A kitchen with a peninsula: the perfect balance between spaces and styles

by Giulia | Mar 20, 2025 | KITCHEN, PRIVATE APARTMENT

A kitchen with a peninsula becomes the focal point of the open-space living area overlooking Val Seriana. With its L-shaped layout, it interacts with the living area through the marble-effect peninsula and with the entrance through double-sided furniture that creates a transition zone.

Kitchen with a peninsula in matte white lacquered MDF with a stoneware countertop

The layout of the kitchen with a peninsula: volumes of varying heights combine functionality with a dynamic aesthetic.

Although designed as an open space, the sequence of volumes with varying heights creates distinct areas, each with its own function. The arrangement of taller columns virtually defines a separate space while still interacting with the adjacent area through shared furnishings.

Entryway unit with an open compartment in gold leaf and an internal hanging section

The most immediate example is the entryway area. A filtering element is created by the kitchen’s double-sided columns: the first serves as a coat rack with shelves, while the second is divided into two compartments. The upper section features an open niche covered in gold leaf, standing out for its ability to reflect light from the large front windows and its refined aesthetic.
This element showcases attention to detail—from the shadow gap that visually separates it from the rest of the unit, to the glass shelves, and the double-depth back panel that houses integrated LED lighting, creating a subtle visual detachment.

Horizontal hanging detail of the entryway unit

Detail of the open compartment covered in gold leaf with a black shadow gap and glass shelf

Entryway unit with open doors in matte white lacquer and an open compartment in gold leaf

Entryway unit closed in matte white lacquer with an open compartment in gold leaf

Entryway area, front view of the double-sided divider unit

On the opposite side, the double-sided use of the columns serves the kitchen with a full-height pantry compartment. The column layout continues on the adjacent side, housing the oven column (traditional and microwave) and a freestanding double-door refrigerator. The black aesthetic line creates both a chromatic and material contrast.
Encasing these elements are doors with internal shelves and a drawer beneath the ovens, which includes an additional internal drawer for extra storage.

Double-sided entryway unit pantry with a closed lacquered door

Pantry entryway unit double sided interior shelves

The kitchen layout continues with base cabinets distributed along two sides of the space, parallel to the wall units. Connecting these elements is the marble-effect stoneware countertop with a matching backsplash.

In the corner, an undermount sink is positioned, flanked on one side by the dishwasher and on the other by a set of three service drawers. The peninsula is equipped with a cooking area featuring an induction cooktop with an integrated hood, beneath which drawers are arranged for accessories. Doors with internal shelves and front pull-out units ensure maximum optimization of this kitchen with a peninsula.

Kitchen with a peninsula, marble-effect stoneware countertop, lacquered doors, and Lacobel wall units

The peninsula area becomes the key point of connection and interaction with the living space. This is achieved through a service column with a reduced depth, featuring height-adjustable internal shelves accessible from the outer side.
The peninsula is equipped with a snack counter, shaped at the structural base below. It serves both as a workspace and as a spot for quick breakfasts and meals, ensuring functionality and flexibility while maintaining a sleek and elegant aesthetic.

Kitchen with a peninsula, cooktop, and integrated hood

From the stoneware countertop to the lacquered doors: elegant materials

The choice of materials and colors for this kitchen with a peninsula aligns with the overall aesthetic, where modern elegance meets French-inspired details. This is evident in the gold accents, used sparingly for select highlights. Among these are the open compartment in the entryway, the recessed spotlights in the ceiling, and the pendant lights above the peninsula. Another refined touch is the oak parquet flooring, laid in a French herringbone pattern exclusively in the living area.

Complementing these elements, the kitchen stands out for its neutral tones and brightness. The tall unit and base doors are made of matte white lacquered MDF, while the horizontally oriented wall units feature a white Lacobel finish, echoing the glossy surface of the stoneware countertop. The under-cabinet LED lighting not only enhances functionality during food preparation but also accentuates the kitchen’s horizontal design.
The Calacatta Macchia Vecchia marble-effect stoneware from Ariostea lends grace to the countertop, particularly in the peninsula area. Here, the slim 12mm thickness emphasizes a deliberate lightness, in harmony with the apartment’s overall design.

