italian painter’s works transform il bottaccio luxury hotel into integrated living gallery

The Art’otel Rome Piazza Sallustio, a five-star boutique hotel in Rome, offers a unique and immersive experience that blends art, luxury, and celestial themes. The hotel's design is heavily influenced by Roman-born artist Pietro Ruffo, known for merging political history with cartography and astronomy. His artwork is not merely decorative but narrates the hotel's entire visual identity, transforming spaces like the elevators into psychedelic frescoes of mythological beasts and astrological figures. A dedicated art gallery within the hotel features rotating exhibitions curated in line with Ruffo's vision. The hotel's interior design contrasts with its sharp, modernist exterior, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere through layered textures, sculptural lighting, and mirrored panels that reflect Ruffo's artwork throughout the space. Suites, such as the Junior Suite, feature contemporary furniture and whimsical, celestial accents, including custom zodiac pillows and black-and-white tiled bathrooms reminiscent of a spa within a Richard Serra exhibit. The balconies are adorned with Ruffo’s cobalt celestial tilework, offering views of the Roman skyline and ancient ruins, creating a sense of a private portal to another universe. Room amenities include high-quality Egyptian cotton sheets, Turkish cotton robes, Dyson Supersonic dryers and Airwraps, Kevin Murphy toiletries, a Roberts Radio, and an in-room illy machine, catering to the needs of creative travelers. The Art’otel Rome prides itself on exceptional service, with staff balancing attentiveness with a relaxed demeanor. Located in Piazza Sallustio, the hotel is conveniently close to major attractions like the Trevi Fountain but far enough to offer an escape from tourist crowds. Guests can enjoy lounging on balconies overlooking the Horti Sallustiani, relaxing in the wood-fired sauna, or exploring Rome with personalized recommendations and transfer arrangements from the staff. The hotel also hosts YEZI, an Asian fusion restaurant that provides a culinary alternative to traditional Italian fare. The menu features dishes like yuzu-drenched hamachi crudo and black cod with miso, alongside Milanese-style cocktails, offering a sophisticated dining experience. The hotel's intentional design and curated details, from the astrology-laced murals to the high-end amenities and unique culinary offerings, solidify its identity as a distinct and memorable destination that celebrates the intersection of art, luxury, and travel. #RomeHotel #BoutiqueHotel #ArtHotel #PietroRuffo #HotelDesign #LuxuryTravel #InteriorDesign #CelestialThemes #ItalianArt

Palazzo delle Pietre, a 15th-century building in Rome's historic Campo Marzio district, offers a unique hospitality experience that blends ancient Roman history with modern design. Owner and collector Carlo Mazzi transformed the time-worn structure, which sits atop the ancient Baths of Nero, into a collection of luxury serviced apartments. The restoration, completed over seven years, aimed to create a space that fosters a "conversation between past and future," embodying the ancient concept of _Civis Romanus sum_—that one becomes a Roman citizen through elective affinity rather than birth. The property features 10 unique apartments, ranging from intimate studios to expansive penthouses, each meticulously designed to serve as a private home for sophisticated, art-loving travelers. Mazzi's extensive collection of approximately 200 archaeological finds and 50 Renaissance-era pieces is distributed throughout the common areas and apartments, creating a continuous dialogue with contemporary design elements. Guests will find modern furnishings and lighting, such as Harry Bertoia chairs by Knoll, desks by De Padova, and Artemide lights, juxtaposed with antique wooden headboards, restored doors, and Roman stone fragments. The interior design emphasizes material richness, incorporating at least ten different types of marble, including rare book-matched slabs, alongside vaulted ceilings and travertine doorways. Textiles from Lo Studio di Beatrice Petriccione di Vadi soften the architectural geometry of stone and wood. Each apartment is fully equipped with bespoke items, including Richard Ginori porcelain, allowing guests to immerse themselves in daily Roman life while benefiting from hotel-like services such as concierge assistance, spa appointments, and event space access. Notable accommodations include the "Penthouse Apartment" and "La Corte Rooftop Terrace," a split-level residence with panoramic views and a private hammam. The property's strategic location on Via delle Coppelle places guests within walking distance of iconic Roman landmarks such as Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, and Caravaggio's masterpieces, yet it maintains a distinct neighborhood feel away from chaotic tourist hubs. This provides an authentic Roman living experience where history, art, and artisan culture converge. Palazzo delle Pietre also cultivates a vibrant cultural atmosphere through its "FraMmenti Club," which hosts monthly events, talks, and salons designed to foster social cohesion and revive the spirit of ancient Roman academies. Wellness facilities are integrated with artistic flair; the fitness room is uniquely adorned with original Andy Warhol Marilyn portraits, contrasting with the ancient surroundings. The communal wellness area features a hammam with green mosaics and a massage room clad in warm yellow marble, underscoring the property’s commitment to an artful and luxurious guest experience. The establishment aims to offer a discreet and unique hospitality choice, enabling travelers to feel like citizens rather than mere tourists in a city that continually evolves. #LuxuryTravel #RomanHistory #ModernDesign #BoutiqueHotel #ArtCollection #ItalyTravel #InteriorDesign #CulturalImmersion #PalazzoDellePietre

