37 minute read
Masquespacio
from coveted
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH
Masquespacio
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Being from different countries and different cultures, their origins in Belgium and Colombia, are highly reflected in every one of their projects and way of working. Maybe not so much in terms of style but in the Latin passion that Ana has in the projects and the Belgian methodology/ structure that Christophe is recognized for. Together, they create unique design ideas as we have never seen before, like the new collection for Essential Home.
The Masquespacio young designers have been awarded the ‘Massimo Dutti New Values award by Architectural Digest Spain and the “Wave of the Future” award by Hospitality Design USA, next to a continued international recognition by media specialized in the design, fashion, and lifestyle trends. They have worked on projects in several countries like Norway, the USA, Germany, France and Spain. In 2020, Ana Hernández and Christophe Penasse were named ‘Young Talent of The Year’ by Elle Decoration International Magazine, while in 2019 they have been awarded ‘Interior Designers of The Year’ by the Spanish edition of The New York Times’ T Magazine. Masquespacio is an award creative studio recognized for its unique signature style that celebrates the most colourful side of design. Combining the 2 disciplines of its founders (interior design and marketing), the Spanish design agency creates custom-made branding and interior projects through a unique approach that results in fresh and innovative concepts. “Neither of us came from families related to interior design and product design, nor architecture, so although we developed a business plan the first years, we had a bit of finding our way, however, we were very clear that we had to offer something different to compete with the existing studios. Little by little, we began to develop our vision”, explain the designers. What started as an opportunity to creatively explore their creative side has grown into one of the most promising design studios in the world. It was in 2010 when Ana had recently finished her studies in interior design, that the founders of Masquespacio found themselves in a very tough financial crisis in Spain with few job opportunities. The few available jobs were looking for people who wanted to develop the technical part of the projects more, while the young design duo was more interested in developing her creativity. This was the moment when they decided to create their project. “At first, we were focused on decorating houses, but we realized very quickly that we wanted to design custom projects, so we quickly refocused on the commercial sector. We started by building a store and office to evolve into restaurant design. As an intermediate step, we also began to offer to brand and consulting services for furniture and lighting brands”, explained Christophe Penasse. To make sure that their custom design projects were recognized as one of a kind, Christophe and Ana always tried to develop unique signature products that could complement their vision for space. However, it was only in 2015, when they decided to enter the product design industry and developed their first collection, one new adventure that turned out to be a success and the starting point for an all-new world of ideas. “We create emotional projects, full of details and textures that surprise users, whether in an interior design project or a product design.” Their unique designs create unique experiences always
starting from a clear strategy to reach and seduce end users of different products and markets, in which mixed colours materials and textures play an important part. The concept of their projects can change in the blink of an eye since each one of their designs is based on the clients’ needs and vision. For a studio that is all about exploring the unknown side of creativity, their creative process is quite technical and strict, but it always starts the same way: knowing the client and their needs. “For us, it is of major importance to have a good connection with our clients as this is the beginning of a successful project. When we receive a request from a client the first thing we evaluate is if we are connecting with them and if the concept they want to develop matches our requirements. Without an open relationship and a client in search of something new, it would be impossible for us to create a
unique project design.” Besides their travelling experiences, their clients are the biggest inspiration source for Masquespacio’s incredible works that
are usually described as emotional, like home and personified. “Creating a concept for a hamburger chain in which a commercial
image is sought is not the same as a boutique hotel in which a much
more unique project can be developed. Once the concept is determined, I begin to create the project. I do everything in 3D and I go through many sources of inspiration: fashion, cinema, design, and art, among others. Regarding the 3D processes, I do tests and tests and tests until I reach a result that I can say I am satisfied, without looking at the clock and the hours invested”, affirmed the designers. The final result is always emotional, experiential, and surprising. Ana and Christophe have been creating exciting colourful commercial spaces for the last 11 years, making it difficult to select just one project that marked their life and career as interior designers. The designers share an incredible connection with every one of the works, but there are a few that stand out throughout the way, such as, the Nozomi Sushi Bar, the Toadstool collection (that was their first official furniture collection developed for a brand), the two residences at Milan Design Week, which celebrated the 100 years of the Italian company, Poggi Ugo. Like any other renowned design studio in the world, Ana and Christophe want to break through the interior design industry by introducing their own trends, instead of following those that already exist. “Although when you work on a more commercial project, we think it is important that you know the design trends and try to reuse them as you will need to attract a mass market. When you are working for a chef or a boutique hotel on the other hand you can get away from the design trends. The market is although evolving and the masses are more and more informed by the design trends, for which they are also much more open to totally new and innovative concepts”, explained Ana and Christophe. Due to their unique vision where bright colours take the main
role in the project, the Masquespacio aesthetic appeal is usually associated with the popular midcentury modern style, which has gained a lot of popularity among design lovers, through the past few years. “The reinterpretation of the Mid-Century aesthetic by new young designers is pushing it to another level. This
also happened many years ago with the New Memphis which evolved to a mass market. The
New Mid-Century will possibly evolve the same way although as it is much more timeless it’s probable that it will maintain to be a trend for a more selected market”, affirm the founders of the Masquespacio studio. It was this fascination with the fun and timeless feel of this design style that made Ana and Christophe were excited with the challenge of creating a unique collection for Essential Home, a unique mid-century modern furniture brand known for their high-quality hand-crafted pieces that seek more to the present emotions and unique forms. “We have been working previously with some Portuguese brands and were highly surprised by the high quality of carpentry in Portugal, combining craftsmanship and technologies to create an outstanding production. We especially like to highlight the capacity of Essential Home to create a much more
innovative design with singular forms and mixing different techniques that are highlighted amongst the many brands with an approach to Nordic Design.” The founders of Masquespacio have been following Essential Home’s culture and collection over the past few years so creating this new collection was an exciting new challenge that would allow them to explore the brand’s emotional factor traduced in furniture collections full of surprising details. “For us, it is important that we feel connected with the brand that wants us to develop some items for them and this was the case with Essential Home”.