Kitchen with a peninsula, marble-effect stoneware snack counter in Macchia Vecchia

White kitchen with a peninsula and stoneware countertop

This kitchen with a peninsula is not just a functional element within the home but becomes the focal point of a dialogue between spaces, materials, and design details. Thanks to its configuration, it successfully balances practicality and aesthetics, seamlessly integrating into the living area while maintaining its own identity.

The choice of materials, finishes, and attention to detail give it a refined and contemporary character, striking the perfect balance between elegance and functionality.
Other examples of kitchens with a peninsula: one where shades of gray meet wood, another seamlessly integrated into a tavern-style setting with a bold and youthful character, and one nestled among the gray tones of an attic with charming antique accents.

← A bronze color kitchen: elegance for an exclusive space

Bunk Beds and Multifunctional Kids’ Room

by Alice | Jan 17, 2025 | IN THE WORLD OF DESIGN, LIVING THE HOUSE, PRIVATE APARTMENT, PRODUCT DESIGN, SLEEPING AREA, STYLE TIPS

When space at home feels limited and needs are constantly growing, creative design can turn a simple kids’ room into a multifunctional, welcoming environment, perfect for children. This project showcases how two equipped bunk beds can become the centerpiece of an optimized kids’ room, complete with vibrant colors and space-saving solutions.

The Challenge of Space: Harmonizing Kids’ Room and Storage

In a three-room apartment with diverse spatial needs, the second bedroom was initially designed with cabinetry to support the household. However, the arrival of two young daughters required a complete redesign of the space, transforming it into a kids’ room capable of housing their beds, toys, and a study corner, without sacrificing its original functionality. This transformation was not only aesthetic but also practical, turning the new room into a prime example of how to creatively manage space while meeting the growing needs of a family.

From custom Montessori-style small beds, the organization evolved into a thoughtfully structured kids’ room.

Bunk Beds: Multifunctional and Storage-Friendly Solutions

The bunk beds are the focal point of the project, utilizing every available inch. These are not merely offset stacked beds but a multifunctional structure offering ample storage space alongside comfort for the children. The staircase leading to the upper bunk doubles as a series of storage drawers, with the lower steps being deeper to accommodate larger items like bulky toys.

The lower bunk includes two pull-out drawers that take advantage of the full depth of the bed frame, perfect for storing stuffed animals, boxes, and more. Additionally, an asymmetrical bookshelf, about 40 cm deep, is nestled in the offset section, providing organized storage for books of varying sizes. The upper bunk is equipped with open shelves near the headboard, functioning as convenient storage or a nightstand for items the children want within reach during rest times.

Colors and Atmosphere: A Playful, Personalized Kids’ Room

Colors play a crucial role in making the kids’ room inviting and lively. The bright green of the protective barrier echoes the jungle-themed mural on the back wall and matches the existing cabinetry. This shade, combined with two tones of pink—one bold and the other softer—creates a cheerful and imaginative environment perfect for sparking creativity in the little ones.

Details like the rounded shapes of the barrier and the shelf ends add to the room’s harmonious and safe design, ensuring a balance between aesthetics and functionality.

Study Zone and Storage: Functionality for the Whole Family

The available space was maximized by creating a small study zone between the sleeping area and the storage closet. A foldable, green, rounded work surface can be set up when needed, transforming into a handy desk for homework or creative activities. When not in use, the table easily folds back, freeing up the area.

Adjacent to the study zone is a discreet yet accessible storage area. This hidden compartment keeps essential household items, such as the vacuum cleaner and ironing board, neatly tucked away.

Stylish and Comfortable Details

Every detail in the room was carefully crafted to ensure style, comfort, and practicality. The upper bunk’s protective barrier, inspired by the shape of leaves, ties in with the natural theme of the mural. Similarly, the sliding door is more than just a closure—it features a built-in coat hanger for the kids and a LED strip that effectively illuminates the entire room, with a focus on the study area.

