London-based designer Nick Vinson, in collaboration with heritage specialists Avanti Architects, has undertaken a meticulous renovation of the Italian Embassy’s residence on Grosvenor Square. The project was conceived to celebrate and showcase the very best of Italian design, blending contemporary elegance with the building’s historic character. Featuring products from renowned Italian brands such as Molteni & C, B&B Italia, Flos, and Poltrona Frau, the interiors now function as both a refined home for the Italian ambassador and a carefully curated exhibition of Italy’s design excellence.
The residence occupies the second and third floors of a Grade II-listed building dating back to 1868. The interiors had last been remodeled in 1932 by Wellesley & Will, leaving a layered historical context for Vinson and his team to work with. “We preserved all the significant details from both periods,” Vinson explained, “and paired them with modern Italian furnishings from the latter half of the 20th century up to the present day, chosen for their timeless quality and enduring appeal.”
Central to the renovation was the desire to project a contemporary vision of Italy. As Italian ambassador Inigo Lambertini noted, “The previous interiors no longer reflected modern Italy. Our aim was to blend tradition with modernity, showcasing the elegance of the building while reflecting the vitality and innovation of our country.” The updated residence now serves as a platform to promote the “Made in Italy” ethos, highlighting a diverse array of industrial and artisanal products.
The bedrooms, including the presidential suite, feature iconic Ribbon beds designed by Belgian architect Vincent Van Duysen for Molteni & C. In the presidential suite, the bed is complemented by the D.847.1 writing desk by Italian designer Gio Ponti, a Pagoda Piantana floor lamp by Ignazio Gardella for Tato, and a signature rug designed by Vinson in collaboration with CC-Tapis. Additional furnishings include a chest of drawers by Piero Lissoni for Porro and wall lamps by Charlotte Perriand, supplied by Nemo Lighting. These pieces harmoniously blend heritage, craftsmanship, and contemporary design sensibilities.
The main living area is anchored by a Kyoto coffee table designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Poltrona Frau, accompanied by a Catalina armchair by Luigi Caccia Dominioni for Azucena, and a custom rug conceived by Vinson and CC-Tapis. A striking mirror by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec for Flos complements the red kitchen, tying together form and function with a sophisticated Italian aesthetic.
In total, the renovation showcases products from 42 carefully selected Italian manufacturers, spanning furniture, lighting, textiles, marble, glass, paint, bathroom fittings, kitchens, radiators, rugs, curtains, and accessories. The residence also displays works by 15 modern and contemporary Italian artists, blending fine art with design to create a holistic representation of Italy’s creative output.
Vinson’s vision for the embassy residence was to create an environment that demonstrates Italy’s design legacy while embracing contemporary lifestyle needs. The project illustrates how historic buildings can be sensitively updated to serve modern purposes, celebrating craftsmanship, quality, and innovation in a context that resonates both politically and culturally.
Other recent projects involving embassy renovations include a US consulate along the Arizona-Mexico border and a distinctly Australian embassy in Washington, D.C., highlighting Vinson’s expertise in merging diplomatic prestige with design excellence.
This renovation not only provides a luxurious, functional residence for the Italian ambassador but also transforms the space into a living showcase of Italy’s rich design heritage—a space where tradition, artistry, and modernity coalesce seamlessly.