Houzz Tours
My Houzz: A Garage is Transformed into a Bright Apartment
Repurposed into a practical and functional home, this one-time garage features a chic, minimalist industrial style
In a small village in Italy’s Etna region, designer Pietro Marcantoni decided to make the garage of a 1980s building his home. The result? A fabulous and functional space that the creator defines as a ‘white box’ and one that contains some of his most significant memories. The style of the materials and finishes maintains the garage’s identity while still creating a welcoming yet refined atmosphere.
“The design phase was a lot of fun, no challenges or risks,” Marcantoni says, adding that his vision for the renovation was clear from the get-go: “To redevelop a garage in an industrial style without distorting its essence.”
Indeed, every design detail was chosen to preserve the feel of the dwelling’s original purpose. For instance, the drainpipes coming down from the upper floors were left exposed and covered with simple zinc sheets.
The plate glass coffee table was found at a building site and repurposed.
Tufty-Time sofa, designed by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia.
Indeed, every design detail was chosen to preserve the feel of the dwelling’s original purpose. For instance, the drainpipes coming down from the upper floors were left exposed and covered with simple zinc sheets.
The plate glass coffee table was found at a building site and repurposed.
Tufty-Time sofa, designed by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia.
Designer Marcantoni has an eclectic set of interests, and says that he feels a little bit like a ‘thief of passions,’ since many of the objects in his home once belonged to experts in the various disciplines with which he has always been fascinated. For example, the bike in the living room is a custom-made Benotto that Marcantoni managed to barter away from an originally reluctant owner.
Moving through the large open space, one never loses the sense of being inside of a garage. The ceilings are lower than in the average home, but the large rectangular windows and white colour palette brighten the interior and connect it to the outdoors.
The console the TV is on was carved from a block of chestnut wood from Etna (where the volcano is) “to emphasise the impact of an element that is simple by nature,” Marcantoni says.
The console the TV is on was carved from a block of chestnut wood from Etna (where the volcano is) “to emphasise the impact of an element that is simple by nature,” Marcantoni says.
Marcantoni prefers relaxed and casual spaces to formal ones. In order to make all of his friends feel at home when they visit, he managed to create a comfortable ambience by designing a kitchen that is warm and open, and ready for guests.
The bar is Marcantoni’s design. He purchased the yellow light fixture in a small shop in the Sicilian countryside. Marcantoni says he didn’t choose it for its design qualities but “fell in love at first sight after seeing it in a dusty shop window with the price tag still in Lire, the old Italian currency.”
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The bar is Marcantoni’s design. He purchased the yellow light fixture in a small shop in the Sicilian countryside. Marcantoni says he didn’t choose it for its design qualities but “fell in love at first sight after seeing it in a dusty shop window with the price tag still in Lire, the old Italian currency.”
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Kitchen, Poliform Varenna.
A dining area was essential, but Marcantoni didn’t want it to feel cold and formal. He set it up in an enclosed porch to make it “feel like a sunroom, where you can share a meal in a special environment surrounded by lush greenery.”
The Zettel’z chandelier by Ingo Maurer adds an even more welcoming vibe to the room. It’s stainless steel with detachable sheets of paper. Marcantoni loves reading the messages left by his guests after a dinner party or an event.
He designed the table himself. It has an interesting detail: each of its legs is different.
The Zettel’z chandelier by Ingo Maurer adds an even more welcoming vibe to the room. It’s stainless steel with detachable sheets of paper. Marcantoni loves reading the messages left by his guests after a dinner party or an event.
He designed the table himself. It has an interesting detail: each of its legs is different.
The roof covering the porch has a soft, asymmetrical shape.
The exterior siding accentuates the industrial style of the apartment and preserves the former garage’s identity.
Want to see another garage conversion? Check this one out
Want to see another garage conversion? Check this one out
Back inside, the bedroom is light and spacious with white resin flooring that brightens the room by reflecting light.
A painting by Marcantoni’s friend Maria Aloisi (who also took the photos for this article) doubles as a headboard.
A painting by Marcantoni’s friend Maria Aloisi (who also took the photos for this article) doubles as a headboard.
Open closets are practical and give the space the industrial chic look Marcantoni wanted.
Endless Shelf bookcase, Porro.
Endless Shelf bookcase, Porro.
The curtain that separates the bedroom from the living room is reminiscent of theater drapes.
The lighting in and just outside the bathroom is very elegant, yet it was made inexpensively out of ordinary neon lights, which can be found at any hardware store. It proves that objects of seemingly little value can be turned into something with great beauty.
One of the features Marcantoni is proudest of is the shower: “It’s so roomy and comfortable, you can really spend quality time in it!” Simple, low-cost materials –mortar and white paint – were used to cover the walls.
And this is Max, the owner’s sidekick.
What do you think of this cool garage conversion? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
What do you think of this cool garage conversion? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here Pietro Marcantoni and Max, his golden retriever
Location Nicolosi, Catania, Sicily, Italy
Size 130 sq m, comprising a porch, living room, bedroom, bathroom and laundry room. The house also has a garden.
Year built 1980
Renovation year 2006
That’s interesting The house is a former garage. Marcantoni himself designed the iron window frames. Another unique feature is the absence of doors, save for one in the bathroom.