The Venice Venice Hotel, housed in the historic Ca’ da Mosto palazzo on Venice’s Grand Canal, is undergoing a significant expansion project. This Byzantine palace, believed to be the oldest structure on the Grand Canal, offers unparalleled views of the Rialto Bridge and has a rich history, having once been home to one of Europe's first hotels, the Campiello del Leon Bianco. Throughout centuries, it hosted notable figures including kings, czars, emperors, Voltaire, Mozart, and Shelley within its frescoed walls. The hotel, which opened in 2022, is the brainchild of Alessandro Gallo and Francesca Rinaldo, founders of the sneaker brand Golden Goose. Their vision for the Venice Venice Hotel transcends typical hospitality, aiming to integrate art, design, food, and Venetian culture. The couple acquired the palazzo in ten separate pieces over five years, initially as a real estate investment. A historical study revealed the building's past as a significant hotel, leading them to embark on a meticulous five-year restoration process. This involved reinforcing the ornate Byzantine façade and sealing lower-level floors, which had sunken due to rising water levels, to preserve every historical detail. The initial 25 rooms of the hotel, opened in 2022, are individually inspired by various artists or art movements, reflecting Gallo and Rinaldo's extensive art collection and their desire to create a hotel where art is integral to the space, rather than an afterthought. Examples include a canalside suite dedicated to Christo and Jeanne-Claude, featuring original sketches, and an attic room celebrating the Fluxus movement with a looping video of Joseph Beuys' performance art. Another room offers side-by-side soaking tubs for guests to meditate on a John Cage score, and one space is devoted to pieces that debuted at the Venice Biennale, such as Enzo Mari’s 1973 ‘Falce e Martello’. The second phase of the hotel's development, gradually opening in 2023, is even more ambitious. It introduces larger, more elaborate rooms, incorporating masterpiece works from renowned 20th-century artists and site-specific installations by contemporary artists. Romanian artist Victoria Zidaru, for instance, designed the Felix Anima spa's treatment room with woven fabric tubes filled with fragrant herbs and flowers from her farm, creating an immersive, aromatic experience. The hotel also features works by masters such as Jannis Kounellis, with a large 1985 painting from his private collection adorning a suite on the piano nobile, celebrating Arte Povera in a space where Canaletto once painted. The crowning jewels of the expansion will be two waterside suites, each approximately 200 sq m, set to become Venice's largest. One will offer direct water access, functioning as an apartment for extended stays, while the other will feature Venice's only private indoor pool. The owners are currently seeking the perfect artist to curate the pool suite, with David Hockney being a prospective choice. The Venice Venice Hotel stands as a testament to the seamless integration of historical preservation, contemporary art, and luxury hospitality, offering a unique and deeply culturally immersive experience. #Venice #LuxuryHotels #ArtHotels #HistoricalArchitecture #GrandCanal #HotelExpansion #ArtCollection #InteriorDesign #VenetianCulture

Palatino, a key entity within La Bottega Collective and a leader in hospitality design and accessories, has marked its tenth anniversary by introducing a new capsule series. This innovative series was developed in collaboration with a curated selection of architectural and design talents from around the world. The initiative, conceptualized with Paragone, a Paris and New York-based agency representing prominent and emerging design and architecture figures, solidifies Palatino's reputation as a curator blending hospitality, culture, and collectible design. Each capsule in the series consists of a limited collection of non-commercial, heirloom-quality objects, produced in extremely small quantities for specific hospitality properties globally. The series made its debut during Dubai Design Week, featuring Italian interior designer and artistic director Alessandro Moriconi. Moriconi's capsule for Palatino Hospitality embodies a refined approach to living, characterized by his sensitive and intuitive design philosophy. This approach integrates a strong sense of proportion, clean lines, material interaction, and a pursuit of natural harmony. The collection includes a walnut and leather catchall, a sculptural ceramic and aged metal vase, a mirrored tray accented with leather, and a lidded box made of aged metal with stone embellishments. Each item is designed as a functional artwork, combining elegant forms, contrasting textures, and precise finishes, reflecting a contemporary elegance rooted in craftsmanship and timeless design. The collection, which avoids ostentation, highlights refined simplicity and lasting character, echoing Moriconi's skill in creating interiors and objects that convey emotion, memory, and materiality. These pieces will be permanently showcased within the architectural framework of Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, specifically in their iconic Pearl Suite. Following its launch in Dubai, the second installment of Palatino’s capsule collections was revealed in the newly renovated Waldorf Astoria in New York City, featuring Studio Akademos, the Paris-based architectural duo of Aurélien Raymond and Costanza Rossi. These pieces, described as “small architectures,” are characterized by their clean lines, minimal embellishments, and detailed craftsmanship. The use of textured woods, nickel or silver-plated metals, and jewelry-inspired handles emphasizes material richness and timeless elegance. The collection, which began with a jewelry box as a symbol of crafted simplicity, has expanded to include amenity boxes, trays, fruit bowls, and waste bins. Each item is designed to offer thoughtful functionality and subtle luxury for daily use, serving as permanent exhibition pieces in the Waldorf Astoria New York’s Waldorf Suite and Empire Suite. Looking ahead, Palatino has announced two new collaborations for 2026: with London-based design studio Campbell Rey, known for its vibrant and color-driven narratives, and with Dinosaur Designs, an Australian creative house celebrated for its sculptural resin art. These upcoming capsules are expected to further develop Palatino’s design language and reinforce its position as a trendsetter in narrative-driven hospitality design. Gabriella Zavatti, Co-Founder of Palatino, emphasized that this anniversary signifies not only a decade of craftsmanship and creativity but also the beginning of a new phase for the brand. She noted that each capsule represents a dialogue among design, architecture, and hospitality, exploring how objects can transcend their functional roles to become narratives, memories, and expressions of place. Tommaso Pacini, CEO of La Bottega Collective, stated that Palatino is a compelling example of design innovation within the collective, radically transforming the guest experience by reimagining occupancy supplies and equipment as cultural artifacts that redefine luxury for future generations of hospitality. The Palatino 10th Anniversary Capsules represent a significant moment in the brand’s creative history, celebrating design, craftsmanship, and collaboration, and setting the direction for its continued influence in hospitality design over the next decade. Palatino's client base includes prestigious hospitality brands such as Mandarin Oriental, Rosewood, Peninsula, Orient Express, and Bulgari Hotels, as well as renowned properties like Badrutt’s Palace and Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc. #Palatino #LaBottegaCollective #HospitalityDesign #DesignInnovation #LuxuryInteriors #CollectibleDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #BoutiqueHotelDesign

