Transforming an apartment in Florence is always an exciting challenge, and remodeling the Allegro was no exception. This charming space had everything needed to be a beautiful vacation rental in the heart of the city. However, there was a lot of work to do to thoughtfully update the Allegro to blend modern comforts with timeless Florentine character. We’re thrilled with the final result, which carefully preserved the property’s original charm while introducing fresh elements that make it even more welcoming.
Join us on a behind-the-scenes look at this rewarding renovation. If you’re curious about other projects, be sure to check out our post on the creation of the Concerto apartment and the before and after of the Amore apartment – both in Florence.
A Beautifully Modern Living Area
The open-plan living area of the Allegro apartment had “good bones” from the start, with its spacious layout and lovely natural light streaming in through two large French doors. Sunlight filled the room, but the yellow-hued walls, while cheerful, gave the space a darker and dated look that didn’t quite align with the fresh, modern feel we envisioned.
BEFORE: Living room before remodeling needed a complete redesign.
Working once again with Ann Huff from Huff Harrington, a cohesive and beautiful design theme was created for Allegro. To enhance the space, we chose to replace the yellow walls with brighter tones that allow the natural light to shine even more. By adding pops of color through décor and incorporating a blend of antique decorative touches and modern furniture, we transformed the living area into a bright and stylish retreat while preserving its warm and inviting atmosphere. Now, the Allegro feels both contemporary and timeless—perfect for a Florentine stay!
Modern Kitchen & Dining at Home in Florence
In the remodel, we made a strategic change by moving the dining area from one side of the living room to the other. This simple shift created a much better flow within the space, allowing for a clearer distinction between the living and dining areas.
In the before photo below, you can see how the two spaces felt combined, with sofas on two of the walls making the space feel closed in. There wasn’t a comfortable place to sit back and relax and enjoy a conversation with family and friends after a day out sightseeing and exploring the city.
BEFORE: Open-plan dining area with sofas on two walls.
By separating the areas, we not only enhanced the overall layout but also gave each zone its own purpose and character—resulting in a more spacious and inviting environment that’s perfect for relaxing and dining in style.
The built-in dining bench with a rich gold cushioned back anchors the dining area, which is complemented by an gorgeous contemporary dining table and chairs. We love the blending of the modern style with the antique chandelier and the historic stone wall.
BEFORE: Kitchen during the remodeling.
The final touch was to fully update the kitchen, which was located in a nook just off the living area. We removed the wood details and opened the space up to create more room for cabinets, which now go all the way to the ceiling.
We love how the elegant soft grey wallpaper and the marble patterned backsplash tie the space together. The sleek lines and white upper cabinets make the kitchen space feel brighter and larger, while the overall design flows beautifully into the living area.
Redesigning the Primary Bedroom
In the primary bedroom, our goal was to create an elegant haven where guests could unwind in luxury after a day exploring Florence. To enhance the room’s layout, we relocated the bed from one wall to the opposite, instantly giving the space a more private feel.
BEFORE: Primary bedroom before.
This simple change highlighted the view from the bed and the new layout also created the perfect opportunity to introduce a statement accent wall behind the bed.
BEFORE: We moved the bed to the opposite wall.
We chose a rich gold floral wallpaper for the accent wall, adding a touch of warmth to the space. The subtle shimmer of the gold tones reflects the light, creating a serene yet luxurious atmosphere. To complete the look, we incorporated antique light fixtures and an ornate mirror, which lend a timeless charm to the room.
The result is a harmonious blend of classic elegance and modern comfort—an inviting retreat that truly feels like a sanctuary.
Making Two Bathrooms Out of One!
This property already had two bedrooms, but it only had one bathroom. When remodeling properties, we do everything we can to increase the number of bathrooms and include en suite bathrooms whenever possible. In the case of the Allegro, we were able to do just that. In the before and after remodeling story of the Concerto, we shared a little preview of how we shifted the kitchen in to create space for the Allegro. It’s time to see what we did with that space!
BEFORE: Primary bedroom when we first viewed it.
The goal was to divide the one bathroom into two separate bathrooms and in the process add an en suite to the primary bedroom. The original bathroom was accessed from the hallway and was long and pie shaped. By adding some additional space from the Concerto apartment’s floor plan, we were able to have enough space to create two separate bathrooms.
BEFORE: The bathroom was long and narrow.
We started by adding a wall in the existing bathroom and knocked through the bedroom wall to create an en suite bathroom in part of the old bathroom design. Putting wardrobes on each side of the entrance to the bathroom allowed for plenty of storage in the primary bedroom too.
The new en suite bathroom is lined with a bright marble to create a wonderful sense of space.
Once we created the en suite bathroom, it was time to turn to creating a second bathroom that would be accessed through the original door in the hallway. Located just across from the second bedroom, it’s convenient both for guests staying in the that bedroom and is also close to the living area.
After adding the wall to separate out the new en suite bathroom for bedroom 1, we used that space from the Concerto apartment and knocked through a wall to add a shower to the new second bathroom.
BEFORE: Adding the shower to the bathroom on the right during the remodeling.
The final design is clad in black marble throughout the shower and bathroom creating a stunning effect with the mirrors and gold finishes. Now that is what we call a bathroom update!
Peaceful Second Bedroom
The Allegro floor plan already included two bedrooms, which made it ideal for a comfortable vacation rental, especially when we were able to add a second bathroom. We love how the darker floors and doors frame each bedroom so beautifully.
BEFORE: Second bedrooms at the Allegro on the right.
The second bedroom had a large window and was already a bright space. Here again it was a blank canvas where the Huff Harrington design could really shine.
BEFORE: Second bedroom before the remodel.
To brighten the space even more, we added a crisper white paint and an accent wallpaper on one wall. The antique wall sconces and an intricate chandelier were the perfect finishing touches.
Full of grace and charm, the second bedroom is a welcoming and comfortable space to relax at home. The plush dark blue headboard is designed to accommodate the beds set up as two single beds or put together to form a dual extra-wide queen bed.
A Charming Terrace
As we mentioned earlier, the Concerto and Allegro were once connected and that meant that both properties had access to the incredible terrace that wraps around the Concerto. (Go take a look at the stunning Concerto terrace!) Fortunately, were able to divide the terrace naturally where pipes were located in order to create a beautiful sitting area as part of the Allegro.
BEFORE: While remodeling, this area was a natural dividing space on the terrace.
With a simple and unobtrusive partition and lovely touches from a local gardening team, we’ve created a cozy, private area with comfortable chairs that quickly becomes a favorite relaxation spot for our guests at the Allegro.
Take in the Florentine rooftop views, bathed in the warm hues of Tuscany, along with a glimpse of a historic tower. Step outside with your cappuccino and savor the morning sounds of church bells ringing as the city awakens around you.
Book Your Stay at Allegro
Ready to plan a beautiful stay at the Allegro? This welcoming apartment is ideally located in the historic center, just moments from the Uffizi Gallery. It’s equally inviting for a cozy autumn or winter stay or for a spring or summer getaway thanks to its charming terrace. If you’re traveling with family or friends and need extra space, consider booking Allegro along with the two-bedroom Concerto and Amore apartments, all conveniently located in the same building. Don’t miss out—book now at the Allegro today and make your Florence holiday stay truly special!
The post Before & After at the Allegro – Remodeling a Florentine Gem appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.