In collaboration with architects Lorenzo Gaspari and Mattia Conato.

Beatriz and Elena are the current owners of Bar Marconi, a business in the center of Verona, which existed long before the two women bought the premises. The bar hadn’t been renovated for several years; many of its elements didn’t suit the owners’ style and it had an outdated appearance. The last time it was renovated, gray PVC flooring with a wood look was installed. During the floods that occurred in Verona in 2024, the PVC flooring was severely damaged. This gave the owners the opportunity to renovate the bar, with the aim of replacing the flooring and, if possible, creating a bar that reflected their personalities and close relationships with their customers.

Our task was to improve the bar’s current conditions and, at the same time, create a space where the owners felt comfortable, where customers felt welcome, and that reflected the owners’ inviting and friendly personalities.

Removing the PVC flooring led to a remarkable discovery: the original floors of the commercial space, crafted from a variety of marble typical of Verona. This discovery influenced all the aesthetic decisions of the project. Given the budget constraints, we decided to keep the existing furniture and simply give it a new lease on life. We rearranged the tables and refrigerators to give the main wall of the space the prominence it deserved, transforming it into a large, inviting area to accommodate multiple customers simultaneously.

We collaborated with local artists and artisans for the renovations. A muralist brought a new focus to the main wall, reflecting the owners’ love of plants and nature. A carpenter friend crafted the new furniture fronts and the striking centerpiece chair. Adding other details such as new lighting, chairs, and tables, Bar Marconi now reflects its two owners: a comfortable, friendly, and inviting space that makes you feel right at home.