The 21c Museum Hotels chain, known for its integration of contemporary art into hospitality, has expanded its portfolio with a new 297-room, 16-story high-rise in downtown Chicago. This project marks another collaboration with Interior Design Hall of Fame member Deborah Berke and her firm, Deborah Berke Partners, who have designed all nine of 21c’s properties. While many of 21c’s locations are adaptive re-use projects, the Chicago site, originally a 1927 brick structure, was already a hotel named The James. Deborah Berke Partners had previously designed the interiors for The James in 2006, giving them a distinct advantage in reimagining the space for 21c over a decade later. Berke's approach for the 21c Museum Hotel Chicago focused on creating a sense of welcoming comfort, particularly in the guest rooms, which were transformed from small spaces with kitchenettes into sitting and working areas. The design prioritized good lighting and amenities expected in a hotel room, contrasting with the cutting-edge and provocative art featured throughout the property. A key design element carried over from the previous iteration was the installation of large street-level windows, which Deborah Berke notes effectively connects the interior art with the vibrant street life of Chicago, a departure from traditional museum layouts. Central to the renovation was articulating the brand's art-driven concept, with a significant emphasis on the gallery spaces and the overall contemporary art experience. DBP partner Terrence Schroeder highlighted the 'heavy lifting' involved in the public areas and improving flow. The team commenced by establishing a double-height lobby and relocating the main staircase. These interventions were critical in opening up the arrival space and creating an engaging visual path from the street deep into the hotel. This was a complex undertaking due to the building's eccentric column grid, necessitating careful structural work to thread the new staircase through. The new, partly open staircase features solid balustrades clad in honey-colored resin panels, strategically lit with LED strips to give the angular form an alluring glow, making it almost a sculptural art piece in itself. The hotel dedicates approximately 10,000 square feet across its first and second floors to showcasing 21c's impressive contemporary art collection. This includes a hyper-realistic life-size sculpture by THE KID, a towering white-resin figure by Maimouna Guerresi, a ghostly American flag made of sheer black chiffon by Stephanie Syjuco, and various paintings, photographs, videos, and installations. Berke ensured these artworks are presented in a museum-quality setting, utilizing flexible, surface-mounted track lighting with white canisters for optimal illumination. Display areas are predominantly all-white with minimal furnishings, such as simple white-oak benches, to maintain focus on the art and allow for unobstructed viewing. In contrast to the art-focused public areas, guest room hallways are painted in darker hues to signify their more private nature. The rooms and suites themselves are designed to be light and airy, employing a calm, cool color palette inspired by the Midwestern skies and Lake Michigan. The long-standing relationship between Deborah Berke Partners and 21c Museum Hotels has allowed the firm to develop a fluent understanding of the chain's aesthetic. Successful design solutions, such as strategically placing restrooms at a distance from restaurants to encourage guests to journey through gallery spaces, are often replicated in subsequent projects, demonstrating a consistent and evolving design language. This thoughtful design approach ensures that even a routine trip to the restroom becomes an artistic discovery, as observed in the 21c Museum Hotel Chicago. #HospitalityDesign #HotelInterior #ContemporaryArt #MuseumHotel #DeborahBerkePartners #ArchitecturalRenovation #ArtIntegration #ChicagoDesign #InteriorArchitecture

CCD, a Hong Kong-based design practice, has completed the 'One Sanlitun Bottega Veneta' luxury serviced apartment in a soaring skyscraper in Beijing's Sanlitun commercial hub. This project is part of a series of luxury apartments themed on high-level international brands. The design draws inspiration from the iconic Italian luxury fashion house, Bottega Veneta, known for its understated aesthetics, artful design, and woven leather craftsmanship. The apartment aims to reflect these qualities, creating an unpretentious yet top-class living space. The design seamlessly integrates Bottega Veneta’s classical Intrecciato weave into various elements, including furniture and ornaments, and features a meticulous layout and material selection. Every object within the apartment is chosen to inherit Bottega Veneta’s pursuit of refined craftsmanship, with the overall spatial style and design details maintaining the brand's precision and subtle elegance. The entrance foyer of the apartment is a grand double-height space that enhances depth and dimension. A sculptural, spiraling marble staircase serves as a central art installation, connecting the upper and lower levels with its graceful curves. Adjacent to this staircase, weaving wall veneers incorporate the Intrecciato pattern, adding a distinct character and integrating a modern, upscale living atmosphere. The large open-plan living and dining rooms are designed to clearly express Bottega Veneta’s multi-dimensional imagination and artistic aesthetics. French windows offer panoramic 270-degree views, effectively blurring the boundaries between the interior and exterior environments. The living room features a harmonious blend of neutral tones and textures, complemented by artworks, high-end furnishings, and refined Italian-style craftsmanship, all contributing to a modern luxury aesthetic. Details such as a wine cabinet, fireplace, soft carpets, leather accents, and classic intertwined elements from Bottega Veneta enrich the space. In the dining room, a round, dark marble table provides a focal point with city views, while black woven leather chairs, embodying the brand's identity, add a modern artistic touch and elegant visual effect. Bespoke interior lighting fixtures are designed with lampshades that echo Bottega Veneta’s iconic interwoven pattern, ensuring visual coherence throughout the space. Neutral tones and tactile fabrics contribute to a cozy ambiance, further enhanced by natural sunlight filtering through the expansive windows. The bedrooms are consistently interpreted through geometric forms, earth tones, and woven leathers, maintaining the apartment's sophisticated and cohesive design language. CCD's approach ensures that the apartment not only functions as a luxurious residence but also as a curated experience, reflecting the essence of Bottega Veneta through subtle design choices and high-quality materials. #LuxuryApartment #BottegaVeneta #InteriorDesign #BeijingArchitecture #SculpturalStaircase #ModernLuxury #ResidentialDesign #ChengChungDesign #IntrecciatoPattern

