This Italian Apartment’s Preserved Ceilings Are Some of the Most Gorgeous I’ve Ever Seen

published Dec 12, 2025

This Italian Apartment’s Preserved Ceilings Are Some of the Most Gorgeous I’ve Ever Seen

published Dec 12, 2025

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About this tour

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Home Type

Apartment

Location

Sicily, Palermo, Italy

Style

Eclectic

Mid-Century Modern

Bedrooms

Square feet

1200

Sq ft

1200

“Before I moved in, the house was empty and freshly renovated, with new floors, windows, and tiles, but its original frescoes and historic features had been carefully preserved. Even without furniture or a kitchen, those original frescoes really set the tone by quietly dominating the space with a timeless, almost breathtaking charm,” begins Gloria, who posts about her one-of-a-kind home on Instagram as @the.opposite.thing.

Credit: Gloria of @the.opposite.thing

"The biggest challenge was finding the right balance with the original frescoes," Gloria explains. "They’re such striking features, and I wanted them to remain the focal point of each room — almost to ‘speak’ on their own without the rest of the decor competing for attention. That meant being very intentional with materials, color palettes, and furniture choices, making sure everything complemented the frescoes rather than overshadowed them. It was a delicate process. Creating a space that feels vibrant and personal while still allowing the historical elements to shine. Achieving that harmony was definitely the most challenging (and the most rewarding!) part of designing this home."

“After moving in, the space took on a more eclectic feel,” Gloria continues. “I’ve mixed modern and mid-century pieces with influences from art, graphic design, and street culture, creating a vibrant contrast against the home’s classical, historic backdrop. My years in London have shaped my style as much as my Sicilian roots, so the overall vibe is a blend of contemporary energy and Mediterranean warmth, all balanced within the elegance of the original architecture.”

Credit: Gloria of @the.opposite.thing

"One of the things that makes my home feel special is the way the kitchen was designed," she writes. "We’ve placed the cooker directly on the kitchen island so that when I’m cooking, I’m facing the living area rather than turned away from it. Since the kitchen and living room flow together as one open space, it means I can chat with guests, be part of the conversation, and stay involved in whatever’s happening while I’m preparing food. It makes the whole space feel warm, social, and very ‘me,’ because cooking and hosting often happen at the same time in my home."

Gloria actually calls her home a creative canvas. “I love surrounding myself with objects that spark ideas and bring beauty into everyday life, so every corner is filled with pieces that inspire me. I don’t live here full-time — my life is split between Palermo and London — but coming back to this house always feels grounding. It’s my sanctuary, a place where I recharge and reconnect with what I love.”

Credit: Gloria of @the.opposite.thing

"I’m not the most naturally gifted DIY person, but I do have a couple of projects I’m really proud of," Gloria admits. "The best one was restoring a mid-century side table that I found in an old historic building. I brought it home, sanded it down, re-varnished it, and gave it a completely new life. It looked almost brand-new by the end. I’ve also revived a few mid-century lamps I’ve collected over the years, although those mostly just needed a serious deep clean and a fresh coat of paint."

And of course, there are those original ceiling frescoes from the late 1920s in the apartment — something Gloria says is a favorite element. “They bring such charm and personality to the space, and there’s something really special about living with artwork that has been part of the house for nearly a century. I also love the high ceilings, which give the rooms a wonderful sense of light and openness.”

She also loves the apartment’s location. “Living in the historic center of Palermo means being surrounded by some of the city’s most beautiful, history-filled buildings,” Gloria writes. “There’s an energy and richness in these streets that I never take for granted, and it makes my home feel deeply connected to the soul of the city.”

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