This Genoan Penthouse Is a Curio Cabinet Inspired by Its Owners’ Travels

Architectural Digest

by Ludovica Stevan

February 14, 2026

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This Genoan penthouse is a testament to the power of travel-inspired design, transformed by architect Giulia Grillo into a space that tells the story of its owners' globetrotting lives. Nestled in the Castelletto neighborhood, the home combines original Genoese features like marble-chip floors and stucco ceilings with an eclectic mix of vintage furnishings collected from yachts, Venetian mansions, and London markets. Each piece carries a unique history, reflecting the owners' journeys and memories. Grillo's approach was to listen to the homeowners' anecdotes and translate them into tangible design elements. The living room, for instance, features a vintage sofa upholstered in Lelièvre Velours Nabab velvet, paired with an antique Bessarabian kilim rug and a Poliedri chandelier by Carlo Scarpa. These selections create a cohesive yet layered atmosphere that feels deeply personal. The kitchen, with its sage green walls and Carrara marble surfaces, further highlights the harmonious blend of old and new, while custom cabinetry adds a touch of sophistication. The penthouse's design emphasizes functionality as much as emotion, serving as a temporary refuge for owners who divide their time between Venice, Germany, and England. The space is designed to slow down time, with large windows offering views of the city and sea, creating a sense of calm and connection to both indoor and outdoor worlds. For those interested in design, this project showcases how meaningful spaces are born from careful curation and storytelling. By blending architectural elements with curated finds, Grillo

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Originally published on Architectural Digest on 2/14/2026