Violino d’Oro, a five-star boutique hotel unveiled by Collezione Em from the Maestrelli family, is situated a short walk from St. Mark's Square in Venice. This property aims to offer an immersive experience into Venetian culture, blending tradition with contemporary design, sustainability, and an authentic Venetian spirit. The hotel reflects the Maestrelli family's over three decades of experience in hospitality, emphasizing respect for cultural heritage and excellence. It has been recognized by The Leading Hotels of the World, signifying its status among exclusive global destinations. The hotel is housed within three meticulously restored 17th-century buildings. The interior design prioritizes silence, texture, and natural light. Every detail, from the materials to the subtle scents, contributes to a unique atmosphere. Sara and Elena Maestrelli have guided the reimagining of Venetian hospitality with a focus on sophistication and human connection. The decor features fabrics by Rubelli, lamps by Venini, artisanal Venetian terrazzo floors, and a curated collection of Italian art and design, all harmoniously integrated. The 32 rooms and suites balance elegance and comfort, showcasing a blend of clean-lined Italian furniture, Oriental pieces, Venetian antiques, and contemporary elements. Canal views, high ceilings, and a soft color palette contribute to a serene and sophisticated ambiance. Sara Maestrelli describes the hotel as an “artisanal Italian project designed like a home,” with everything from glassware to headboards crafted locally in Venice and Tuscany, using noble materials and skilled craftsmanship. Velvets, brocades, and damasks from Rubelli, Carrara marble inlays, and hand-blown Murano glass lamps are prominent features, each with a unique story and tactile quality. Sustainability is a core philosophy at Violino d’Oro, extending beyond a marketing label. This commitment is evident in the use of local materials, support for artisan economies, and mindful resource management, reflecting a dedication to environmental responsibility and the future of luxury travel. The hospitality is characterized by warmth, attentiveness, and personalized service, with staff trained to anticipate guest needs, offering a balance of professionalism and approachability. Breakfasts are served in a sun-drenched dining room, featuring fresh, seasonal, and organic produce, artisanal pastries, and made-to-order coffee, catering to various dietary preferences. The serene atmosphere is designed to promote a sense of well-being. The hotel's culinary highlight is Il Piccolo, an intimate, Michelin-recognized restaurant with nine tables. It offers a contemporary, plant-forward menu based on local and seasonal ingredients, complemented by creative cocktails from head bartender Francesco. The menu evolves with the seasons, combining innovative techniques with traditional respect for ingredients. Violino d’Oro offers unique experiences connecting guests to the soul of Venice. These include Venetian cooking classes, yoga by the canals, mixology workshops, and private visits to artisan ateliers like Rubelli or Micheluzzi. Cultural tours provide access to lesser-known parts of the city, operas, or private palaces. Tailor-made experiences such as sunrise photography walks, guided strolls through Dorsoduro, private lagoon cruises, and food tours through traditional Venetian bacari are also available, aiming to foster a deep connection with the city. Excursions to Murano and Burano are also arranged, offering insights into glassmaking and lace-making traditions, respectively. Murano provides opportunities to observe glass artisans at work and purchase unique pieces, while Burano captivates with its colorful houses and the delicate craft of handmade lace. The hotel aims to provide a new way of experiencing Venice—authentic, sophisticated, and deeply emotional, a sanctuary that makes guests feel at home while offering an exceptional and unique stay. #VenetianLuxuryHotel #BoutiqueHotel #VeniceTravel #ItalianDesign #SustainableHospitality #CulturalImmersion #ArtisanCraftsmanship #MichelinRestaurant #HistoricRenovation

The article details the transformation of a 15th-century palace in Orvieto, Italy, into a nine-key boutique hotel named Palazzo Petrvs. Local hotelier Raffaele Tysserand commissioned Naples-based architect Giuliano Andrea dell’Uva, founder of his namesake firm, to undertake the renovation. The palace, once owned by the wealthy notary Petrvs Facienus, had been abandoned for a considerable period before its conversion. The design process for the hotel involved extensive research, with dell'Uva and Tysserand exploring historical buildings and gardens in the surrounding area to inform their approach. The palace's location, adjacent to the 14th-century Duomo di Orvieto, served as a primary source of inspiration for the hotel's interior design, particularly its distinctive facade of alternating white travertine and black basalt stripes. Dell'Uva's design concept for Palazzo Petrvs is characterized by a playful yet sensitive approach that aims to honor the building's historical context while offering a contemporary luxury experience. Upon peeling back 19th-century renovations, original frescoes and Renaissance-era painted wood ceilings were discovered. The architect meticulously restored these historical details and returned rooms to their original proportions. Where frescoes were absent, walls were finished with natural clay plaster and floors were laid with terra-cotta, referencing the city's Etruscan heritage and artisan traditions. This palette provides a warm, soft backdrop for a curated mix of custom and vintage Italian and Nordic furnishings, creating a studied exercise in contrast. The lobby serves as a central point, featuring the original massive stone fireplace. Dell'Uva designed a blocky, double-sided sofa upholstered in forest green fabric, complemented by fringed Hans-Agne Jakobsson table lamps from 1950. Dynamically contemporary brass-and-glass sconces flank the hearth, while a purpose-built dining table with a black-and-white striped base and Hans Wegner seating, a Marco Zanuso armchair, and a Carlo Scarpa console, all vintage, add to the eclectic yet cohesive aesthetic. Many guest rooms incorporate a striped motif, directly referencing the Duomo's facade. This includes an en-suite bathtub constructed from black and white banded terra-cotta beneath a 1500-era coffered ceiling, custom beds with striped linen headboards and skirts, and floors laid with locally handmade terra-cotta tiles in a striped pattern, particularly prominent in the stair leading to the large suite in the ancient tower. The only exception to the striped motif is Coro, the hotel's restaurant, which occupies a deconsecrated 15th-century church adjoining the main building. Dell'Uva preserved its stacked stone walls, adorning them with works by Milanese artist Michele Guido. The restaurant is furnished with recycled-wood tables, upholstered benches, and more Wegner chairs, illuminated by spindly wrought-iron candelabras. Modern amenities, including generous contemporary bathrooms, were integrated for guest comfort. New waxed-iron partitions with openings for windows and doorways were installed to preserve original stone portals and wooden doors. The hotel's courtyard, inspired by local palace gardens and traditional riads, features a working fountain, custom terra-cotta and iron benches with built-in planters, wrought-iron café tables with earth-red cushions, and local Renaissance-era greenery, creating an oasis that blends historical inspiration with new design elements. #BoutiqueHotel #HistoricRenovation #ItalianArchitecture #InteriorDesign #LuxuryHospitality #OrvietoItaly #GiulianoAndreaDellUva #PalazzoPetrvs #Restoration