Each bed also includes a strategically placed USB port, perfect for connecting reading lamps or electronic devices, adding a modern and practical touch.

For easier bed linen changes on the upper bunk, the protective barrier features a tilting mechanism. Durable hinges are embedded in the bed base and the barrier, enabling it to fold down easily using a pin-opening system, ensuring hassle-free access to the mattress.

Additional child-friendly details include safety gates that provide an extra layer of protection, making the space secure and suitable for young explorers.

Conclusion

Thanks to a bespoke design, this multifunctional kids’ room has become a delightful retreat for the children, blending aesthetics, practicality, and space optimization. The bunk beds and versatile furnishings have transformed a small room into a world tailored to the needs and dreams of its little inhabitants.

← Kitchen Countertops: A Complete Guide to the Most Popular Materials Gres Art 671: Contemporary Art Meets Design in Bergamo →

Versatility in Study and Hospitality

by Alice | Oct 17, 2024 | IN THE WORLD OF DESIGN, LIVING THE HOUSE, PRIVATE APARTMENT

In a world that demands increasingly flexible spaces, we reimagined the study of two friendly professors who often work from home, transforming it into a multifunctional room capable of welcoming both students and guests with ease.

The heart of this transformation lies in the long side bookshelf, an elegant composition that houses textbooks and novels, bringing both order and beauty to the space. At the center, a dedicated compartment for a large television becomes a didactic tool for interactive lessons and, at the same time, a source of entertainment for those staying in the room.

Study Mode

When the study comes to life, the space takes on a well-defined role. The desk, framed by a vertical bookshelf, becomes the focal point of the room. Positioned so that the student can sit directly across from the teacher, with the room unfolding in the background, it facilitates dialogue and learning.

Guest Mode

When the room hosts a guest, versatility takes center stage. The sofa transforms into a comfortable bed, while the desk, repositioned against the wall, disappears without disturbing the room’s harmony. Every movement flow is smooth and thoughtfully designed to ensure maximum comfort.

Balance Between Visible and Hidden

The bookshelf tells a story of balance between what is on display and what is concealed. On the open shelves, books that decorate and enrich the space find their place, while in the lower part, hidden behind doors and drawers, everything that shouldn’t distract such as files, documents, and electronic devices, is neatly stored. A difference in depth between the open and closed sections ensures greater storage capacity without overwhelming the overall aesthetic.

Colors and Atmosphere

Colors play a fundamental role in defining the space’s identity. The equipped shelves, with anthracite gray metallic uprights and white shelves, offer a neutral and sophisticated base. In contrast, the desk’s mustard-colored desktop adds a touch of vibrancy. This color not only catches the eye but stimulates creativity and concentration, making the space ideal for studying. The same yellow tone can be found on the wall behind the equipped bookshelf, enveloping the room with warmth and energy.

In this way, the space becomes a haven for knowledge, a place of versatility and hospitality, ready to transform to meet every need.

← The Art of Smartworking in an Equipped Wall with Poetic and Functional Design Kitchen Countertops: A Complete Guide to the Most Popular Materials →

The Art of Smartworking in an Equipped Wall with Poetic and Functional Design

by Alice | Jul 31, 2024 | IN THE WORLD OF DESIGN, LIVING AREA, LIVING THE HOUSE, PRIVATE APARTMENT

In the heart of the modern home, where every corner is designed to combine aesthetics and functionality, the equipped wall by Officina Idea stands out as a poetic and innovative project that transforms the everyday experience of smartworking into a fluid one.

From Design to Realization

The initial renders created by Paolo of Officina Idea illustrated the project in great detail, including color schemes, providing a clear vision of how the unit should look. Thanks to this precise design foundation, we were able to realize the equipped wall as faithfully as possible.

Organized Spaces for Every Need

Imagine a wall that, like a blank canvas, blends seamlessly with the surrounding environment, imparting a sense of order. This is not just a piece of furniture, but a true organizational system that embraces the needs of home working. The spaces have been divided so that one section is dedicated to storing useful materials, another is left open for easy access, and a third is designated for the desk.

