“Apostoli Loft” is a small loft of 57 square meters located on the top floor of a historic building in Rome. Originally from 1644 and designed by architect Mattia de Rossi, a student of Bernini, the building was later renovated in 1719 by Alessandro Specchi (an architect famous for the Spanish Steps, created in collaboration with Francesco De Sanctis).

In 2013, interior architect Alessandro De Sanctis was commissioned to update the space and give it a contemporary look to meet modern needs.

The loft consists of an open-plan living area that houses the living room and kitchen, with the bathroom on the same level, while the private bedroom is located on the mezzanine.

The designer’s goal was to transform it into a truly contemporary loft but with a unique atmosphere and timeless elegance that harks back—in the details—to the Baroque period style. In particular, the curved balustrade and the suspended TV stand structure are inspired by the serpentine facade of the Church of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane designed by Francesco Borromini: a play of solids and voids that allows the interpenetration of interior and exterior space.

The living area is characterized by the use of reflective glass to create a sense of space extension. The materials are natural, with matte Roman travertine slabs used for the flooring throughout the living area, while the table and sofa are made of solid chestnut like the original ceiling beams.

Access to the bathroom is characterized by a high flush door.

The sleeping area is accessible via a suspended staircase characterized by a curved white-finished railing. The space is open and essential, with indirect lighting from various points to create an evocative atmosphere.