Architect Luca Bombassei has recently taken up residence in the 15th-century Palazzo Contarini Corfù, a piano nobile overlooking Venice's Grand Canal. His apartment spans nearly 6,500 square feet, a typical size for a Venetian palazzo, and is bathed in natural light from three sides. Bombassei's intervention blends the building's historical identity with contemporary art and functional, site-specific furnishings, creating a unique living space. He embraces the slower pace of Venetian life, finding joy in the city's ability to seamlessly merge the old with the new. The residence reflects a blend of styles, featuring grand doorways, quadrifora windows, and original terrazzo floors, which are nearly 500 years old. These historical elements are juxtaposed with custom metal bookcases that ingeniously conceal modern heating units. The interior design incorporates pieces from the Memphis Group, Gae Aulenti, and Angelo Mangiarotti, with a notable presence of Carlo Scarpa's designs. Mid-20th-century ceramic sconces from an old Roman cinema, a Lucio Fontana painting in the primary bathroom, Francesco Vezzoli sculptures, and two 'Baco da setolas' by Pino Pascali further contribute to the eclectic mix. Bombassei considers art a dynamic entity, constantly moving and changing according to his mood, as evidenced by the recurring presence of nails in his walls, indicating rotating displays. The living room features velvet-clad Cornaro seating pieces by Carlo Scarpa, with Bombassei-designed suspended metal bookcases that integrate heating and cooling systems. Monumental artworks by Nathlie Provosty and Canaletto face each other, while a ceramic head by Vanessa Beecroft and Pino Pascali's 'Baco da Setola' add further artistic interest. In the primary bath, Alba Chiara marble clads the space, showcasing a Lucio Fontana painting above a 1930s enameled cast-metal tub. A Bombassei-designed bookshelf holds an artwork by Sandra Vásquez de la Horra, illuminated by a Tobia Scarpa sconce for Flos. Another area displays 1960s ceramic and glass vessels on a 1972 Quaderna console by Superstudio for Zanotta, alongside a John Baldessari artwork and a 1962 Toio floor lamp. The less formal end of the living room features a Piaf sofa by Baxter in pink suede, wrapping around a Dune coffee table by Draga & Aurel for Baxter. A 1940s Murano glass chandelier by Seguso hangs overhead, and Jimmie Durham’s 2020 'Tree' sculpture occupies a corner. The primary bedroom door is flanked by Barbara Kruger’s 'Untitled (Do you die first?)' from 1989. The walls in this room are clad in gray smoked mirror and Dedar’s Splendido silk velvet. The kitchen boasts a 1950s Poliedri light by Carlo Scarpa for Venini above a Bombassei-designed island and a geometric marble floor, also conceived by Bombassei. Francesco Vezzoli’s 'Cassandra Crying,' 2016, hangs above the fireplace. Bombassei’s approach to art collecting is driven by energy and stimulation, acquiring pieces without predetermined placement. An example is a Canaletto capriccio in the living room, depicting an imagined scene combining Roman and Venetian architecture, including a humorous detail of a washerwoman hanging laundry on the Marciana Library. In the dining room, 1962 Plexi pendants by Karakter hang over a 1971 white Carrara marble Eros table by Agapecasa, both designed by Angelo Mangiarotti. Artworks include a blue neon piece by Claire Fontaine and portraits by Larry Stanton, alongside 1950s glassware by Venini. A sitting area in the dining room features a trio of Carlo Scarpa Cornaro sofas and two Dadamaino paintings. The renovation carefully restored original elements of the palazzo, such as 19th-century paneling and 16th-century frescoes, while removing superfluous additions. The original Venetian terrazzo floor, dating back to 1560, underscores the immense historical depth of the property. Bombassei also reopened a walled-up door, connecting rooms and multiplying visual axes, and incorporated mirrored ceilings in one bathroom to reflect an inverted image of Venice, creating a captivating visual illusion. #VenetianPalazzo #LucaBombassei #HistoricArchitecture #ContemporaryArt #InteriorDesign #LuxuryLiving #GrandCanal #Venice

