Interiors

August 14, 2024 – Published in Design & Decor Autumn-Winter 2022 issue

A distinctive vision of luxury design and functionality

Words Shirley Jobson

Photography Jonathan Borg

Style should never be sacrificed, even when practical decisions are necessary to design a home. If the area is limited, implementing the right balance in the distribution of space and colour can work wonders to maintain a high level of sophistication. One advantage of having a smaller home to furnish is the opportunity to invest in quality products.

This outlook is abundantly clear within this stunning apartment, located in the metropolitan town of Sliema, which Gianluca Tarantini expertly designed himself. The modest property enjoys a unique influx of natural light, and the interiors were carefully chosen to give the impression of living in a deluxe hotel suite rather than a compact flat. This one-bedroom abode may be short on space, but it encompasses a broad spectrum of key pieces and innovative features that work together to create a story.

Gianluca is the Brand Manager working alongside interior designer, Kenneth Tanti, in the luxury boutique, Fabulous, offering a wide selection of eye-catching home décor items. He has a background in fashion and has always been drawn to design and beauty, being also an aficionado of eclectic spaces.

Gianluca elaborated on the layout of this elegant home. 

“The open-plan, L-shaped apartment has no entrance hall, so I placed a small desk and a round mirror opposite the front door to create a welcoming area which is also functional. The folding travel desk is of the type used at the beginning of the century, when travellers transported their desk on expeditions. A pink velvet stool completes the picture.”

To the right of the front door, the living area includes a Carreaux sand sofa with an antique brass nailhead trim and rust cushions, adjacent to a wooden travel box used as a side-table. The TV unit is in dark oak, positioned alongside a light grey velvet stool matching the pink one at the entrance. A circular carpet spans the distance between the sofa and unit to create a focal point symbolising a warm embrace.

At the innermost corner, the dining area consists of a round marble table with four classic chairs, two in pink and two in aquamarine velvet. The round table creates a favourable perspective of the living space from whichever chair is occupied. An open balcony nearby provides substantial natural light emanating from the morning sun.

Around the corner, a fully-equipped kitchen in a U shape maximises the use of the confined area. The cupboards are in sage with a quartz kitchen top. The kitchen—a blend of tradition and innovation—is from Carmelo Delia By Vialino Ltd and is a Contempo model from the Creo Kitchens collection by Gruppo Lube.

The bedroom is situated in a separate room to the left of the entrance. The white door provides privacy, but also presents a sense of continuity when left open. The double bed includes a storage area within the base, with the headboard in a natural linen colour with black velvet piping. Colonial side tables in classic black include a drawer, an extendable shelf, and a portable tray, while brass side lamps provide lighting.

The recessed window protects from the afternoon sun through floor-to-ceiling sheer linen curtains and green velvet drapes. An antique Settimino dresser in solid oak lies in one corner, while a high wardrobe with three white-panelled doors accentuates the height of the room. A soft dash of colour is added by the pink Art Deco armchair—resembling the shape of a flower— while a simple French mirror in black piano finish spans one of the walls. The en-suite is enhanced by a large mirror covering half a wall and a linen Roman window shade with a cute pattern of colourful hummingbirds.

Gianluca loved the challenge of efficiently maximising space in the apartment—even visually.

“The natural light works with the colours inside to create depth in this small place. Another advantage is the high ceiling, which was painted white to make the area appear larger. Additionally, the wallcoverings do not reach the ceiling, with all the furniture and wall hangings situated below the gap to minimise the illusion of confinement.”

A custom, built-in storage area just outside the bedroom discreetly conceals all the electrical components as well as the necessary appliances and cleaning products. A large cupboard on top holds extra bed linen and towels, while, opposite, a reloved antique secretaire with a number of narrow drawers provides extra capacity.

“Since the place is open-plan but small, it is important to present an uncluttered look,” Gianluca clarified. “Choosing a few appropriate accessories and creating a wave of high and low focal points will help construct different areas visually. Continuity in themes and colours is also essential. 

“The details of the chandelier over the dining area, for example, are in a leaf pattern, and this is highlighted by the botanical motif on the balcony curtain, the vase of flowers on the table, and the ceramic pineapple lamp near the TV.”

“Adding a few pieces of art, even in the bathroom, is not only aesthetically pleasing but a worthwhile investment. The painting in the dining area is a portrayal of Maltese people sunbathing at the beach by the late Norwegian artist and expat, Olaug Vethal. And because this painting was a key piece that I knew I would use from the start of this project, I worked around the colours in the painting itself as well as in the frame to select the tones for the rest of the interiors.”

Gianluca opted for a select choice of luxury brands for the décor, all represented by Fabulous.

“Choosing a Chanel bag makes a significant difference to an outfit, and the same goes for luxury home items. Eichholtz is one of our most trusted and fast-growing brands for furniture and accessories, utilised for luxury homes and hotels worldwide. Their recent collaboration with iconic designer Philipp Plein is on another level, with an opulent 160-piece range of home interiors. All our fabrics originate from the Sanderson Group, which designs and markets a wide selection of materials, often featured in leading magazines.”

The exquisitely woven wallcoverings come from Omexco. They are durable, stain- and scratch-resistant, with different textures and natural shades. The materials are all pure and plastic-free. Most crucially, they are fire-retardant and allow the walls to breathe. In fact, Gianluca even used a wallcovering in the bathroom, while many luxury cruise liners use Omexco’s wallpaper onboard.

Gianluca concluded by offering essential advice to homeowners. 

“If you want a beautiful house, you must create the base slowly. Invest in professional advice from the start to prevent most problems that may arise. Interior design is similar to fashion—what you like may not always suit you. To attain a certain image, you have to respect the space and choose what is best for it, while, of course, opting for what you feel comfortable with. But remember, luxury brands and quality items will not only enhance your home but will last through generations. Think ahead, allocate your budget—and have fun!”