From bold architectural choices to visionary uses of material, at Jean-Marc Fray Antiques we are always searching for inspiration. Instructing how we style and collect pieces, we love finding unexpected ways of using furniture and pairing items. As one of our favorite iconic Italian designers, Osvaldo Borsani’s Milanese apartment featured in AD is a perfect example of quality carpentry, striking forms, and more.
Osvaldo Borsani
Osvaldo Borsani was an innovative architect, designer, and visionary during a crucial time in Italy’s design history. Quietly respected for his high-quality and functional designs, his work added new dimensions to both commercial and home furnishings. He was instrumental in bringing modernism to Italy but remained committed to the Italian tradition of fine craftsmanship. His attention to detail and quality was unmatched. Almost everything he designed reflects the best of 20th-century Italian design—from the soulfulness of pre-war artisanal production to the high-tech innovations that followed World War II.
Borsani’s Milanese Design
In 1936, Borsani was entrusted with the renovation of a first floor apartment in the Palazzo Olivazzi, a historic monument dating from the 18th century. He was 25 years old. With a background in carpentry and architecture, each piece of furniture in the apartment was carefully designed to balance space and material. Still a time capsule of the time, Borsani’s project remains unchanged. It is a lesson in timelessness!
At Jean-Marc Fray, we are especially inspired by Borsani’s use of warm tones, unique shapes, and modernist details. The bold yet simple style brings out the most of the space and showcases the best of functional design. The soft moments of gold and fabric throughout add character and femininity. Many of these moments can be replicated to create rooms that invite one to live with the classic style of Milan. From wood furniture to curved seating, you can find many of these pieces at our gallery in Austin. Please enjoy the beautiful Jean-Marc Fray Antiques vintage and antique pieces that can perfectly bring the quality, Italian style, and iconic design into your home.
The Borsani Inspiration
Inspired by the functional details found within the apartment, we are especially moved by the shapes and materials. The main living space showcases parquetry floors, a uniquely designed niche inset, and scalloped seating. This dining table by Osvaldo Borsani highlights his use of shapes and woods – the warm tones imitate the soft curves of the base. Likewise, these marble side tables bring to mind his use of material and mimic the curves of his work throughout. The pair of Guiglielmo Ulrich armchairs feature a scalloped back similar to those seen in Borsani’s apartment. The curved arms and striking Italian legs also feel influenced by the Borsani design.
Taking cue from the dark brown tones found throughout the apartment, we love how these deep colors contrast with the light filtering in from the large windows with custom Borsani stained glass shades. With a modern touch, this De Sede sofa features the dark color leather and invites a similarly handsome effect. This pair of Osvaldo Borsani side tables are also made of dark burled wood and showcase Borsani’s use of material. With brass and mirror detailing, this one-of-a-kind pair is perfect for a bedroom or living space – both functional and beautiful. The pair of Murano glass sconces emanates the blue and amber hues of the window shades in the hand-blown panels of the light fixtures.
Inspired by Osvaldo Borsani’s bar space, we love the center bar compartment on this Macassar buffet. Opening with a mirrored space for bottles and glasses, this functionality allows any room to become a place for social happy hour! The wood and lines of this piece also bring to mind the buffets and cabinets designed by Borsani. This table designed by Borsani for Tecno features the curved base seen in his coffee table space and the quality material throughout. The set of Murano glass vases have a warm mauve tone and high quality craftsmanship that could be found in any of these rooms, though we especially love them paired with the long dining table.
The other apartments located in this Milanese building are also striking. Seen above is an apartment featured in AD for Jean and Aurelie Canzoneri. We love the green tones showcased throughout. Our newest Murano glass urn lamps have a similar hue and pulegoso technique. Our mid-century bookcase is the perfect installment against a wall, while this modernist side table brings in the triangular shape seen within the bedroom.
How would you bring this Milanese style into your home? Please reach out to our gallery with any questions about these available pieces or if there is anything else we can help you find.
