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M Designer David Santiago of Casa Santi Interior Design knows a thing or two about glamour: Currently David is living a life of artistic duality and is also a professional opera singer performing with Teatro Grattacielo in NYC. For the transformation of the Cornell Inn’s cocktail lounge, he brought in the theatricality of the Metropolitan Opera House with a bar covered in gold Akdo tiles (described by David as an “absolute tilegasm”), red silk wall covering from The House of Scalamandré, flame-like sconces from Currey & Co., and an illuminated niche stocked with Möet Hennessy, Whispering Angel Rosé, and Chandon Brut Champagne. Santiago was also excited to celebrate his Spanish heritage through the project: “As an advocate and influencer of the industry, I feel a responsibility to take on the conversation about diversity and topics that are not always comfortable to discuss, especially skin color,” he told us. David’s room also showcases exquisite artwork by his partner, artist Ricardo Monge. casasanti.com tenordavidsantiago.com @strictlysanti @tenorsanti Photo by Scott Gabriel Morris. 26
Metropolitan Magazine | 25AMagazine.com
