Artemest Galleria by Samuele Brianza

Designed and curated by Samuele Brianza in close collaboration with Artemest’s creative director, Ippolita Rostagno, Artemest Galleria was conceived to showcase the online brand’s extensive collection of Italian furniture, lighting and objects in Manhattan’s art district.

The design takes cues from a range of influences, including Milanese interiors and time-worn traditions, culminating in a layered and visually exciting space that encapsulates the inimitable essence of Italian beauty. As Samuele reflects, he was drawn to the idea of creating “an Italian residential environment in a gallery setting in West Chelsea.” Fusing these two conditions proved ambitious, however Samuele and Ippolita’s Italian roots (Brescia and Florence, respectively), paired with their shared understanding of the brand and its makers, provided a solid foundation.

Fabrics by Rubelli and Tessitura Luigi Bevilacqua adorn the space, polished Venetian plaster surfaces recall centuries-old villas, and a warm palette softens the overall aesthetic.

As Ippolita says, Samuele was “inspired by the concept of layering” – a notion typical of Italian homes – and as such, the space feels authentic. “In Italy, you rarely start from zero – you inherit belongings along the way and the history of a building informs the design, so there are layers of taste,” she says. Various elements of the interior speak to this rationale, including the three separate rooms and the curation of pieces that define them, as well as the courtyard setting at the rear.

The space itself is immediately enveloping, thanks to a visual tapestry of colours, textiles and patinated materials. Fabrics by Rubelli and Tessitura Luigi Bevilacqua adorn the space; polished Venetian plaster surfaces recall centuries-old villas; and a warm palette softens the overall aesthetic. A custom-made walnut counter carved by celebrated artisan Giuseppe Rivadossi stretches the length of one wall, anchoring the space and adding depth – Samuele has long-admired Rivadossi’s work, marking a meaningful collaboration. At the front of the store, a custom steel frame with a wavy profile creates a diaphanous divide between the streetscape and the interior.

The product range represents an exciting cross-section of Italian art and design, elevating the interior and inspiring intrigue at every glance.

Unsurprisingly, the product range represents an exciting cross-section of Italian art and design, elevating the interior and inspiring intrigue at every glance. Murano glass, terracotta, hand-painted ceramics and silver objects line the built-in shelves, furniture upholstered in plush fabrics dots the space, and chandeliers with floral motifs overhead bring gravitas. There is a story behind every piece and Samuele and Ippolita speak to this with endearing fervour.

As a hybrid gallery and showroom space, Artemest Galleria is distinctive from many of the institutions within this coveted zip code. The affability it expresses can be traced to a culmination of resolved considerations, from the expertly curated stable of artisanal pieces to the sense of hospitality expressed through Samuele’s design. In short, it’s a valuable look-in for lovers of Italian design and a worthy stop on a pilgrimage through Chelsea’s gallery-lined streets.

Architecture and interior design by Samuele Brianza. Production management by Jannan Studios. Art curation by Samuele Visentin. Artwork by Antonio Fabozzi. Brand design by Artemest.