achieved through restorations and refined color tones.

The studio begins the project by restoring and exposing brick vaults. These antiquated yet refined vaults bring a sense of history to the apartment.

Elegant, minimalist interior with stone walls, wooden floors, and modern furnishings.

The apartment’s layout remains true to the original, defined by a central spine. The design establishes a clear separation between the living area and two suites—one private and one for guests.

Colorful boundary lines separate rooms and suites each with a graining that provides richness to both the interior and the suites. A thinner texture reigns toward the top of the apartment whereas a more dynamic material grain is used below. Changing materials in varying sections of the apartment delineates spaces while maintaining a sense of openness and cohesion amid the renovated, historic space.

Minimal space with textured brick ceiling, wooden floor, and sleek furniture.

Sculptural Minimalism to Match Historic Roots

MGK | Studio approached the apartment’s interior with unexpected design choices such as personalization that camouflages the kitchen to enhance functionality and aesthetics. Doors on the cabinets and other various equipment match the stucco of the surrounding walls.

Minimalist kitchen with exposed brick ceiling, modern furniture, and a unique marble dining table.

Davide Groppi’s minimalist lighting playfully fills the space with light while various marble pieces bring color to the overall scene.

A vintage table, hooks by Salvatori, and Persian calligraphy gracefully adorn the apartment.

The contrast between these elements is accentuated by wooden flooring that brings a sense of depth to the entire historic home.

A cozy bedroom with exposed brick walls, large windows, and a minimalist design.

Connecting Art and History

Through its timeless, thought-out design choices and connections between past and present, MGK | Studios reflects the rich history of the apartment’s placement on Marmorata Street where marbles and stone once reigned supreme.

Artwork by Roberta Morzetti and elements from ‘Oh my lab’ explore connections between vintage and contemporary style

Minimalist bedroom with neutral tones, exposed brick, and large sliding glass door.

The restyled apartment inside the historic Testaccio building reflects a collaborative harmony among past and present that activates previous architecture while vibrantly matching contemporary colors to historic materials.

Modernized loft-style bedroom with exposed brick ceiling, large windows, and minimalist decor.

The result is a modern and functional apartment that inspires a new clientele to appreciate the historic beauty of Rome at present, yesterday, and tomorrow.