CNN - arts & style - Peregalli's apartment a link to the past

MILAN, Italy (CNN) -- When Roberto Peregalli moved into his 15th century apartment in Milan, he says, he wanted to evoke the essence of time gone by. So the interior designer painted the walls with murals of ancient Greek and Roman ruins and decorated his home with antique furniture.

"I tried not to restore too much," Peregalli says. "I really don't like it if it becomes too luxurious, too chic."

He says the entrance is his favorite room. Complementing the murals are two 19th century Italian walnut tables covered with ancient busts and ruins. A Baroque onyx-and-marble top lies over another console table in the living room.

Another feature is a curtain Peregalli had frescoed onto the ceiling of the dining room. He says he took his inspiration for the design from a picture he saw in southern Italy.

See the touches Peregalli used to create a sense of nostalgia.

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