Penthouse renovation projects that work within an existing structure require careful decisions about materials, layout, and finishes to transform a space without rebuilding entirely. The Rome penthouse by the Carola Vannini studio demonstrates how textured wall treatments, an open floor plan, and a suspended staircase can redefine how a two-level residence feels. Understanding historic building renovation design approaches for urban penthouse spaces helps property owners and designers evaluate which changes deliver the most impact for their budget.
Textured Finishes and Wall Treatments
The Rome penthouse uses textured plaster on walls, embellished with handmade bas-reliefs, to create a warm and tactile environment. This approach moves away from flat painted surfaces toward dimensional wall treatments that catch light and shadow differently throughout the day. Luxury penthouse design architectural features and premium materials for high-end spaces increasingly include these handcrafted elements that add character and depth to interiors.
Plaster Application Methods
Textured plaster finishes fall into several categories, each with different cost and labor requirements:
- Venetian plaster: Polished, marble-like finish at $8 to $15 per square foot
- Roman clay: Earthy texture with natural pigments at $6 to $12 per square foot
- Textured skim coat: Subtle hand-applied texture at $4 to $8 per square foot
- Bas-relief plaster: Custom sculpted reliefs at $15 to $40 per square foot depending on complexity
The Rome penthouse uses bas-relief elements, which require skilled artisans and extended drying times between layers. A typical bas-relief installation takes three to five days per 100 square feet, compared to one to two days for standard textured plaster. The result is a one-of-a-kind wall surface that becomes a defining feature of the space.
Color Pigmentation in Plaster
The entire residence in the Rome penthouse is painted a warm tone achieved through plaster pigmentation rather than surface paint. Integral color mixed into the plaster before application ensures consistent color throughout the material and eliminates the visible wear that occurs when painted surfaces chip or fade. Warm neutral tones in the beige, ochre, and terracotta family create a welcoming atmosphere that serves as a backdrop for furniture and artwork.
Open Floor Plans and Spatial Connection
The Rome penthouse uses an open floor plan that connects the living room, dining room, and fireplace area through large apertures highlighted by wood veneering. These openings between rooms allow each space to borrow visual square footage from its neighbors while the wood veneer frames provide a warm transition between zones. The result is a layout that feels both spacious and intimate.
| Spatial Element | Function | Material Treatment | Visual Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall apertures | Connect adjacent rooms | Wood veneer framing | Warm transition, defined edges |
| Suspended staircase | Filter between day space and hallway | Metal and wood structure | Light, open, translucent barrier |
| White glass door | Separate kitchen from day room | Frosted glass panel | Privacy with light transmission |
| Covered terrace | Extend living area outdoors | Tile or stone flooring | Indoor-outdoor continuity |
Fireplace as Focal Point
The fireplace area connects to both the living room and dining room in the Rome penthouse, serving as a visual anchor for the entire day space. A fireplace in an open-plan layout needs to work from multiple viewing angles. The surround material should coordinate with both adjacent zones. Stone or tile hearths cost $1,500 to $5,000 installed, while a full custom surround with built-in shelving ranges from $5,000 to $15,000.
Natural Light Management
The open floor plan relies on natural light from large apertures to maintain visual continuity. The Rome penthouse uses plentiful natural light combined with neutral colors and a mix of textures and materials. Soft lighting fixtures supplement daylight during evening hours, creating a cozy and intimate ambiance. Layered lighting design costs $2,000 to $6,000 for a combined living-dining area of 600 square feet.
Modern Kitchen and Dining Area Design
The kitchen in the Rome penthouse includes a cozy breakfast nook or small bar area with seating for casual dining and entertaining. High-end appliances and custom cabinetry blend seamlessly with the overall design. The kitchen looks out onto a lovely covered terrace and is separated from the day room by a white glass door. Luxury penthouse design smart home integration, pre-war building renovation, and home automation capabilities can be incorporated into the kitchen design to manage lighting, appliance schedules, and climate control from a single interface.
