Field Notes # 2
A considered home in Milan with Christian & Francesco
For the second edition of Field Notes – our new series exploring the inspiring lives of people shaping culture through craft, creativity, and care – we traveled to Milan to meet a duo that, in a 1930s residence overlooking the Stazione Centrale, is painting a study of personal style.
Christian Frascaro and Francesco Cristiano, hailing from Puglia and Napoli deep in Italy’s South, made the move to Milan more than a decade ago to pursue life as Creative Consultants. And it’s here where they’re together, building something far deeper than just a place to live.
Crossing the threshold into their home, there’s a grounded, calm energy to the space that wraps itself around you as soon as you step inside. It was this quiet pull, the couple affirms, that they sensed instantly and sought to amplify as they transformed the apartment into their shared creative universe and refuge from the fast pace of the city.
From each room’s unique color palette to the soft lighting and the warm wooden scent that blends with freshly brewed coffee, Christian and Francesco’s home is an immersive experience in stark contrast to the bustle that surrounds it, reflecting their well-considered approach. Grand yet modern, furnished with design classics alongside contemporary pieces and personal references, the apartment tells a story of excellent curation.
We joined them at home to talk about their creative process before tagging along as they’re showing us their Milan.
“Our creative process starts from the idea of creating a beautiful environment – one that tells a story, but that is also functional.”
Could you give us a quick introduction to yourselves?
Francesco
I’m Francesco Cristiano, from Naples.
Christian
I’m Christian Frascaro and I come from Puglia.
Francesco
I don’t know if you’ve noticed – our names are similar, they almost blend into each other.
Christian
Yes. We do many things together, and certainly the common thread in all of it is creativity.
Francesco
We are Creative Consultants in fashion and design. Above all, we help develop the visual identity of a project.
Tell us about where you live – what was your journey of getting here?
Francesco
We live in Milan, a city buzzing with energy – it offers a lot but also demands a lot.
Christian
Yes, it’s right here that we met more than 10 years ago.
Francesco
Back then, I participated in a contest and sent a message to all my contacts, asking for their support. And Christian…
Christian
I thought it was an invitation to dinner!
Francesco
It wasn't. But that’s where it all started.
Francesco is wearing the Knit T-Shirt. Christian is wearing the Praia Shirt.
Fast forward, and we’re seated in your, admittedly stunning, apartment in central Milan. Can you set the scene a little?
Christian
It’s located in one of our favorite buildings by architect Giuseppe Martinenghi. From the late 1920s to the early 1940s, he designed lots of buildings in Milan and really shaped the urban landscape here.
Francesco
When an apartment became available, we knew we had to see it.
Christian
And we knew immediately: this is it. Already during the viewing, we started to furnish and decorate it in our imagination.
Francesco
We really had to contain our excitement so the price wouldn’t be pushed out of reach. But we managed to get it.
You renovated your apartment without the help of an architect or interior designer, and the result was covered in several magazines. How did you approach that and what was the biggest challenge?
Christian
Our creative process starts with the idea of creating a beautiful space – one that tells a story, but that is also functional. So first, we always start with the space, the dimensions, and work towards creating a warm, comfortable atmosphere – but one that’s also timeless. Our style is timeless. We don’t like falling into the traps of current trends.
Francesco
We create mood boards for everything, take inspiration, and reinterpret it through a contemporary lens.
Christian
It has to be personal, too. One of the most meaningful parts of the apartment is the wooden slatted wall in the dining room, which was inspired by our first dinner together at a Japanese restaurant in Milan.
Francesco
Another object that holds a special meaning for us is a 20th-century Moroccan plate displayed on the bookshelf. We bought it during a trip to Marrakech, and at the very moment we purchased it, we realized the decorative patterns on the plate echoed the design of the marble and onyx patchwork floor in our apartment. That unexpected connection made it feel like the plate was meant to be part of our home.
Christian
The biggest challenge was definitely this exact marble floor in the hall: it took three different artisans, a marble worker, a polisher, and an installer to complete it. It was difficult, but so worth it.
