My Space | Designer Derek Castiglioni

LOCATION Legnano, Italy DESIGN Derek Castiglioni PHOTOGRAPHY Helenio Barbetta INTERVIEW Yvette Caprioglio

Designer Derek Castiglioni's experience spans outdoor space design, collectable design pieces and now, architecture. Inside his own home, he talks to us about the language of materials, the legacy of Italian design masters and his commitment to crafting spaces that are aesthetically compelling and serve as a platform for creative exchange and personal expression.

Where is your home located?

Derek Castiglioni: The apartment is in Legnano, a town near Milan, offering the perfect balance of easy access to Milan and Malpensa airport and a tranquil escape from the city's fast pace.

What did you set out to create in the interior spaces?

Derek Castiglioni: My design philosophy centres on creating deeply personal and inherently collaborative spaces. In this apartment, my first 360-degree architectural project, I aimed to craft an environment expressing my unique identity while engaging in a meaningful dialogue with the language of other designers.

Although more akin to a suite than an apartment, I sought to cultivate a dynamic and engaging space. This was achieved through the deliberate and varied application of materials, fostering a rich sensory experience. The design also reflects a reinterpretation of historical influences, particularly the 1960s. I aimed to bridge the past and present by translating these elements into a contemporary context, creating a nostalgic and forward-thinking space. This project is a testament to my commitment to crafting aesthetically compelling spaces that serve as a platform for creative exchange and personal expression.

What were your main reference points?

Derek Castiglioni: When designing my house, my main reference points were undoubtedly Gio Ponti's Villa Planchart and Carlo Scarpa's private villa. From Ponti's masterpiece in Caracas, I drew significant inspiration from the striking bas-relief lines on the ceilings. I've incorporated this architectural detail into my space, adding sophisticated drama and visual interest, subtly defining areas and creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, much like Ponti achieved.

The carefully curated colour palette based on Scarpa’s villa complements this architectural element. A palette of green and yellow, combined with bold details like purple, evokes depth and tranquility, creating a timeless, sophisticated, and grounded atmosphere.

The palette of green and yellow is distinctive yet soft. How does colour inform your work?

Derek Castiglioni: As anticipated, I was inspired by Carlo Scarpa's beautiful Casa Tabarelli when choosing the colours for this project. I was particularly drawn to the peach ceiling and incorporated it with complementary yellow and green tones. I aimed to create a vibrant contrast with the industrial, steel-coloured materials, striving for balance between seemingly disparate elements.

This inclination stems from my multifaceted personality and wide range of creative and daily interests. I enjoy the challenge of synthesising diverse ideas and influences into something new and exciting. Colour is a powerful tool in my work, which I use to shape the human experience of space, evoke emotions, and communicate messages.

There is a verdant element in this apartment. How is this reflective of your work as an outdoor space designer?

Derek Castiglioni: Green is more than just a colour to me—it's deeply connected to my family and upbringing. After graduating, I joined our family business, which designs gardens and green roofs, focusing on outdoor space design. This experience instilled a profound appreciation for incorporating green elements into my work. When I design furnishings or architectural projects, I often draw inspiration from nature, using green both aesthetically and symbolically. It's a way for me to honour my family's legacy and bring a piece of my past into my work.

What are the inherently Italian design elements and influences in this space?

Derek Castiglioni: My architectural journey is deeply rooted in the legacy of Italian masters. Gio Ponti and Carlo Scarpa were significant sources of inspiration when approaching this project. I was drawn to their innovative approaches and meticulous attention to detail, which I've subtly integrated into the design. It’s a deliberate act of homage, reinterpreting their genius for contemporary spaces.

Beyond them, the elegance of Carlo Mollino and the bold, sculptural forms of Gae Aulenti have profoundly shaped my understanding of material, light, and the overall experiential quality of architecture. I believe in creating spaces that are functional and evoke a sense of wonder and delight, much like the work of these visionaries. Their influence allows me to approach each project with a blend of reverence for the past and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of contemporary design.

The project has an expressive use of materiality – is this a hallmark of your work?

Derek Castiglioni: Certainly, I believe materials are more than just functional components—they're a language, a way to tell a story. I'm drawn to pieces with a strong presence, a certain sculptural quality that adds depth and intrigue to a space. For example, the brutalist cement desk in the living area is a piece I designed myself. I wanted to play with the raw texture and weight of the concrete to create a bold statement, a piece that grounds the space and speaks to a sense of rawness and authenticity. In contrast, the sleek bedside table by Duccio Maria Gambi introduces a touch of understated elegance, adding a layer of refinement and sophistication.

Each piece in the apartment has been carefully chosen to contribute to this ongoing conversation between materiality and form.

You’ve previously worked across outdoor space design and furniture design, with notable collections in Nilufar Gallery. Is this your first architectural project?

Derek Castiglioni: Yes, as previously mentioned, this was my first 360-degree architectural project, and I was incredibly excited to apply my diverse experiences to this new challenge. I'm a born creative, seeking new challenges that push me beyond familiar boundaries. My background, which spans from outdoor space design to collectable design pieces and now architecture, allows me to keep enriching my professional expertise and inject unique perspectives and knowledge into each new challenge. The beauty of art permeates every aspect and field of life.

Multiple pieces in the home are attributed to your design, including the ‘Nudo’ table, a large floor vase from your ‘Hourglass’ collection and the one-of-a-kind ‘Continuo’ bed, made with a continuous metal tube. As a designer, can you elaborate on the importance of a complete design approach to this space and the pieces within it?

Derek Castiglioni: Within my apartment, you'll find a curated mix of items. Some are tangible outputs of my design journey over the past few years, reflecting the evolution of my style and technical exploration. Others, such as the bed, were created specifically for this space.

I deeply value the stimulating nature of mixing and matching, both my work and that of other designers. This dialogue between objects cultivates a sense of discovery and personal expression, transforming the space from a mere container into a vibrant, evolving ecosystem. Above all, I strive for a home's dimension to be unique, moving beyond the standard furniture offerings of brands, which too often leads to a homogenising effect. I prefer each home to be distinct and deeply representative of the person who lives there, a space where memories are made, stories are told, and individual style is celebrated.

There are other unique pieces in your home—are you a long-time collector?

Derek Castiglioni: I wouldn't define myself as a collector, but I enjoy seeking out unusual objects, whether contemporary designs or vintage pieces, that resonate with me emotionally. I believe in the power of combining items of different artists and designers to create a personal gallery that reflects my identity. As a travel enthusiast, I love collecting art pieces from my trips. These aren't just unique items rarely found elsewhere; they're tangible memories making a space more intimate and meaningful.