“Combining the charm of tradition with innovative ideas, to achieve something absolutely original, both refined and relaxed”.

Andrea Codebò and Chiara Vergnano made radical interventions on the interiors of the early-twentieth-century Bossolasco building, stripping them out completely, even the plaster. On the other hand, opening up a balcony that actually reduced floor area in the building had the effect of doubling volumes, creating a single, light-filled and completely usable interior. An unobtrusive spiral staircase connects the ground floor to the upper level. A combination of cementine tiles and eighteenth-century cotto tiles were used for flooring.

Equally meticulous care went into the choice of accessories and furnishings, consisting of French-style marble counters and tables, shelves with mirrored niches, and antique furniture, sometimes given an offbeat look and tinged with India ink. The lighting is handled with a series of nickel-plated metal sconces and lamps, giving a touch of modernity without interrupting the style sequence of the furnishings. The result is that Bossolasco’s old grocery shop, the Drogheria di Langa, has become a multifunctional venue: bistro, café, store and meeting place. An unusual locale but blending perfectly into Langa life.