The Italian Embassy in London: A Dialogue Between Heritage and Contemporary Design

Situated in Grosvenor Square, one of London's most distinguished addresses, the residence of the Italian Ambassador has undergone a thoughtful renovation that redefines its role as a showcase of Italian excellence.

Situated in Grosvenor Square, one of London’s most distinguished addresses, the residence of the Italian Ambassador has undergone a thoughtful renovation that redefines its role as a showcase of Italian excellence. Originally built in 1868 and remodeled in the 1930s, the Grade II-listed apartment now balances historical gravitas with a refined modern sensibility.
The project was entrusted to designer Nick Vinson, who collaborated with Avanti Architects to preserve the building’s architectural integrity while reimagining its interiors for contemporary living and diplomatic functions. Guided by Ambassador Inigo Lambertini’s vision, the renovation set out to harmonize tradition and innovation, projecting an image of Italy that is both timeless and forward-looking.

“As time passed, these spaces no longer adequately conveyed Italy’s image in the world, nor reflected the vitality and innovation of our country,” explains Ambassador Lambertini.“The goal was to combine tradition and modernity, highlighting the elegance of the building without sacrificing a contemporary imprint that reflects the excellence of Italian design.”

A modern stage for Italian design

At the heart of the project lies the ambition to transform the residence into a living manifesto of Made in Italy. Vinson’s curatorial approach assembled some of the country’s most renowned brands, weaving together a dialogue between historic architecture and modern design.

Molteni&C’s contribution underscores its ongoing commitment to representing Italian excellence on the global stage, bringing timeless craftsmanship and contemporary elegance to a setting that speaks to both heritage and innovation. The Ribbon beds by Vincent Van Duysen bring sculptural softness to the bedrooms, including the presidential suite, while the D.847.1 writing desk — a re-edition of Gio Ponti’s 1947 design — anchors the space with a piece of Italian design history.

2025

25.06

2025.06.25

UniFor Contributes to Triennale Milano’s New Restaurant & Café: Cucina Triennale

After supporting Triennale Milano in the creation of Cuore – Centre for Studies, Archives and Research, UniFor is proud to collaborate once again with the institution for the architectural and functional redevelopment of the Palazzo dell'Arte, contributing to the creation of the Cucina Triennale restaurant and café, located on the Piano Parco and overlooking the garden. The project, led by the studio AR.CH.IT Luca Cipelletti, aims to restore the original spaces in continuity with Giovanni Muzio's 1933 design.

2024

25.06

2024.06.25

Gio Ponti’s D.154.2 Armchair Wins Compasso d’Oro Career Award for Products

The iconic D.154.2 armchair by Gio Ponti has been honored with the 2024 Compasso d'Oro Career Award for Products, the most esteemed award in the Italian design world, celebrating Gio Ponti's lasting impact on design and innovation.

2023

16.11

2023.11.16

New 2023 campaign

The 2023 campaign was photographed in a contemporary interpretation of the ancient Roman ‘Domus', bringing to life the architectural concept that inspired the collection.