Breakfast Nook and Bar Integration
A breakfast nook requires a minimum of 40 by 60 inches to accommodate a small table and two chairs. The Rome penthouse uses a built-in bar or nook that seats two to four people, creating an informal dining option that reduces traffic through the main dining area during daily meals. This dual-dining approach works well in open-plan layouts where the kitchen flows into the living areas.
Glass Door Separations
The white glass door separating the kitchen from the day room in the Rome penthouse serves multiple functions. It blocks cooking odors and noise from the living area while allowing light to pass through. Frosted or white glass provides privacy for a messy kitchen during entertaining. Sliding glass doors cost $800 to $2,500 installed depending on size and glass type, while hinged glass doors range from $1,200 to $3,500.
Natural Materials and Warm Color Palettes
The Rome penthouse uses natural wood and soft lighting to create a cozy and intimate ambiance. Hardwood floors run throughout the main living areas, providing visual continuity from the entry through the kitchen and dining spaces. The use of natural wood brings warmth to the otherwise contemporary furnishings and finishes. Urban penthouse design open-plan layouts, premium materials, and outdoor living spaces benefit from this consistent material palette that ties different functional zones together.
Hardwood Flooring Selection
Hardwood floors in the Rome penthouse contribute to the warm and uniform environment. Species selection affects both appearance and performance:
- White oak: $8 to $14 per square foot, medium hardness, consistent grain
- European oak: $10 to $18 per square foot, wider planks, more character
- Walnut: $10 to $20 per square foot, rich dark tones, softer surface
- Engineered hardwood: $6 to $13 per square foot, dimensional stability in humid conditions
Wood Veneer Applications
Wood veneer is used to highlight the large apertures between rooms in the Rome penthouse. Veneer costs $3 to $8 per square foot installed, making it more affordable than solid wood while providing a similar appearance. The veneer framing around the wall openings creates visual continuity with the hardwood floors and draws the eye through the space.
Suspended Staircase Design and Circulation
The suspended staircase in the Rome penthouse serves as a distinctive architectural element that acts as a soft filter between the day space and the hallway. Unlike traditional staircases that occupy significant floor area and visual weight, a suspended design feels light and open. The floating staircase also contributes to the cozy character of the space by maintaining sight lines through the level it occupies. Pre-war New York penthouse design structural architecture and interior features often use similar strategies to maximize space and create visual drama in constrained floor plans.
| Staircase Type | Structure | Cost Range | Space Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspended | Stringer mounted to wall, treads cantilevered | $12,000–$25,000 | Minimal floor footprint |
| Traditional closed | Stringers on both sides, risers enclosed | $4,000–$10,000 | Standard tread depth |
| Open riser | Stringers with treads, no vertical risers | $6,000–$15,000 | Similar to traditional |
| Spiral | Central column with radiating treads | $8,000–$20,000 | Compact, 5-6 ft diameter |
Staircase as Soft Filter
The architect describes the suspended staircase in the Rome penthouse as a soft filter between the day space and the hallway. This means the staircase does not create a hard barrier. Light passes through the open treads, sound carries between levels, and visual connections remain intact. The space is made cozier by the floating staircase because it maintains spatial openness while providing the necessary vertical circulation.
Metal Finishes and Modern Fixtures
Sleek metal finishes and modern fixtures add a touch of sophistication to the Rome penthouse. Staircase hardware in brushed stainless steel or matte black costs $200 to $600 per step depending on the complexity of the railing system. The contrast between warm wood floors and cool metal details creates visual interest without adding clutter. As you move through the space, these metallic elements catch the eye and guide movement between zones.
The Rome penthouse demonstrates how a limited set of material decisions can transform a two-level space. Textured plaster, natural wood, suspended staircases, and thoughtful connections between rooms create a residence that feels both contemporary and warm. Homeowners planning similar renovations can refer to luxury penthouse design architectural features and premium materials when selecting finishes and planning their own spatial layouts.