Before & After: A Dining Room Gets a Bold, Minimal & Graphic Update

Written by

Adrienne BreauxHouse Tour Director at AT Media
Adrienne BreauxHouse Tour Director at AT Media
For more than 10 years, I've led Apartment Therapy's real home content, producing thousands of house tours from around the world. Currently, I live in my maximalist dream home in New Orleans, Louisiana, with my partner, a perfect dog, and a cute cat.
published May 14, 2016
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(Image credit: Séverine Piller )

When Séverine Piller and her boyfriend Gianfranco first walked into this Milan apartment, they knew it was love. The place had great bones and was filled with lots of natural light. However, it doesn’t mean Séverine didn’t see room for improvement. An interior designer by profession, she made some simple changes that streamlined the living and dining area, creating a minimal, bold and graphic space that fits their modern aesthetic perfectly.

(Image credit: Séverine Piller )

The stair rail was removed. Lighting and furnishings updated with new modern choices. A fun DIY project by Séverine not only acts as storage for a collection of stylish hats, but also as a wall art decor. Though it looks like they got rid of storage, they actually just streamlined it. They took out the open storage under the stairs, but replaced a cabinet with a closet. It wouldn’t work for everyone’s storage needs, but it clearly works for both the function and aesthetics that they need.


THE REST OF THE SERIES


(Image credit: Séverine Piller )

Perhaps most stunningly is the simple but powerful impact of painting the door frames and baseboards black. Starkly contrasted with the newly painted fresh and crisp white walls, the black paint creates a graphic, outlined feel to the whole apartment.

Thanks, Séverine & Gianfranco!