Under the spires of Milan cathedral

Located in an upscale condominium in the heart of Milan’s historic city centre, the Enjoy B&B in Via Flavio Baracchini 9 is an exclusive retreat where guests can unwind after a busy day spent working or visiting the bustling northern Italian city. Opened in 2020, the new B&B is the result of a radical renovation project commissioned by the owner to restore a 300-square-metre private apartment built in the last century and long out of use. The result is a warm, welcoming establishment with just ten rooms, some of which offer breathtaking views of the Duomo and where every detail has been designed to ensure the utmost tranquillity and comfort for guests. There is also a basic kitchen with cement resin base units and white lacquered wall units in a large breakfast room furnished with bistro tables. And of course the B&B offers all the usual amenities for guests travelling through Milan. The architectural project was created by architect Lorenzo Rossetti (Studio Mass) and carried out by his practice in close collaboration with the Molino 48 showroom, which acted as the contractor for the selection and supply of materials and furniture. The key element is the central corridor which connects all the rooms and is decorated by oak panelling with LED strip lights. The rooms are all unique and feature contemporary furniture set within a sober and elegant overall design, with a predominance of oak alternating with a pale textile effect. Each room has a private bathroom with a shower. “ The timber surfaces contrasting with the textile-effect panels of the furniture are echoed in the slats on the bathroom ceilings,“ explains architect Lorenzo Rossetti. “ This is both an aesthetic choice and a practical solution for concealing the air conditioning vents while incorporating the LED lighting strips that replicate those found in the corridors. The materials in the bathrooms merge seamlessly with the solutions chosen for the guest bedrooms. The designs of ABK’s porcelain stoneware surfaces from the DO UP affresco light, DO UP memory sabbia and DO UP memory rust lines decorate the shower area with a sartorial motif reminiscent of the Milanese and Italian industrial heritage.“ By contrast, the floor is tiled with large-format porcelain stoneware slabs from ABK’s LAB 325 Base collection. “ The same tiles with the same finish were installed in all the rooms, including the terraces,“ says the architect. “ The resulting continuous surface unifies the structure and creates a very pleasant contrast with the wood details and with the white of the modern kitchen in the breakfast area. All the materials and furnishings come together to create a welcoming and comfortable environment.“