There is a mood of authenticity and elegance inside Esperia, a refined “osteria” on the island of Procida with a splendid view of Lake Miseno and the Gulf of Pozzuoli.
Manuarino, the architects who created the project, based the entire restyling on the use of authentic materials and the highlighting of existing features to bring out the location’s strong points.
Various forms of architectural sleight-of-hand were used to distinguish the different areas without shutting them off and while maintaining the white walls: the most eye-catching is definitely the choice of flooring.
Existing grey porcelain stoneware slabs are interrupted by inserts of 20x20 tiles from the Contrasti collection, in different patterns and colors to define the various areas.
The entrance zone is finished with Contrasti Tappeto 9 in Celadon color, which leads guests to the reception/cash desk area with a wood and Corten steel counter standing on another, different floor covering in a geometrical pattern in shades of beige: Tappeto 4, also from the Contrasti collection.
On the right of the entrance is the pizzeria area, a simple, uncluttered interior dominated by the pizza counter, entirely covered with white Carrara marble, which protects the oven. The floor covering chosen here is Tappeto 10 in a neutral color to give the interior unity and elegance.
To the left of the entrance, the locale expands into the hospitality zone, also designed to accommodate meetings and interviews: it is therefore furnished with a round table and a partition consisting of an industrial-style bottle rack to screen it from the entrance. The floor in this area is in Contrasti Tappeto 8, with a very contemporary look thanks to its pattern of small black and white triangles.
The Esperia also includes a lounge area for after-dinner relaxation, furnished in refined, eclectic taste: a forest green velvet sofa, two leather armchairs and a few good antiques. Its color is underlined by the floor tiles selected, Tappeto 5 and 11.
It is fascinating to see how every area has been given a different character simply by varying the floor covering, with all tiles chosen from the Contrasti porcelain stoneware collection, creating an interior that is unified and attractive throughout.
Ph Gabriele Rivoli