Functionality in an Equipped Wall

The wall, extending up to the ceiling, is divided into carefully organized spaces. The upper section, featuring doors, is dedicated to storing files and books, neatly arranged on shelves designed to accommodate standard-sized containers. The lower section, with drawers and large drawers, holds stationery and equipment, keeping everything within reach. An open compartment is reserved for technology, with space for a printer and other mobile devices, while the desk serves as the central hub of creativity and productivity.

The two lateral sections serve the living area, hosting kitchen supplies and, thanks to a hanging bar, some coats. Beneath the desk, an accessible rear compartment hides all the electrical connections and various devices, with switches and outlets available on both the desk surface and the back of the open element. In the desk niche, overhead LEDs provide targeted lighting for the work surface.

Here, we revisit our entire article dedicated to smartworking.

Chromatic Harmony and Style Details

The immaculate white that characterizes the entire structure provides the ideal backdrop for two distinctive elements: the olive green desk and the open compartment in stained oak. These touches of color not only enliven the space but also create a visual balance that lightens the environment while maintaining a refined elegance.

We also find olive green in this kitchen in the Orobic Prealps.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the equipped wall by Officina Idea represents the perfect blend of form and function, combining aesthetics, practicality, and innovation in a project that makes smartworking not only more efficient but also more enjoyable. An ideal solution for those looking to transform their workspace into an oasis of tranquility and organization.

← Material Harmony in the Heart of Como with Ceppo di Gre and Metallic Finishes Versatility in Study and Hospitality →

Light and Shadow: The Magic of a Multifunctional Anthracite Gray Kitchen

by Alice | Jun 21, 2024 | IN THE WORLD OF DESIGN, KITCHEN, LIVING AREA, LIVING THE HOUSE, PRIVATE APARTMENT

In a modern apartment just a stone’s throw from Bergamo, nestled at the edge of a quiet, green forest, we have designed an anthracite gray kitchen, crafted to be not only aesthetically refined but also extremely multifunctional.

Kitchen Design

During the design phase, we considered the room’s square layout and the family’s habits. This led us to choose a corner kitchen, leaving the central space free for an extendable table, perfectly illuminated by a centrally positioned designer chandelier.

On the left side, the kitchen structure begins with a series of tall columns housing the pantry and ovens. From here, a long worktop extends to embrace the corner. One part of the countertop is equipped with high wall units, while the other part leaves space for a window overlooking the garden. Completing the opposite side, a large free-standing refrigerator is framed by a unit with a side pull-out.

Multifunctional Additions

One of the most interesting aspects of the design is the retractable spice rack. By utilizing additional depth, we managed to integrate a pull-out system placed behind the initial columns. This element, which opens laterally to the induction hob, features compartments for spices, small accessories, and a paper towel holder, making everything within reach during food preparation.

Other useful components include trash can drawers, a foldable door in the cabinets, and a column with a front extraction system that allows access from both sides. These features enhance practicality and efficiency, making it a true multifunctional hub.

Materials and Finishes

Considering the very bright environment, we chose to dare with anthracite gray, a dark and striking color that contrasts with the predominant white. The oak veneer wall units complement the honey-toned wood-effect porcelain stoneware, bringing a touch of nature into the home.

The worktop is made of Lapitec, a high-performance ceramic material with a slightly speckled, rough texture. It harmoniously blends, almost merging, with the anthracite color of the kitchen and the sink in the same shade of granite.

At the back of the kitchen, a glossy white Lacobel panel, in the same shade as the wall, creates a clear contrast between the gray countertop and the wood of the cabinets.

We present two more examples of anthracite kitchens: the first is a corner kitchen with a cooking island, while the second features a C-shaped layout ending in a central peninsula.

Coordination in the Space

The TV cabinet, facing the kitchen, has also been designed and built in the same anthracite gray, completing the space in a discreet and harmonious manner. Comprising drawers and doors with internal shelves, it offers ample space for storing elements and accessories related to the living area and kitchen. Next to the television, wall elements in white, gray, and anthracite alternate, creating a play of shapes and symmetries that enrich the overall aesthetic of the space.