Interiors

February 25, 2025 – Published in Design & Decor Autumn-Winter 2024 issue

At home with Gianluca Tarantini – An elegant mélange of vintage and modern décor

Words Shirley Jobson

Photography Ramon Portelli

Redesigning and transforming an apartment built in the 1960s is all in 

a day’s work for Gianluca Tarantini. With eight years of experience as Brand Manager at Fabulous boutique and currently offering freelance design consultancies, the charismatic Italian welcomed us into his lovely residence, overlooking the lush Balluta valley, that he shares with his husband Alan—and which he expertly embellished himself!

Moving to one of their favourite areas in Malta suited the duo’s lifestyle to a tee. Because everything is within walking distance, they are less dependent on their cars. The block itself was one of the first buildings in Balluta Bay, and their apartment enjoys substantial natural light and beautiful valley views, alongside the neighbourhood’s historic buildings and the Marriott Hotel.

Gianluca’s proficiency in beautifying interior spaces was evident as soon as 

we walked through the door.

The apartment presents the squarish layout, high ceilings, and room dimensions synonymous with the decade when it was constructed. Together with the homeowner’s flair for eye-catching interiors, this allowed the creation of the ideal residence that combines diverse styles, encourages sustainability, and embodies practical solutions for day-to-day life.

“Before you design your space, you must live in it first!” Gianluca emphasised. “The joy of building a home entails doing it step by step, so don’t buy all the interiors prior to moving in. You can then decorate it according to your daily routines and personal tastes.”

The wide entrance hall stretches out from the front door to recreate a Park Avenue effect. To the right of the doorway, the eyes are immediately drawn to a lime-coloured Regency cabinet by Julian Chichester, handmade in a wave pattern to inspire movement. A quirky lamp by Italian ceramist, Enza Fasano, provides artistic flair, together with a mix of modern and classical art pieces that add pops of colour.

Halfway down the hall, a floor-to-ceiling wall mirror—hand-carved from mahogany wood embellished with delicate leaves—creates depth next to a white arch that contrasts beautifully with the terracotta walls. Beyond the arch, an Art Deco ceiling lamp suspended over a round statement table provides a striking focal point. The nearby doorway to one of the original bedrooms was converted into a handy cloakroom.

Although most of the apartment was revamped, some authentic features simply needed restoration and were retained.

“We had to upgrade the outdated electrical system, and we changed all the doors,” Gianluca elaborated, “but the high ceilings enabled us to hide the power cables and pipes within the gypsum coving while still retaining height. The flooring was also in perfect condition, so we just restored the parquet into a more natural tone.”

Gianluca had always imagined having a fresco of the clouds on the hallway ceiling, and he was lucky to find what he wanted in a wallpaper collection from Holland. The grey and orange shades represent cloudy skies just before a storm—and match perfectly with the chosen colour scheme.

The spacious lounge is a welcoming haven for entertaining guests. The Eichholtz furniture in natural colours and organic materials invites you to curl up cosily into its luxurious comfort. 

A curved Björn cream sofa embraces the artistic Aventura coffee table, with its clear glass surface reflecting the green foliage of the valley seen through the expansive window. Two opulent Inger swivel chairs add a decorative seating option shaped like an open flower, while the ball-shaped cushions and soft carpet complete the circular theme. Two wall niches—originally housing bookshelves—now hold classic art hanging against a mirrored background.

One extraordinary feature of the lounge is the Zoffany wallpaper—exquisitely hand drawn by artisan muralist, Melissa White.

“My wish was to extend the open-air concept of the valley by creating a trompe l’œil of an outdoor landscape within our walls. I came across this wallcovering, Arcadian Thames, inspired by the British riverside atmosphere, with elements from Hampton Court, Syon House, and other iconic buildings mixing with mythological creatures. It evokes the 15th-century tapestries found in English palaces!”

Next to a fully stocked drinks cabinet, a mahogany desk doubles up as a bar for preparing cocktails or a buffet table to serve the starters when guests come round for dinner. Soft stools provide easily portable seating spots when needed.

