Talk about understatement. “L’Appartamento” by Artemest—a multi-roomed, many-storied exuberance of interior design and product—is decidedly not what that word might imply (translated from the Italian as “apartment,” “studio,” or “flat”)—but rather the wholesale transformation of the 19th-century Palazzo Donizetti into a veritable wonderland: six spaces outfitted by six renowned interior designers, “each transforming a room of the Palazzo with bespoke pieces from over 180 of Italy’s most talented artisans.”

Interior View of the Palazzo

Only 180 pieces? Alas, the constraints of this realm demand concision, so here are a few of our favorites from each of the re-imagined Palazzo’s six domiciles.

Make an Entrance

Stepping from the light into the darkness, Simone Hagg’s Foyer is a baroque, almost Gothic (if Gothic had a color palette) tribute to Italianate style. Historic elegance and contemporary curiosity mingle in this exotic space that’s just this side of eerie, yet whimsical enough to be thoroughly enchanting. Featured pieces include Altreforme’s very personable Ernest Bar Cabinet and Dimarmo’s striking Onda “lightweight” marble chaise.

Celebration Salon

“Exuding the grace of the 19th. century,” the Grand Salon features timeless trappings such as an original wooden floor, chiffon-like boiserie, and of course a ceiling fresco of angels. Firm Meyer Davis takes the feel of luxurious fantasia and runs with it, creating a light and bright palette chock full of tantalizing texture. Veined stone, faceted metal, and sculptural lighting predominate in this space made for sitting—with four respites of repose dominated by the Piera Upholstered Pink Velvet Armchair and smooth-as-silk Ellenico Dining Table.

 A Cozy Nook, A Good Book

Compose yourself, stretch out in the bespoke Sling Chair, bask in the natural light, revel in the wall-to-wall floral motifs, and let your gaze become transfixed by the sea-green Bottega Veneziana Chandelier overhead before selecting a volume from the exquisite hand-carved built-in bookcase—all elements of Nebras Aljoaib’s Reading Room and Studio: “Ornate gilded moldings and arched niches preserve historic charm, while sculptural furniture and bold mid-century influences bring a fresh perspective.”

Are You not Entertained?

Did I mention there’s also an Entertaining Room? From 1508 London, this space is altogether moody and English, yet also features the timeless classicism of Renaissance Italy. Be entertained with plush upholstered furniture, a quasi-religious wooden storage case with semi-circular niches, Mona Lisa-like paintings, and a hip contemporary bar cabinet that just about says 1970. Highlights here include Extroverso’s Malachite Floor Lamp and Ultramobili’s Regis Coppery Bar Cart.

Service at Nine

Refine and dine with Brigette Romanek‘s take on dinner. Lots of wood and beige tones here, yet it’s still a phantasmagoria. Pablo Regano’s Pink Chair rings round Giopagani’s Travertino Table beneath the thousands of intricate glass-blown elements comprising the Michelle Chandelier. Looming at the end like a Cubist masterwork and harbinger of the future: the Esmeralda Modular Cabinet by Bottos Design Italia.

Taken Abed

Drift off nicely in The Bedroom by Champalimaud, “a sensuous and playful retreat” that’s an homage to La Dolce Vita. The good life here is embodied in an open space (relatively spare, considering the venue), a flora-festooned niche, curvaceous sofa, and modern bed flanked by a triptych of breezy citrus trees. You can almost feel the wind lulling you to sleep. Nefelibata White Sofa by Stormo Studio, Mambo Modular Orange Fabric Sofa by Ghidini 1961, Milano Leather Bed by Enrico Pellizzoni, and Winged Wooden Chair by Antonio Saporito.

We’ve come to the end of the tour. And of course we’ve barely scratched the surface. L’Appartamento features too many treasures to count, yet you may attempt to peruse all of them this Salone at Palazzo Donizetti (Via Gaetano Donizetti 48) from April 8-13, 10 am – 7 pm. You’ll also find many more details at Artemest.