The article delves into the unique and eclectic home of Giorgio Taroni, a 77-year-old collector and chatelain, located in a 9,000-square-foot lakeside villa overlooking Lake Como, Italy. Built in the early 1900s by his grandfather, silk industrialist Ettore Taroni, the eight-bedroom, three-story house is designed to maximize views, featuring a buff-colored brick exterior and a gray stone tile roof, surrounded by a half-acre of gardens. Inside, the villa is described as a private museum, meticulously organized and filled with Giorgio Taroni's vast collections, spanning entomology, textile design, illustration, rationalist art, ancient coins, and local history. The narrative also incorporates the perspective of Giorgio's son, Guido Taroni, 35, a photographer residing in Milan. Guido recounts his childhood, spent commuting between his parents' distinct homes. His mother, Anna Gastel, 70, a descendant of two prominent Italian families (Visconti di Modrone and Erba), lived across the lake in a converted 12th-century Benedictine convent, a 40-room yellow stucco villa with Empire-style trompe l'oeil frescoes. Guido describes an idyllic childhood, often navigating Lake Como by ferry, which his parents allowed him to steer, transporting himself, his sister, and cousins between the two residences. The article highlights Giorgio Taroni's past as the chief designer of Taroni Disegni, a firm producing extravagantly patterned silks for fashion brands like Versace and Valentino. His passion for collecting led to nearly every surface of his home being adorned with his possessions. The entry hall features porcelain parrots and ceramic animals, while a two-story salon, once repainted yearly in vivid hues, now showcases over 300 oil paintings of the Como environs against Ferrari red walls with saffron trim. The furniture is upholstered in fabrics from Taroni Disegni's archives, and the floor is a mosaic of multihued cotto lombardo shards. A smaller ground-floor salon, painted peacock blue, displays canvases by abstractionist Manlio Rho, and the dining room walls are covered with drawings of vintage French seed packets. The garden house, formerly the textile design team's workspace, has been converted into a climate-controlled library, housing thousands of first-edition design books, silk-screens, and original fabric paintings. This library also contains an 18th-century series of watercolors used as tapestry patterns by Aubusson weavers, a collection rare enough to be compared to those in the Victoria and Albert Museum. The second floor of the villa is where Taroni's entomological collection reaches its peak: over 30,000 stag beetles, ranging in size and iridescent colors, meticulously mounted and hand-labeled, are stored in custom-made wooden flat files. Alongside these are pre-Napoleonic coins and various ephemera, including 19th and early 20th-century advertising, vintage postcards, and nearly 20,000 paper cigar bands. Guido Taroni, inspired by his father's collecting habits, has cultivated his own collections in his Milan apartment, including vintage ceramic jars by Piero Fornasetti, ceramic dishware designed by Gio Ponti, and framed photographs of couture gowns from his maternal great-grandmother's trunk. He is also undertaking the revival of Gi.Vi.Emme, a historical fragrance brand founded by his great-grandfather, actively collecting vintage perfume bottles, gift boxes, and advertisements for the line. This endeavor mirrors his father's meticulous collecting, demonstrating a generational continuation of an deep appreciation for history and design. #ItalianVilla #LakeComo #EclecticDecor #ArtCollection #EntomologyCollection #TextileDesign #FamilyLegacy #HistoricHomes #InteriorDesign #Collecting

The article explores how to bring the sophisticated and inspiring ambiance of a boutique hotel into a personal residence. It features insights from several renowned interior designers, including Kelly Wearstler, Kit Kemp, Elizabeth Lowrey of Elkus Manfredi, Kara Mann, Emma Goodwin, and the Curious Yellow team (Chloe Pollack-Robbins and Anna Cappelen). Each designer shares their perspective on what defines boutique hotel style and offers practical advice for homeowners to emulate this aesthetic. Kelly Wearstler emphasizes that a hotel experience extends beyond just a place to sleep, encompassing inspiration, local connection, and a blending of residential and commercial design. She highlights the importance of hyper-locality, drawing inspiration from surrounding environments, and integrating local artisans, artwork, and indigenous materials to capture a city's soul. Her design philosophy revolves around mixology—juxtaposing contemporary and classic, masculine and feminine, and raw and refined elements. Kit Kemp, founder of Firmdale Hotels, suggests treating hotel spaces as extensions of one's home, incorporating whimsical elements and playing with scale. Her tips for home application include scaling up features like mirrors and bold artwork, focusing on functional yet sculptural lighting, and mixing wood finishes. She also advises paying attention to details like contrast piping, luxurious fabrics, cashmere throws, colorful cushions, and vibrant rugs to ground a scheme. Elizabeth Lowrey of Elkus Manfredi views boutique hotel style as a unique point of view that tells a story inspired by its context, ownership, or history, much like residential design. She recommends personalizing spaces by displaying photos, collections, and art, creating beautiful vignettes, and emphasizing good lighting to make a lasting impression. Her design for the White Elephant Palm Beach aimed to create the feeling of a gracious home rather than a traditional hotel. Kara Mann notes that residential design has significantly influenced boutique hotels, which aim to offer the services of a large hotel with the warmth of a home. She suggests using design contrasts in color palettes and materials, finding synergy between vintage and contemporary pieces, and investing in high-quality bedding and mattresses for a luxurious feel. She also advocates for integrating a stylish mini-bar at home. Emma Goodwin, co-founder of The Surfrider Malibu, defines boutique hotel style by its ability to tell a story through quality materials and details, engaging all senses through elements like music, food, and scent. She advises curating all aspects of a space, from matching linens and robes to thoughtfully selected books and artistic rugs. Goodwin also stresses the importance of effective storage to maintain an organized and visually appealing environment. Chloe Pollack-Robbins and Anna Cappelen of Curious Yellow describe boutique hotels as eclectic, warm, and inviting spaces that feel like home while offering new inspiration. They recommend using vintage fabrics for upholstery and pillows, inexpensive sisal rugs for a natural feel, and rattan furniture to evoke a '60s aesthetic. They also suggest sourcing secondhand art and surf books to infuse personality and a sense of nostalgia into a space. Overall, the designers collectively emphasize personalization, sensory experiences, intentional curation, and thoughtful material selection as key to achieving boutique hotel style at home. #BoutiqueHotelStyle #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignerTips #LuxuryLiving #ResidentialDesign #DesignInspiration #HomeStyling #HotelInspiredHome