The dining area is located beyond another arch, with a table that seats eight overlooking the balcony. Another Eichholtz classic, the Napa Valley dresser, in oak and brass with a weaving nest pattern pairs the retro Bauhaus look with modern touches. A fuschia Batman art piece by renowned artist, Marco Lodola, adds a dash of bright colour against the wallpaper. Adjustable alabaster wall lamps create a relaxing aura for meal times.

The kitchen—located in a separate room across the hall—is the original one that came with the place.

The environmentally conscious couple retained the original cabinets, which were still in excellent condition. The layout includes a small island which suits their needs perfectly as a breakfast table, an additional work space, or a second bar when they host parties. To maximise the colour scheme, the wall was covered with a bold graphical design from the Joy collection by Omexco, inspired by the Venetian terrazzo tiles reminiscent of the 1970s.

Just inside the kitchen door, a small library—again, with a mirrored background—showcases Gianluca’s treasured book collection of Agatha Christie classics, which he has read since he was in his teens. Next to it hangs an artistic rendition—from the pop face collection by artist AB81—of Angela Lansbury, who starred as Jessica Fletcher in Murder, She Wrote.

The small room leading off the back of the kitchen merely required a facelift and was converted into a small conservatory, which the duo use for weekend brunches or intimate dinner parties. This cosy alcove is one of the only rooms having a television.

At the end of the entrance hallway, a wide door with mirrored panels slides open to reveal the spacious mini suite used as the main bedroom.

Two of the previous bedrooms were amalgamated into one fully customised and multi-functional room. The sleeping quarters include a minimalist four-poster bed, with two different wooden side tables—one, an old sewing table, and the other, a piano stool—with 70s design chrome lamps. A feature wall displays different artists and patterns to help create movement. The white wardrobe’s mirrored panels match the style of the bedroom door, with the box effect also continued on the ceiling.

Alan’s baby grand piano creates a strong central focus, with a life-size sheep modelled in resin adding a unique aesthetic. A private living area leading to a small balcony completes the room. In front of the wide-screen TV, two modular cushioned chairs present a chaise longue style for comfortable viewing.

A narrow recess behind a library hides an automatically retractable velvet curtain, which conceals the bed when the couple wish to use the other half of the suite to entertain a higher volume of people. With the bedroom door slid open, the space becomes an extension of the hallway where visitors can mingle.

The guest bedroom, or the Blue Room, is entirely decorated in dark shades of blue.

“I used the colour on the fitted carpets, wallcovering, ceiling, wardrobe, and even the AC unit! For a striking contrast, the two single storage daybeds are fitted with Harlequin’s velvet fabric, Journey of Discovery, in a vivid oriental design inspired by the ancient Silk Road. Two bold pink and yellow materials from Güell Lamadrid adorn the headboards and bed bases.”

A small Chinese side table—painted black to render it invisible—sits between the beds, while gorgeous reading lights provide illumination. An armchair that belonged to Alan’s grandmother was upholstered in Serpenti fabric, also from Harlequin, with a velvet blue background and emerald snake damask patterns to complement the room’s palette. An artistic rendition of the Queen’s silhouette shines its spotlights on a small console.

Outside the Blue Room, the side corridor leads to the main bathroom and an adjoining wet room. Since it is small, the wet room has a mirror for a ceiling, to emphasise its height and give it a tower effect. Small hexagonal marble tiles line the walls, and the sink includes brass fittings to match the shower.

In the bathroom, a large cupboard hides the laundry appliances, water heater, and household supplies, while a floating sink cabinet under a high mirror provides additional storage. The water-resistant wallcovering provides a background for four paintings by Mary Lanzon, a relative of Alan’s, depicting locals in traditional Maltese clothing from the 1900s.

Gianluca’s design talents are certainly inspirational for any homeowner.

“Even if your space is small, you can still do wonders with it. Maximise its functionality with versatile items that can be used for different requirements. Add contrasting styles and colours to create balance. And don’t take it too seriously—have fun with your interiors, and elevate your home with your personal touch.”