My Space | Designer Tommaso Spinzi's Brutalist Milan Loft

LOCATION Milan, Italy DESIGN Spinzi PHOTOGRAPHY Antonio Mocchetti INTERVIEW Yvette Caprioglio

Designer Tommaso Spinzi talks to us about his fascination with brutalism and the history of design, and how this manifests in his Milan loft. In an ever-evolving space where work, passions, and lifestyle come together, he is surrounded by mid-century Italian pieces, vinyl records, and limited-edition pieces from his creative atelier, Spinzi.

Where is your loft located?

Tommaso Spinzi: The loft is located in Milan, in the northern part of the city’s Affori district, which was once an independent village and is now part of Milan. I like it here because it is very different from everywhere else in Milan. I can easily reach a great park nearby and also travel easily to Lake Como, where I’m originally from, or to the airport. It’s my hidden spot.

I live here from time to time, when I’m not staying in my apartment, or Lake Como. It is also a space where I host friends from around the world on weekends when I’m not working.

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

Tommaso Spinzi: My vision was to create an always-evolving interior space that reflects an always-evolving interior taste; a space where I can enjoy, collect and study interesting pieces of furniture, as well as create. At the same time, it’s a space where I can conduct research, study, and work on various projects—a sort of sanctuary for me.

What were your main reference points?

Tommaso Spinzi: The Italian lifestyle, especially in the 70s and 80s, fused with brutalism, sophistication, a passion for vintage cars and motorbikes, mid-century furniture craftsmanship, and cool hunting. Everything is done with an artistic approach and an international vision.

Your loft is also your workspace, Spinzi Creative Atelier. How do you delineate between the two, or do your work and living spaces cohesively inform each other?

Tommaso Spinzi: This is the modern concept of living, where work, passions, and lifestyle come together. We are working on similar projects for our clients, and that’s why I always suggest this modern concept to them as a direction, so they can build something that lasts for a long time.

You’ve transformed a raw, industrial space into a gallery-like home. What was your process for blending the raw and refined materials?

Tommaso Spinzi: I’m fascinated by brutalism and industrial spaces. When I had the opportunity to take ownership of this space, I decided to preserve most of its character and make only simple adjustments to the structure, leaving it a bit unrefined. Then, I began adding mid-century Italian pieces from my collection and experimenting with some of my prototype and limited-edition pieces, created by my studio, Spinzi.

There are books, vinyl records, design objects, and a Porsche, among other notable pieces. How does your design eye influence the way you curate things?

Tommaso Spinzi: I’m fascinated by the history of design, which is also why I collect, trade, and curate a selection of vintage mid-century furniture for clients and architects. I currently have almost 50 vintage lamps in stock. It’s my wonderland! On top of that, I love cars and motorbikes, which are a great addition to my lifestyle and one of man’s favourite passions. Let’s put some music on!

How does materiality inform the space?

Tommaso Spinzi: Materiality plays an important role in the space. I have decided to use a microcement for the floor from Innovative Surface. The raw, unrefined walls are simply painted without being plastered, and the addition of metal and stainless steel is an important signature of Spinzi.

Does living and working among your designs inspire your design process and creativity?

Tommaso Spinzi: It boosts my creativity. Since I travel frequently, returning here brings me a sense of peace. It’s my sanctuary, where my research, beliefs, and experimentation come together. Some of my objects come from dreams, like the Medusa (jellyfish) stool, which is connected to my time in Australia. It takes me back there every time I see it here.

How does your childhood growing up on the shores of Lake Como influence the way you live now?

Tommaso Spinzi: I grew up surrounded by beauty, and it has shaped the way I perceive things now. I love the fact that it is very close to Milan, so I can escape there from time to time. This is also why I chose to live in Milan almost seven years ago, after living in Australia, the United States, and Japan.