A 650-Square-Foot Apartment in Naples Embodies Vintage Chic
Famous as the home of works by such great artists as Caravaggio, Andrea Mantegna, Titian, and Michelangelo Buonarroti—to name only a few—the majestic Capodimonte Museum is an appealing destination. The palazzo sits on a hillside in Campania, in the northern part of Naples, exuding beauty and warmth. It’s not the only reason to visit this part of the city, however. Before the urban growth of Naples reached the area, it had its own decidedly rural identity. Then, from the 19th century onwards, it became incorporated into Neapolitan life. Its villas, gardens, and estates transformed the hills here into a popular country escape resort for residents of Naples.
In this neighborhood, replete with breathtaking views of the city below and large lemon trees flourishing in its historic gardens, a 650-square-foot apartment has been wonderfully restored by the young studio La Fotosintesi. Giuseppe Punzo and Julie Nebout, partners in life and work, started their architecture and design studio in 2021, grounding it in their passion for all things beautiful and well-made. Among their first projects was their own home. It is an apartment that, as Giuseppe says, “hid its original beauty under layers and layers of materials. In fact, our main goal was to bring to light its original charm that, over the years, had been increasingly concealed.”
“For the interior design we played a lot with contrasts (textural and otherwise), letting the past flourish again,” explain the two young cofounders of La Fotosintesi studio. In fact, once you cross the threshold you discover a home where furniture and other elements combine contemporary elegance with vintage touches, all in an environment with a certain industrial chic style. The light and neutral colors of the walls—specially designed to create an aged effect—frame a varied design, rich in different eras and styles. The designers, who are also the owners of the house, confirm this was their goal.
Relying on historic antique dealers in Naples for the furniture Giuseppe and Julie purchased, “it was a way to revive iconic pieces in a more modern and contemporary environment,” they explain. But their choices were not limited to vintage and antique pieces. Instead the apartment also has contemporary elements, including paintings, prints (like a poster celebrating Italian singer Rino Gaetano by Ciao! Discoteca Italiana), and pillows (specifically the multicolored pop-inspired pillows by Paboy Bojang, a collective that offers safe work to refugees and migrants). There is even a scarf, used as a furniture accessory by Vienmnsuonno1926, a Campania-based firm that is passionate about its love for Naples—a passion shared by the apartment’s owners and designers.
Carlo Oriente1/4The unique flooring and painted trim adds interest from floor to ceiling.
Carlo Oriente3/4Decorative objects and small appliances by Alessi; lights by Artemide, and chairs by Anonima Castelli.
Carlo Oriente4/4The painted staircase adds a sense of play to the dine-in kitchen.
