Located in the centre of Milan is SIX – a peaceful oasis and clever combination of design gallery, bistro and a green boutique studio. Described as the ultimate place to be, with its uber cool identity, unique elements and contemporary colour palette, SIX has been transformed to a level beyond imagination.

The concept behind this project was originally born by entrepreneur Mauro Orlandelli, who set out to bring together a team of professionals under the same brand. He worked with art director Samuele Savio who developed creative branding and logo for Six. The authors of the interiors are architects David Lopez Quincoces and Fanny Bauer Grung, who bring together an eclectic selection of rare furnishings, affordable design and authentic atmosphere. Last but not least, is perhaps the unexpected contribution by musician Sergio Carnevale and landscapist Irene Cuzzaniti, respectively coming up with the idea for food venue and floral touch with the green studio. Surely that’s enough to get you excited what experience and style each of them brought to shape this intimate establishment into the ultimate hotspot in Milan.

Built around a courtyard, the venue explores ideas of tropical and bohemian vibes from oversized palms and luscious monstera plants, to nomadic rugs from Atai mountains and natural ash timber chairs by Gio Ponti. In keeping with its past monastery life, old plaster layers were removed as part of the renovation to reveal the large open arches, original brickwork and floors of the sixteenth-century building, giving the entire space a grand dimension with soaring ceilings and large skylights.

“We wanted everything, from the furniture to the plants, to look like they had been here forever,” said Bauer Grung.

The interiors demonstrate a textural palette predominantly consisting of smoky grey and muted tones subtly contrasted with the brilliant green of tropical vegetation. The connection to nature through the presence of leafy greenery is not only a decoration but also a conceptual backdrop for photographic shoots and events. While the table designed by David Lopez Quincoces and armchairs that Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret created for Chandigrah in India remind us of the modernist philosophy and polished Milanese culture.

The gallery hits the right note and the intention to create an environment that is timeless and grown up using classic design, Vietnamese vases and modern Scandinavian furniture. Drama is created through textured earthy surfaces and paper lanterns adding a harmonious blend of handcraft and modernist form. Like the Isamu Noguchi‘s lamp sculpture lighting up the bistro and private dining room beautifully complemented with antique accents create intimate corners under one roof.

The team at SIX has delivered an impressive and unexpected secret spot in Milan that’s simple and artistic at the same time. The authenticity of the interiors is enhanced with natural materials of some of the well-known furniture classics, bridging the perception of outdoor and indoor gardens to create a holistic container.

[Images courtesy of SIX. Photography by Alberto Strada.]