Francesco
Exactly. Craftsmanship really allows creativity to be fully expressed. It lets you create something unique, something special – almost like a bespoke garment.
Christian
Yes, it gives the space character.
Images of Christian and Francesco's apartment are courtesy of Helenio Barbetta.
The focal point of the entryway and hall is a custom floor in marble and onyx, designed by Christian and Francesco and inspired by Gio Ponti. Against the wall sits an “Eros” console in Carrara marble by Angelo Mangiarotti with a “Porcino” lamp by Caccia Dominioni for Azucena – above, “Polimpatto” wall sculptures by Filippo Salerni.
A “Sesann” sofa by Gianfranco Frattini, originally designed in 1970 and reissued by Tacchini in 2015, sits alongside two 1950s armchairs attributed to Ico Parisi, upholstered in “Amoir Libre” by Dedar, and a custom leather bench by NM3. The seating arrangement is paired with an “NM02 Coffee Table” by NM3 in the center, as well as a “Ping II” coffee table by Giuseppe Chigiotti for Driade, and a “Saarinen” side table in Arabescato marble by Eero Saarinen for Knoll.
The centerpiece of the dining room is an “Orseolo” table by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, on which sits a “Cnosso” bowl and a “Ganimede” goblet in sealed terracotta by Damiano Groppi. Grouped around the table are “Gaja” chairs by Kazuhide Takahama for Cassina and a pair of the “NM07 Stool” by NM3. The wall features “Geisha’s Painting” by Paolo Gonzato from 2014 – courtesy of APALAZZOGALLERY.
The kitchen features a stainless steel cabinet custom-designed by Spotti Kitchen Milano alongside two “Remy” stools in Canaletto walnut by Armani/Casa and a ceiling lamp by Sergio Mazza for Artemide from the 1960s.
In the bedroom, an “NM06 Stool” by NM3 serves as a side table above which is mounted a wall lamp “Pi” by Sergio Mazza for Artemide from the 1960s.
The bathroom features a “Cervino” sanitary ware series by Antonia Campi from 1960, combined with a faucet set designed by Gio Ponti in 1953. Above the sink, a “Narciso” mirror by Sergio Mazza and a “Lambda” lamp by Vico Magistretti from the 1960s are mounted on the wall.
You have a strong visual language, whether that’s expressed through your clothes or your home. Where do you find inspiration?
Christian
We find inspiration in everything. Really, in everything around us, in everything beautiful. Like from an artwork in a gallery, but especially from cinema – films from the past and the present. The key is knowing how to observe and let yourself be inspired.
Francesco
Yes, I believe that creativity is something natural, spontaneous.
A styling hack that can elevate almost every outfit?
Francesco
Less is more. The secret behind every look lies in the combination of colors and materials, but above all, in the accessories. The wrong shoe can completely change the attitude of an outfit.
Christian
Then, of course, the quality of the pieces.
Christian is wearing the Praia Shirt
You are partners both in and out of work. What’s the secret to doing that successfully?
Christian
To us, it’s mostly about having your own space, both at work and in private life.
Francesco
Even at the gym, we go… but at different times.
What’s your favorite part of the day?
Francesco
For me, the best part of the day is definitely the morning. I like waking up early, enjoying the sunlight with a good coffee, and maybe…
Christian
Basically, what I hate!
Francesco
And right after, waking Christian up because he’s a late riser.
Christian
Yes. I, on the other hand, prefer the evening before going to bed, when the day is over and the work is done, and I can finally take some time for myself.
Francesco
In fact, at that time I’m exhausted – I watch a movie and I fall asleep.
Francesco is wearing the Pearl Knit Open Collar Polo
To wrap it up, do you have any advice for someone looking to design their own home?
Christian
Don’t be afraid to be bold with color. The all-white interiors we’re so used to seeing can end up feeling quite dull.
Francesco
I always suggest giving more space to shared areas, like the living room – so you can host friends and really enjoy spending time together.
Further Reading
A curated guide to Milan
Creative Consultants Christian Frascaro and Francesco Cristiano round up their top 5 local spots.
