meredith cutler :: arts marketing :: artist

Ciao, ragazzi! I have managed to excavate a rare and wonderous wireless connection here in jolly Parioli, so will take this opportunity to share some photos of my adventures here in Rome so far. The great majority of residents here in Rome carve their domestic space out of apartment living. As such, the personal space many of us enjoy in America is far more compressed. It's fairly difficult to feel lonely in Rome!

Example in point, the "cozy" studio apartment my husband and I are renting on Via Paolo Frisi, near Piazza Euclide in Parioli. A lucky find, this <30m² ground-level nest has been entirely renovated...IKEA style. Tutta nuova.

The owner (and architect's) choice of white and neutral tones for ceiling, walls and floor helps to brighten the otherwise cramped and dark garden-level space. Another wise choice, the glass and brushed metal doors of the roomy IKEA closet occupying the entire rear wall reflect light, creating an illusory effect that causes the space to appear much larger.

Ample recessed lighting further brightens up the space, highlighting quirky corners like the above depicted niche, which we have brightened up with happy objects borrowed from my in-laws and some shiny new wedding gifts: a silver picture frame, antique silver teapot of dubious origin, and a brass name plate.

The galley kitchen, opposite the bed, offers all that is needed, with efficient recessed appliances, including a microwave/toaster combo, and two-burner stovetop with a lighted hood. Of course, with all of the fantastic food destinations and dinner invitations from friends here in Rome, I am embarrassed to admit that we have only dined at home once, with the exception of our daily breakfast of yogurt, caffé, granetti e bel "tigre" formaggio!

Another touch we appreciate is the desk and storage area built in the narrow space below the entrance stairway. Above the concealed cabinets we use to store our linens, we also keep our work papers, laptops and caschi (helmets) here neatly out of the way. A double-window lets in a little bit of air and light from the garden, (and less wonderful...le zanzare! ((mosquitoes))

For a couple like us, accustomed to sharing a two-story, five-room apartment with double bath...it is the attention to detail in the design of this tiny honeymoon nest that truly counts towards keeping us "newly marrieds" in appropriate bliss! Alla prossima volta...Ciao!