The Power of Color

By Editorial Staff - 1 April 2025
KE Outdoor Design has participated in the project

Deep blues and aqua greens mix with the warm tones of Bologna in House S., a renovation project by Studio Dall’Occa and interior designer Marta Franceschini of Doodesign. Set in one of the city’s green residential pockets, the home brings together sophisticated design and the building’s original architectural details. In the way it combines creativity and comfort, this eclectic project reflects the owner’s personality.

While color sets the mood of each room, it is always measured and never overbearing. The design philosophy here centers on the well-being of the family, prioritizing custom solutions that respond to modern needs without sacrificing an elegant esthetic.

Casa S. | © Niccolò Morgan Gandolfi, courtesy Doodesign Il tavolo da pranzo, completato da poltroncine color salvia, è sovrastato da un lampadario composto da elementi circolari disposti a diverse altezze.

On several levels and with over 200 sq. m of floor space, the apartment has four bedrooms, four bathrooms, two kitchens, a study, and a sizable living room. The centerpiece of the living area is a large window that floods the double-height space with light. Overlooking a large terrace, it creates a seamless connection with outdoors. The space features a palette of bright, sophisticated colors – including Inchyra Blue, Picture Gallery Red, and Elephant’s Breath Gray – which give the room a distinctive, welcoming atmosphere. The design team not only chose these shades for the walls but also for the fabrics, furnishings, and wallpaper.

A striking Jerusalem Blue stone table with terracotta round feet and a bush-hammered finish occupies the center of the room, surrounded by aquamarine velvet armchairs. Over the table, a pendant light, with round shapes and light sources at different heights, enhances the space, creating dynamism and elegance. A blue sofa and cushions, with touches of pink and embroidered exotic plants that reflect the colors of the wallpaper, complete the setting.

Combining functionality and design, the kitchen features a brushed steel wall and counter, with the latter surrounded by wooden stools in shades of blue and dark green. These colors reflect the tones of the wallpaper over the cooktop and sink, creating a harmonious and sophisticated whole.

Cantilevered stairs with a light, floating design over a coral-colored base lead to the upper floors. The second floor has a relaxation area overlooking the living room below and with views across the city. This space includes a swing-shaped seat with cushions that is perfect for relaxation and contemplation.

Casa S. | © Niccolò Morgan Gandolfi, courtesy Doodesign

A distinctive element of the home is its over-100 sq. m panoramic terrace on the top floor. Designed as a natural extension of the interior, this outdoor space is a haven of tranquility and an ideal setting for outdoor entertaining. Views across Bologna blend with the lush green surroundings, enhanced by different plantings and flowerbeds. Harmonizing with the timber decking and the shades of the roof, brown sofas and chairs recall the warm tones of the city itself.

House S. | © Niccolò Morgan Gandolfi, courtesy of Doodesign | A focal point of the living area is the Jerusalem Blue Stone table. With circular terracotta legs and a bush-hammered finish, it was designed by Bolognese artist and designer Niccolò Morgan Gandolfi.

House S. | © Niccolò Morgan Gandolfi, courtesy of Doodesign | The living area is defined by a large window that floods the double-height space with natural light. The staircase to the upper floors introduces a note of coral red to the aquamarine hues of the house.

House S. | © Niccolò Morgan Gandolfi, courtesy of Doodesign

House S. | © Niccolò Morgan Gandolfi, courtesy of Doodesign | Above the dining table and its sage-colored chairs is a pendant light fixture composed of circular elements arranged at varying heights.

House S. | © Niccolò Morgan Gandolfi, courtesy of Doodesign | Creating a distinctive contrast with the home’s vibrant tones, the parquet flooring and white surfaces in the bathroom reflect a more minimalist design approach.

House S. | © Niccolò Morgan Gandolfi, courtesy of Doodesign | KE specializes in architectural products that enhance natural light, thereby improving both visual comfort and energy efficiency. For example, Screeny Hide – the latest addition to the Screeny roller blind range – seamlessly integrates into contemporary architecture. Designed for both new builds and renovations, its headbox, terminal, and guides are all recessed into the wall, so that when the blind is retracted, it becomes invisible. Because the headbox is completely concealed within the window

Location: Bologna, Italy
Completion: 2023
Gross Floor Area: 400 m²
Architect: Studio Dall’Occa
Interior Designer and Main Contractor: Doodesign

Photography: Niccolò Morgan Gandolfi, courtesy of Doodesign

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