Inside a Creative Director's Stunning Milan Apartment: A Treasure Trove of Secondhand Finds

A Unique Milanese Abode

Sarah Keenlyside and her partner Attard transformed their Milan apartment into a masterpiece of secondhand shopping. From the outset, they revamped the outdated kitchen by replacing old cabinetry and a moldy dishwasher with black modular units under a stainless steel countertop from Very Simple: Kitchen in Bologna.

A Collector's Dream

Keenlyside seized the opportunity to revamp their light fixtures, sourcing pieces from Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and local vintage stores, as well as the Navigli antiques market. She notes, "It’s rare to find these sorts of fixtures back in Canada, and never so cheaply."

Dining in Style

Their vintage Poliform dining table, which seats ten, is complemented by chairs designed by Rodney Kinsman for Bieffeplast. The couple also treasures a French Art Deco bar they found in Montreal, which holds sentimental value as it was where they got engaged.

A Colorful and Historical Collection

Every corner of their home boasts color and history, with items reflecting both their pasts. Keenlyside frequents antiques markets, stating, "I’m lucky to live near one of the best, which happens on the last Sunday of every month along the Navigli canals."

Shopping for Stories

Keenlyside’s decor philosophy revolves around collecting pieces with interesting stories. From a papier-mâché banana symbolizing her food industry roots in Toronto to plastic chairs from the 1976 Montreal Olympics, her home is a vibrant kaleidoscope of memories and design.

Design Philosophy

The desk in their living room, designed by the Italian firm BBPR, encapsulates Keenlyside's belief in creating visual poetry through the interplay of diverse objects. "It’s those sorts of quirky poetic collisions that give me real joy," she expresses, showcasing her love for blending disparate styles and histories in her design approach.