Goethe wrote in his Italian Journey: "...wherever I go, I discover in a new world things that are familiar to me; everything is as I had imagined it, and at the same time completely new ." This is why the young scions of high society took part in the Grand Tours between the 17th and 19th centuries. To complete their classical education and broaden their horizons, observing countless "worlds" with their own eyes. Similarly, the fourth edition of Appartamento by Artemest , which will be held from 21 to 26 April during Milan Design Week 2026 , aims to give us those same sensations.
The doors of Palazzo Donizetti (a now well-known location of the Fuorisalone) become the pages of a pop-up book and the story comes to life before our eyes, just long enough to throw them open. The project features five international interior design studios engaged in a specific challenge: to reinterpret the essence of some of Italy's most iconic cultural capitals. The immersive journey is the perfect blend of past and present, and like any self-respecting tale, it features an external narrator who guides you through the story. This narrator is the elliptical staircase you'll encounter at the entrance, ready to weave together the peninsula's diverse souls.
The first stop on our journey is Venice . Sasha Adler Design, a studio specializing in historic restorations and high-end bespoke projects, leads us there. Once you cross the vestibule, you'll feel like you're walking into a Venetian courtyard. The wall panels with chinoiseries (exotic birds and floral decorations) are a clear reference to the cosmopolitan soul of the city, an ancient port to the East. Dominating the scene is the majestic metal tree that branches upwards, created by Fucina di Efesto . The contrast is clear: above are Tiepolo-style pastel-toned coffered ceilings, below the rust-colored modular sofa and more futuristic geometric support elements (like the Zig Zag coffee table by Cupioli ). The Reading Room, on the other hand, aims to be a more intimate refuge, inspired by the layered halls of historic palaces. An essential tribute to Venice: the contemporary Murano glass chandelier . As the studio explains: from the intense green of the wardrobe to the warm leather of the saddle, the space becomes enveloping and refined to accompany us in the rituals of daily life.
From the moment you enter the front door, the traveler is enchanted. At a certain point, as we read in various logbooks, the stranger is invited to sit at the table, a banquet set up to enjoy not only food but also new cultures. This time, the one inviting us to the banquet is the Rockwell Group , a multidisciplinary studio founded in 1984 by David Rockwell in New York, known for its integration of performance and architecture. Its mission is to transport us to the Naples of the past, to the dining rooms of classical temples or Vesuvian villas. The oval structure of the room immediately highlights the frescoed dome. The palette selected for the entire concept recalls the colors of burnt earth, ochre, and gold. Theatricality and opulence merge thanks to the choice of the triclinium, transforming a convivial meal into a collective performance. The key word is undoubtedly light. The sparkling glow emanates from the floor lamps featuring an arabesque pattern, as well as from the opalescent surfaces of the small objects. The marine theme takes center stage: we can spot shell-shaped salt cellars in silver and mother-of-pearl (those by Petri Firenze ) and ceramic fish immersed in bowls filled with pearls. From poufs to stackable tables, to mineral, metallic, and ocean-blue tones: the mission was accomplished in a place that evokes the rediscovery of Pompeii's archaeology combined with the joy of living that only Naples can offer.
An old saying goes, "all roads lead to Rome ," and our journey has led us there too. Our guide, relive the splendor of the ancient capital, is the award-winning March and White Design studio , founded in 2010 by Elliot March and James White, with offices in London, New York, Los Angeles, and Dubai. The living area unfolds along a monumental perspective, and the burgundy walls evoke the cardinal's purple. Cascading amber glass chandeliers immediately transport us to the ballrooms of patrician palaces. The contrast between the vibrant colors of fresh flowers and the sculptural furniture with large red marble tops conveys a sense of power and stability. Everything is studied down to the smallest detail, such as the paintings on the cushions by Anna Paola Cibin or the "moiré" effect of the Caspal brass, which creates luminous vibrations, bringing the space to life. Rome was the heart of the tour for its ruins; MAWD interprets this legacy by creating a space that appears eternal, through a play of chiaroscuro.
After so much walking, a traveler also needs a little relaxation. Luckily, the Charlap Hyman & Herrero studio (founded in 2014 by Adam Charlap Hyman and Andre Herrero, specializing in architecture, interiors, and theater sets) transports us to the entertainment rooms of 19th-century Palermo . The first room features a panoramic wallpaper in a monochrome sepia palette on a cream background, depicting an oriental landscape, both idyllic and wild, capturing the beauty of classical Shan Shui paintings . Palermo was, in fact, the most exotic and sensorial destination on the tour. The element of disruption comes from the apple-green photograph "London Eyes," hanging on the wall, which adds a fresh chromatic note and recalls the natural bamboo in the corner. The second room, however, is distinguished by its sage-green walls and red and magenta details found in the vases, chairs, and paintings, creating a sophisticated yet melancholic atmosphere. Finally, the Caspal wicker and metal stool cannot go unnoticed . Historically, this material is associated with warm climates and the winter gardens of Sicilian villas. Studio Herrero uses this piece to evoke the informal elegance of Palermo's nobility. In short, a sort of literary salon reminiscent of The Leopard, whose decorative choices reflect an eclectic and refined style.
We've reached the final stop on the itinerary, the so-called "well-deserved rest." The luxury studio Urijowan Alsharif Interiors , specializing in custom, high-end residential interiors throughout the Gulf, offers a super-relaxing contemporary alcove. The Renaissance balance of Florence materializes in a locus amoenus : the architectural rigor of the four-poster bed is softened by the skillful interplay of fabrics: the pure white drapes meet the deep hues of velvet, a tribute to the "Florentine measure." The bathtub creates an intimate atmosphere, and fresh flowers placed above echo the pattern of the floral wallpaper. Natural light filtering through the curtains creates a sober, refined aesthetic, typical of Tuscan villas. Tradition is the true protagonist since, as the studio reports, it is a project in synergy between "historic ateliers and contemporary artisans through carpentry, leather, wrought iron, and decorative art." The mix of old and new school is especially evident in the detail of Pinetti 's woven leather screen and Laura Meroni's scratched-textured bedside table: modern shapes born from ancient techniques.
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