Interior designer Victor Esposito has transformed a historic apartment in Nardò, Puglia, into a masterful blend of vintage furnishings and contemporary minimalism. The 1,076-square-foot residence, located in a 16th-century palazzo, showcases how carefully curated antique pieces can thrive within stripped-down, modern spaces. Esposito, who splits his time between this Italian retreat and his primary residence in Ibiza, spent two years searching for the perfect property before discovering this hidden gem in the baroque heart of Salento.
The designer's connection to the region runs deep, as he is the child of Italian immigrants who found their way to other parts of Europe. For Esposito, the move represents a return to his ancestral roots, drawn by the authenticity of southern Italian culture, cuisine, landscapes, and particularly the warmth of its people. The historic center of Nardò, with its limestone baroque facades and narrow cobblestone streets, has remained largely untouched by mass tourism, preserving the peaceful atmosphere that captivated him. The apartment's location provides both proximity to the shimmering turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea and immersion in a community where time seems to move at its own measured pace.
Before Esposito could realize his vision, significant structural changes were necessary. The two-level space, previously divided into small, cramped rooms, required removal of non-load-bearing walls to reveal the clarity of the original architecture. Architects Claudio Colacci and Pascal Cheikh Djavadi reconfigured the layout as an open-plan design that honors the building's heritage. The ground floor features dramatic vaulted ceilings that likely once housed servants' quarters, while the upper level was added in the 1950s. Throughout the renovation, original masonry fragments, structural proportions, and the distinctive arches were carefully preserved, creating a dialogue between contemporary interventions and centuries-old construction.
The designer's passion for vintage furniture shines throughout the space, with each piece chosen for its sculptural simplicity and exceptional craftsmanship. The dining area features a table and chairs from the 1970s designed by French master carpenter Pierre Chapo, which Esposito discovered during a sourcing trip to France. A black Italian armchair from the same era nestles in a small niche, while a Scandinavian daybed provides quiet elegance. Perhaps most striking is a Chinese cabinet that adds depth and global character to the otherwise Mediterranean space. Every item was selected to stand as an individual artwork within the minimalist shell.
Local artisans played a crucial role in realizing Esposito's vision, executing specialized finishes that root the apartment in its territory. Floors were resurfaced with traditional cocciopesto, a mortar made from crushed terracotta typical of the region. Bathrooms feature luminous Carrara marble, while the kitchen workspace is carved from Sicilian volcanic stone. Walls were treated with breathable lime plaster, a technique that helps maintain comfortable temperatures during Puglia's scorching summers. This commitment to local materials and craftsmanship reflects a broader philosophy of sustainability and respect for regional building traditions.
Esposito now spends approximately five months each year in the apartment, typically arriving in May and staying through the summer. His favorite spot is the small terrace that rises above the village rooftops, offering views of Nardò's baroque church silhouettes and the soft, golden light that defines Salento. From this simple, airy perch, he experiences both a sense of distance from the world and deep belonging to the community. The space provides the tranquility and balance he seeks, where every material and object has room to breathe and express its unique character without compromise.
