Award-winning designer Marcel Wanders has opened the doors to his Milan apartment, offering a rare glimpse into his meticulously crafted living space and design philosophy.

A New Chapter in Milan

Wanders relocated to Milan three and a half years ago, embracing the city’s energy while retaining his Dutch practicality – he still navigates the city by bicycle. The apartment, conveniently located near Centrale Station, is characterized by a striking palette of white and vivid pink, showcasing his celebrated designs for Moooi.

Design as a Reflection of Life

Wanders describes his intention to create a home filled with love and passion, a sanctuary where he can pursue his most ambitious creative endeavors. He found greater tranquility after closing his studio, a decision made with careful consideration for his 80 employees, all of whom were successfully re-homed.

A Shared Creative Space

The apartment is now shared with his girlfriend, Caterina Roppo, a multidisciplinary artist whose work delves into themes of trauma and resilience. Their home seamlessly integrates Wanders’ iconic designs – including the Monster dining chairs, the BFF sofa, and the Heracleum III light fixture – with Roppo’s artwork.

From Early Inspiration to NFTs

The Roots of a Designer

Wanders’ passion for design stems from his childhood, crafting gifts in his parents’ shop and learning the power of beautiful objects to inspire joy and connection.

A Prolific Career

Throughout his career, beginning with the Knotted Chair for Cappellini in 1996, Wanders has designed over 2,500 products and collaborated on diverse projects, from hotels like the Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht to tableware for KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. His work is featured in prestigious collections at the Museum of Modern Art and the Victoria & Albert Museum.

Embracing Innovation

Wanders consistently embraces innovation, exemplified by his exploration of NFTs with the Hortensia chair, a project that bridged the gap between the digital and physical realms.

Artistic Collaboration

The home also showcases Roppo’s art, including textiles transformed into bronze sculptures and tapestries depicting journeys of overcoming adversity, alongside pieces by Levi van Veluw, known for his hand-crafted clay and wood sculptures. Wanders’ design approach is fundamentally rooted in exploration, wonder, and a commitment to creating meaningful experiences.