This article details the transformation of an early 20th-century Art Nouveau apartment in Catania, Italy, into a bed and breakfast. The project, undertaken by Marasco and Santangelo along with Galati Casmiro Giorno, focuses on reinterpreting the Stile Liberty language by blending historical elements with contemporary design. The core of the renovation involved restoring the original colored cement tile floors, which subsequently informed the color palette for new interior additions. These floors, a hallmark of the period, are not only preserved but also highlighted as central decorative features within each room. The spatial reorganization of the apartment was a key aspect, ensuring that each room now functions independently, equipped with its own private bathroom. The bathrooms are subtly separated from the sleeping areas by lightweight, colorful partitions. A deliberate design choice was made to keep these partitions lower than the original ceilings, allowing the distinctive vaulted ceilings to remain visible and untouched, thus respecting the apartment’s historical architecture. The entrance area has been reimagined with a striking red volume, which serves as a central hub for the reception and kitchen. This central space facilitates access to the various autonomous rooms, enhancing the functionality of the new hospitality concept. The project emphasizes a dialogue between the past and present, achieved through thoughtful additions and a cohesive color scheme derived directly from the existing architectural details. The minimalist design interventions for lighting, seating, and small furnishings complement the historical context without overshadowing it. This approach allows the Art Nouveau heritage to shine through while integrating modern amenities necessary for a contemporary hospitality experience. The renovation successfully bridges the gap between historical preservation and modern functionality, creating a unique and inviting atmosphere for guests. The completed project in 2024 showcases a sensitive yet innovative approach to repurposing a historically significant building. #ArtNouveau #StileLiberty #CataniaArchitecture #HistoricRenovation #HospitalityDesign #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalPreservation #CementTiles #VaultedCeilings

The Bulgari Hotel Tokyo, the eighth addition to the global Bulgari Hotels & Resorts collection, is situated atop the new 45-story Tokyo Midtown Yaesu tower. This establishment is designed to meld contemporary Italian aesthetics with meticulous Japanese craftsmanship, infused with the opulent heritage of Bulgari. The design ethos, executed by Milan’s ACPV Architects Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, maintains a consistent brand identity across Bulgari's diverse international locations. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by Roman-inspired sanpietrini paving stones and green-veined Italian marble at the ground-floor entrance, leading to black granite expanses and abstract floral arrangements. High-speed lifts transport visitors to the 40th floor, where a corridor adorned with a traditional Japanese textile pattern, reminiscent of Bulgari’s iconic Diva collection, sets the tone. This motif is intricately realized in bespoke glass mosaic tiles by Venetian artisans Bisazza. The reception area features sliding doors covered in a textile interpretation of the same pattern, revealing spaces partitioned by crafted elm-wood portals that evoke traditional Japanese architecture, with glass walls offering panoramic Tokyo views. Two large Carrara marble tables, designed by Naoto Fukasawa, are decorated with gold-flecked vases holding seasonal blooms, creating an atmosphere of refined luxury. The hotel offers 98 guest rooms, an Italian restaurant, a sushi establishment, a lounge, an Italian sweet shop, and a rooftop Bulgari Bar, alongside a spa. The interior design of the rooms features warm elm wood floors and panels, woven bamboo basket vases, and hand-brushed matte gold ceilings with curved edges. Saffron fabric bed headboards and vintage Bulgari advertisements contribute to the luxurious ambiance. Notably, gold-flecked throws are crafted by Kyoto kimono textile makers Hosoo, and furniture includes Flexform armchairs and Maxalto desks. Black granite bathrooms are concealed behind modern sliding screens. The rooms provide expansive views of Tokyo, with some overlooking the Imperial Palace and, on clear days, Mount Fuji. The Bulgari Suite, one of Tokyo’s largest at 416 square meters, boasts multiple living areas, a private gym, and a Roman travertine-wrapped bathroom, all continuing the blend of Italian and Japanese influences through design elements like a Murano glass chandelier and a silk headboard designed by Japanese artist Shoko Okumura. Culinary offerings are spearheaded by Il Ristorante–Niko Romito, located on the 40th floor. This Michelin-starred restaurant serves minimalist Italian cuisine, emphasizing taste and authenticity, with flavors adapted to local Japanese ingredients. An adjacent lounge offers organic teas and crafted sweets, while Bulgari Dolci, a jewel-box-like space, presents chocolates and pastries. Hoseki, a hidden sushi counter run by Kenji Gyoten, provides an intimate dining experience with handcrafted sushi served on a hinoki cypress wood counter, overlooking a Zen-inspired garden. The Bulgari Bar on the 45th floor features Venetian terrazzo flooring, an oval bar, and a Bisazza wall mosaic, complemented by large rooftop terraces with contemporary seating and Mediterranean plants. The Bulgari Spa, featuring Italian Vicenza stone and teak wood, includes a 25-meter swimming pool and a jacuzzi with gold and emerald green glass mosaic tiles. White cabanas are available both indoors and on a rooftop terrace. The spa also offers a Japanese-style bath, sauna, and steam room, along with nine treatment rooms providing city views. The Workshop Gymnasium offers fitness programs curated by Lee Mullins. The hotel's staff provides a service blend of Japanese intuitive formality and Italian warmth, maintaining a smooth and knowledgeable approach. The hotel prioritizes sustainability by transitioning from single-use plastics to larger, non-disposable amenities and providing water in glass bottles and paper cartons. An energy-saving sensor system in guest rooms helps control temperature and reduce energy consumption. The hotel is family-friendly, offering amenities for children, and provides disability access in two rooms. #LuxuryHotel #Tokyo #Bulgari #ItalianDesign #JapaneseCraftsmanship #HotelReview #FineDining #SpaExperience #ArchitecturalBlend

