In the historic center of Catania, Marasco and Santangelo, together with Galati Casmiro Giorno, have recently completed the transformation of an apartment located in an early 20th-century Art Nouveau building (“Stile Liberty” in Italy). Now repurposed as a bed and breakfast, the apartment has been reconfigured to enhance its distinctive features while introducing new interior partitions. This approach creates a dynamic dialogue between past and present.

The project highlights the historical identity and architectural quality of the building. The original floors, featuring traditional colored cement tiles, have been restored, serving as decorative elements and becoming the defining feature of the rooms.
These tiles also inspired the color palette used for the new design elements, such as the minimalist interventions of the lighting details, seating, and small furnishings.

Additionally, the overall spatial reorganization ensures that each room of the former apartment is now independent, featuring a private bathroom separated from the sleeping area by lightweight, colorful partitions. These partitions remain lower than the ceiling, allowing the existing vaulted ceilings to stay visible and untouched.

The entrance is defined by a striking red volume, which reshapes the common area, housing the reception and kitchen: from this central space, the various rooms are accessible and autonomous.

Through subtle yet thoughtful additions and a palette that echoes the building’s floor colors, the project offers an experience that honors the Liberty heritage while embracing the modernity of contemporary design.