October 4th, 2024
Revamping an apartment in Florence is always an exciting endeavor, and remodeling the Allegro was no exception. This delightful space had all the essentials to become a beautiful vacation rental nestled in the heart of the city. However, significant work was needed to thoughtfully update the Allegro to harmonize modern comforts with the timeless Florentine character. We are thrilled with the final results, which not only preserved the property’s original charm but also introduced fresh elements that make it even more inviting.
Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at this rewarding renovation. If you’re interested in other projects, don’t miss our posts on the creation of the Concerto apartment and the before-and-after transformation of the Amore apartment, both located in Florence.
A Beautifully Modern Living Area
The open-plan living area of the Allegro apartment had a solid foundation, featuring a spacious layout and ample natural light pouring through two large French doors. While the sunlight filled the room, the yellow walls, although cheerful, created a somewhat darker and outdated atmosphere that didn’t reflect the fresh, modern ambiance we envisioned.
Collaborating once again with Ann Huff from Huff Harrington, we developed a cohesive and beautiful design theme for the Allegro. To enhance the overall feel of the space, we replaced the yellow walls with lighter hues to maximize natural brightness. By introducing vibrant colors through décor and integrating a mix of antique decorative elements with modern furniture, we transformed the living area into a stylish and inviting retreat while maintaining its warm character. Now, the Allegro feels both contemporary and timeless—perfect for a luxurious stay in Florence!
Modern Kitchen & Dining at Home in Florence
As part of the renovation, we strategically relocated the dining area from one side of the living room to the other. This simple adjustment significantly improved the flow of the space, allowing for a clearer distinction between the living and dining areas.
As showcased in the before image, the two spaces felt cramped with sofas positioned against two of the walls, creating a closed-off atmosphere. In this setup, there wasn’t a cozy spot to relax and engage in conversation with family and friends after a day of exploring the city.
By separating the living and dining areas, we not only improved the layout but also defined the purpose of each space, resulting in a more open and inviting atmosphere perfect for stylish dining and relaxation.
The dining area features a built-in bench adorned with a rich gold cushioned backrest, complemented by an elegant contemporary dining table and chairs. We love how the modern design harmonizes with the antique chandelier and the historic stone wall, creating a perfect blend of styles.
The final touches involved fully updating the kitchen, which is conveniently located in a nook adjacent to the living area. We removed the outdated wooden features and opened up the space to allow for cabinets that extend all the way to the ceiling.
We love how the elegant soft grey wallpaper and the marble-patterned backsplash bring the kitchen together. The sleek lines and white upper cabinets create a bright, spacious feel that flows beautifully into the living area.
Redesigning the Main Bedroom
In the primary bedroom, our goal was to create an elegant retreat where guests could unwind in luxury after a day spent exploring Florence. To enhance the room’s layout, we shifted the bed from one wall to the opposite one, immediately lending a more private feel to the space.
This simple relocation drew attention to the view from the bed and allowed us to introduce a striking accent wall behind the bed.
We selected a rich gold floral wallpaper for the accent wall, adding a sense of warmth to the space. The subtle shimmer of the gold reflects light beautifully, creating a serene and luxurious atmosphere. To complete the look, we incorporated antique light fixtures and an ornate mirror that adds a timeless charm.
The result is a harmonious blend of classic elegance and modern comfort, creating an inviting retreat that feels truly like a sanctuary.
Transforming One Bathroom into Two!
Originally, this property had two bedrooms but only one bathroom. During renovations, our goal was to increase the number of bathrooms and include an en suite option whenever possible. For the Allegro, we achieved this by reorganizing the space to accommodate two bathrooms, including an en suite for the primary bedroom. In our previous post detailing the Concerto renovations, we previewed how we utilized space from that apartment to create the new layout for Allegro.
The main goal was to divide the existing bathroom into two separate bathrooms and create an en suite for the primary bedroom. The former bathroom featured a long, pie-shaped layout and was accessible from the hallway. By reallocating some space from the Concerto apartment, we were able to provide sufficient room for two bathrooms.
We began the transformation by constructing a wall in the existing bathroom and punching through the bedroom wall to create an en suite bathroom within the old bathroom’s design. Adding wardrobes on each side of the entrance provided ample storage in the primary bedroom as well.
The new en suite bathroom is beautifully lined with bright marble, lending a fantastic sense of spaciousness.
After creating the en suite bathroom, we focused on constructing a second bathroom that could be accessed through the original hallway door. Conveniently located just across from the second bedroom, it benefits both guests in that room and is close to the living area.
After setting up the wall to create the en suite bathroom for the first bedroom, we utilized space from the Concerto apartment to intersect a wall for adding a shower to the new second bathroom.
The new design is adorned with black marble throughout the shower and bathroom, creating a stunning effect complemented by mirrors and gold fixtures. Now, that is what we call a spectacular bathroom upgrade!
Serene Second Bedroom
The Allegro layout already included two bedrooms, making it an ideal option for a comfortable vacation rental. The addition of a second bathroom further enhances its appeal. We love how the darker floors and doors frame each bedroom beautifully.
The second bedroom boasted a large window, making it already bright and inviting. This area was essentially a blank canvas where the design team could truly shine.
To enhance the brightness, we applied a crisp white paint and introduced an accent wallpaper on one wall. The addition of antique wall sconces and a detailed chandelier completed the elegant atmosphere.
Filled with grace and charm, the second bedroom is now a soothing and comfortable space perfect for relaxation. The resourceful design allows for the bed to be configured as two singles or combined into an extra-wide queen bed.
A Delightful Terrace
As previously mentioned, the Concerto and Allegro once shared a connection, allowing both properties to access the magnificent terrace wrapping around the Concerto. (Be sure to check out the breathtaking Concerto terrace!) We successfully divided the terrace in a natural way by locating where pipes were positioned, creating an inviting sitting area as part of the Allegro.
With a simple yet stylish divider and lovely touches from a local gardening team, we’ve crafted a cozy, private area equipped with comfortable seating that quickly becomes a favorite relaxation spot for our guests at the Allegro.
Embrace the stunning views of Florentine rooftops, washed in the warm colors of Tuscany, along with a sight of a historic tower. Step outside with your cappuccino in hand and relish the morning sounds of church bells ringing as the city begins to awaken around you.
Book Your Stay at Allegro
Are you ready to plan a delightful stay at the Allegro? This inviting apartment is ideally positioned in the historic center, just moments away from the Uffizi Gallery. It offers a cozy atmosphere perfect for a charming autumn or winter visit, and the delightful terrace makes it equally enticing for a spring or summer retreat. If you’re traveling with family or friends and need additional space, consider booking the Allegro alongside the two-bedroom Concerto and Amore apartments, all conveniently situated in the same building. Don’t miss out—book your stay at the Allegro today and make your Florence adventure truly special!