Renovating in Turin, customized apartment for a chef

In a historic building in Piedmont's capital city, a renovation project by Matteo Magnabosco Architect comes to life that transforms a home into a contemporary retreat, tailor-made for someone who lives the kitchen not only as a passion but as a profession.

The client, a chef by trade and globetrotter by work, has spent the last few years between Tokyo, New York, Rome and other European capitals, managing the opening and start-up of restaurants. While he was behind the stove as a young man, he now holds a managerial position, but his passion for cooking and wine remains intact, making the living area and large dining table essential elements of the project.

The purchase of the apartment in Turin marked a turning point: after years spent in hotels and rented houses, this became his first real home, a base to return to between moves. For this reason, the project was followed remotely and managed in total autonomy by the architect, with a turnkey approach and quick decisions to optimize time. The intervention redefined the distribution of the spaces, with a special focus on the living area, conceived as a center of conviviality. The protagonist of the space is a large kitchen island in all white, designed as a stage for culinary experimentation and sharing with friends and colleagues. Given the owner's profession in the restaurant industry, the kitchen and dining area required special attention to meet both domestic and professional needs. A large, high-impact table was chosen, ideal for entertaining guests and hosting business dinners. The existing kitchen was upgraded to ensure maximum efficiency: the original cooktop, which was too small, was replaced by a sophisticated 90 cm induction cooktop with a fully flexible cooking surface, equipped with a retractable glass hood that opens thanks to a motorized system and can be adjusted to the desired height to capture steam. To incorporate this advanced solution, the kitchen top was cut and modified on site.

The choice of colors and materials reflects the personality of the owner. Pure white, the neutral canvas par excellence, evokes the order and cleanliness typical of professional kitchens, while every detail, from the finishes to the choice of furniture, has been designed to reflect the owner's personality and "professional strain", creating an environment that is functional and full of character.

"The result is an environment that is both functional and full of character. The few color details, which play on shades of gray and green, complement the essential surfaces of marble, glass and wood, creating an atmosphere of refined simplicity. Nordic-inspired details break up the austerity and give character to the environment: sideboards with clean lines, vintage prints and textiles in muted tones that add warmth and personality to the spaces.

The arrangement of furniture is carefully designed to ensure a balance between aesthetics and functionality. The wall bookcase, the selection of artwork and the attention to lighting make each room harmonious and personalized. Even the bathrooms have been given a contemporary makeover, with three-dimensional stone-effect tiles and sage tones that harmonize with the rest of the house. The conversation area, with its large corner sofa, becomes a space dedicated to relaxation, a welcoming counterpoint to the dynamic nature of the kitchen.

This project is not just a renovation, but the creation of a home that tells the story of those who live in it. Every element, from the furniture to the technical solutions, is designed to reflect the personality of the owner, creating an environment in which each space can be fully experienced. A project that demonstrates how architecture and design can transform a home into an authentic extension of one's identity, making it a place where every return becomes an experience of renewal.