The 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge features a striking 25-foot vertical living wall in its lobby, blending industrial aesthetics with natural elements. Designed by Harrison Green, this living wall diverges from conventional green walls by emulating the natural migration patterns of plants, allowing vegetation to grow organically across concrete and steel surfaces. The installation serves as a dynamic, artistic focal point, continuously evolving with its plant life. The design strategy emphasizes a graceful and simple framework, supporting a diverse selection of plants including staghorns, ferns, vines, and creeping ficus. These species were chosen specifically for their suitability to the interior environment and lighting conditions of the hotel. To supplement natural light, custom-designed pendants equipped with daylight spectrum bulbs are installed, mimicking sunlight to support the plants' growth and vitality. This living wall is a central feature within the eco-conscious 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, contributing to its overall design ethos. The hotel, situated by the Brooklyn Bridge and New York's East River, integrates natural themes and sustainable practices throughout its design. The living quarters and accommodations, designed by Marvel Architects and INC Architecture and Design, further synthesize the natural world through their material selections and overall motifs. The installation transforms the lobby into a luxurious space that feels both sculptural and organic, yet modern and raw. It embodies the hotel's commitment to harmoniously blending history, design, and nature, offering guests a unique waterfront retreat experience. The strategic placement and organic growth of the plants create a visually compelling experience that connects visitors with nature even within an urban setting. By creating a living, breathing art piece, the hotel enhances its ambiance while reinforcing its eco-friendly credentials. The living wall not only adds aesthetic value but also contributes to a healthier indoor environment, aligning with the hotel's mission to offer a sustainable and immersive natural experience. This innovative approach to interior design highlights how green elements can be thoughtfully integrated into commercial spaces to create dramatic and impactful installations. #LivingWall #HotelDesign #Brooklyn #HarrisonGreen #InteriorDesign #EcoConscious #GreenArchitecture #BiophilicDesign #UrbanNature

The five-star Palazzo Avino, a hotel housed within a 12th-century private villa on Italy's Amalfi Coast, has undergone a significant redesign of seven of its rooms. Architect Cristina Celestino was tasked with revitalizing these spaces, drawing inspiration from the abundant gardens of Ravello and the mystical tales of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The goal was to infuse the rooms with a sense of place, blending historical elements with a contemporary aesthetic. Celestino's design approach centered on two primary concepts: the "inner garden" and the "mermaid refuge." The inner garden concept is brought to life through the integration of custom-designed terracotta flooring from her Giardino all’Italiana collection for Fornace Brioni. This flooring, which takes inspiration from the famous Boboli and Tivoli gardens, acts as a unifying element across the rooms. It is complemented by patterned onyx and marble accents, reflecting the vibrant flora of the region. The color palette employed by Celestino, featuring aquamarine, sand, and coral, directly references the natural surroundings of the Amalfi Coast. The mermaid refuge concept is expressed through iridescent mother-of-pearl finishes, which evoke the shimmering quality of the sea. Embossed headboards and intricate brass castings further contribute to this theme, adding a touch of aquatic elegance. Celestino emphasized the importance of light, colors, and material selection in her projects, aiming to create a magical atmosphere that resonates with the heritage and natural beauty of the location. She noted that her works often combine historical elements with modern aesthetics and draw forms from nature and art. Prior to Celestino's intervention, the rooms were characterized by a more traditional style, featuring glazed ceramics, white walls, Persian carpets, and antique pieces from the early 1900s. Her vision sought to imbue each room with a distinct personality, establishing a stronger connection between the interior design and the panoramic views of the gardens and the sea. This was achieved not only through the selection of materials and colors but also through the thoughtful placement of furniture. For instance, beds were strategically positioned in the center of the rooms to maximize visual impact and draw attention to the architectural elements. The bedding and the curvature of the bed frames were designed to harmonize with the dramatic arches present in the villa's architecture. Textiles played a crucial role in the renovation, with delicate natural fibers and Dedar fabric curtains featuring oversized patterns, including CC-tapis textiles adorned with large flowers and fruits native to the Italian coast, which are now part of the Avino collection. Celestino faced the challenge of balancing the hotel's existing identity and the expectations of its established clientele with her contemporary design vision. Her objective was to make these historical spaces feel more modern while simultaneously deepening their connection to the coastal landscape. The bathrooms were also updated, incorporating luxurious materials such as Rosa Portogallo marble and Rainbow onyx by Budri, further enhancing the hotel's opulent and nature-inspired aesthetic. The renovation successfully transformed the rooms, creating spaces that are both rooted in tradition and refreshingly contemporary. #AmalfiCoast #CristinaCelestino #PalazzoAvino #HotelRenovation #ItalianDesign #LuxuryTravel #InteriorDesign #HistoricalArchitecture #CoastalDecor

The SO Sofitel Bangkok presents itself as a leading fashion-forward lifestyle hotel in Thailand, distinguished by its unique design collaboration with world-renowned fashion designer Monsieur Christian Lacroix and five prominent Thai designers. This urban luxury hotel offers a modern blend of Eastern and Western aesthetics, catering to style-conscious travelers. Monsieur Christian Lacroix's influence is evident throughout the property, from the staff uniforms and the hotel’s logo to the executive lounge, which features modernist artwork, vibrant furniture, and panoramic city views. The hotel's elegant rooms are categorized according to the five elements of Chinese culture, with each element's design concept executed by a different local artist. For instance, metal-themed rooms are characterized by brilliant white interiors, while water-themed rooms adopt rich, dark, and intimate palettes to evoke an underwater sensation. Earth suites offer a more unconventional design, resembling ancient grottoes with deep blue walls adorned with sketches of mammoths and other exotic animals. Beyond its distinctive accommodations, SO Sofitel Bangkok offers a diverse culinary experience. The hotel hosts a traditional street market-style food hall with live cooking stations, a sophisticated rooftop restaurant, and a boutique chocolate café. The award-winning Park Society restaurant is noted for its creative cuisine and unparalleled views of Lumpini Park, while Chocolab serves chocolates from Bonnat, one of the world’s oldest chocolatiers based in France. The hotel also boasts a prominent rooftop infinity pool in Bangkok, offering panoramic views over Lumpini Park. The SO Sofitel Bangkok aims to set a new standard for luxury leisure hotels in the city by seamlessly integrating style and elegance into its overall design and guest experience. The property's commitment to a design-led approach, combined with its unique artistic collaborations and diverse amenities, positions it as a notable destination in Bangkok's hospitality landscape. #HotelDesign #Bangkok #LuxuryHotel #InteriorDesign #FashionForward #ChristianLacroix #LifestyleHotel #ArchitecturalDesign #Hospitality