evolved to meets the needs of their expanding family LIGHT FANTASTIC Bright colours and vibrant

LIGHT FANTASTIC

Elena Corner’s bright apartment, in a historic palace, has been brought to life with vibrant colours, fabrics and art, all inspired by her love of Venice

FEATURE KAREN JENSEN-JONES | PHOTOGRAPHY MARIA TERESA FURNARI/LIVING INSIDE

SITTING ROOM Fine antiques sit effortlessly alongside contemporary pieces in Elena’s eclectic living space. Charles sofa, price on request, B&B Italia. For a similar 1950s chandelier, try Decaso. Turkish rug, from £1,000, Rug Store, has this look

home truths

THE PROPERTY

Apartment in an 18th-century palace LOCATION Milan PURCHASED 2005 ROOMS Hallway, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, two bedrooms, two bathrooms

PREVIOUS PROPERTY

‘I lived at my family’s 18th-century palace in Padova,’ says Elena.

The unique home of fashion designer Elena Corner is surrounded by colour. Growing up, she was inspired by her family’s knitwear factory in nearby Venice and she has always had a strong passion for colour, texture and art. ‘Light is the most important thing to create colours for me,’ explains Elena. ‘I live and think a colourful life, so my home is a true reflection of myself.’

The apartment, in a beautiful historic 18th-century palace in central Milan, where Elena lives with her 14-year-old son, Pietro, has a simple layout and was bought by Elena specifically for the wonderful light. ‘I chose the apartment for its continuous sun exposure,’ she explains. ‘I work at home so I need to feel inspired and it’s in the dining room, surrounded by colour, where I usually design,’ she reveals.

Every corner of the apartment has its own identity, from the dusty pastels of the sitting room to the warmth of the ruby table in the dining room.

‘The sitting room has all the shades of the Venetian lagoon and takes me back to my childhood, while the dining room is dominated by the light mint walls,’ explains Elena. ‘My bedroom is turquoise and aquamarine to remind me of Sardinia and these colours are very relaxing.’

Everything in the apartment is personally chosen by Elena, which is

DINING ROOM Colour is everywhere, even in the small detail of the Venetian glassware in the antique display cabinet (below). Tense Diamond glossy red table, price on request, MDF Italia. Louis XVI display cabinet, £3,950, Pamono

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KITCHEN Elena gave her simply curated kitchen a dramatic twist by displaying her exquisite 18th-century

French plates. For similar stainless steel kitchen units, from £337 for a base unit, try Cavendish

Equipment

MASTER BEDROOM Another room full of small details where a female figure by one of Elena’s favourite artists hangs above the unfussy bed. Female figure painting by Silvia Patrono, price on request, Celeste. Try Antiques Atlas for a similar Venetian mirror in gold leaf

favourite room ‘I love every space in my apartment but the light in the dining room where I work is so fantastic and it’s where I spend most of my time’

why her home feels so unique. Antique furniture and contemporary design are contrasting combinations that Elena is drawn to.

‘Mixing antiques alongside 1950s design and contemporary styles makes my home more interesting and thoughtful,’ she says. ‘I especially enjoy making pieces work together if they’re considered unlikely partners.’

Elena has gathered many things over the years from family homes, her extensive travels and from flea markets. ‘I like to buy at Porte de Vanves in Paris, which is an excellent market for small objects, and the Navigli market in Milan where you can find interesting vases,’ she says. ‘And of course, I have always collected art.’

Elena’s love of art in the female form includes paintings, statues and photographs and they are evident in every room in her spacious apartment. ‘I have the most incredible females in my life and I am drawn to images of the female form as they radiate such energy,’ she explains. ‘I call them my guardian angels and you will find them everywhere in my home.’

As well as art, Elena’s inspiration comes from her family and her love of Venice. ‘My ancestors were merchants of fabrics and I have inherited a passion for beautiful pattern and texture,’ she reveals. ‘I renovate sofas and armchairs and make pillows from the many beautiful fabrics I cannot resist buying.’

This unique and unusual home is a beautiful reflection of Elena’s heritage and is testament to her creative talent. ‘I am Venetian through and through and I love everything from the vintage glasses of Venini to the grand paintings of Venice. I adore the colours and craftsmanship and even though I enjoy living in Milan, I will always bring a little bit of the Veneto with me.’

uniquely yours...