Due to the world’s pandemic situation, this incredible partnership between Essential Home and young designers was the first collaboration created exclusively in the virtual world, because the two teams only met each other through the popular virtual meetings. Although it is always more difficult to create a connection through the new reality that we live in, Christophe reinforces that they “directly created a great connection with the Essential Home team. I think it was clear from the beginning that both teams as a partner wanted to do the same: create unique collections to surprise their customers.” From chairs and tables to barstools and even some lighting features, Ana and Christophe developed a wide range of mid-century modern products that are divided in 2/3 main sets of products, each one with a different aesthetic. These creative sets are inspired by different actors and actresses from the past and the present and connect or just can stand out separately. From the romantic movie” An Affair to Remember”, to the burlesque world from Zsa Zsa Gabor to Charlie’s Angels, and come together as one unique harmony (collection) called “Hollywood Glamour”. Essential Home’s new furniture collection by Masquespacio is full of emotions, organic forms, and contrast of materials in the typical style of their design style, as well as a strong touch of colour and a new type of textures. “We want them to enjoy a moment of joy full of emotions when they use our designs in their environment no matter if the products are used for a restaurant, hotel, or just your home. Let’s make the customer smile for a moment and be surprised by some pieces full of surprising and exciting details”, reinforced Ana and Christophe. Most design lovers would say that the “Hollywood Glamour” collection by Masquespacio would be more fitted for the commercial and hospitality industries, and have a hard time placing these beautiful products in a trendy residential design that screams a timeless and colourful concept. But Ana and Christophe believe that “it’s especially important to understand that you can make combinations for your projects. We have proposed the collection with a type of material, textures, and colours, but by combining it by yourself you can easily adapt the products to your projects.” All in all, we can expect an emotional, explosive, and joyful vision for Essential Home’s brandnew series of products that are going to be presented for the first time this Spring season. Cross the limits of your imagination and allow you to live in the Golden era through a unique and modern design vision.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH
Piero Lissoni
Piero Lissoni has designed products & exhibition stands for many prestigious companies including Alessi, Audi, B&B Italia, Knoll International, and others. His architecture and design work is recognized worldwide and has earned him a series of international awards.
Lissoni is a very versatile professional, with his portfolio stretching across architecture, furniture, interiors and even graphic design. According to the designer, “it’s a tradition in Milan to be versatile”. This is also a result of his education at the Politecnico di Milano, where he was taught to take on everything. The designer has a very simplistic approach to his career, living day by day. Always eager for the discovery of something new, Lissoni doesn’t disclose any new expectations for the future. “I never expect to do something. I’m very lucky but I also work a lot. You need to be a worker, that’s the secret. And you need a bit of luck”, he says. During his creative process, the designer prefers to be completely inside of it, meaning it is a long discussion with a team of workers that sometimes takes years to complete.
Regarding his collaboration with Knoll, they have been working together for over 15 years, so it has become some kind of “love affair”, as the designer described it. Lissoni has been in love with the company since the beginning, so it has remained a positive and thriving relationship. “For me, it is impossible to do anything if I don’t like people. I need people, I don’t need a name or a brand. It’s all about the people.” When it comes to the future of craftsmanship, the designer states that it will be a combination of incredible craftsmen and amazing technology, considering that’s the secret of the Italian life of design. Lissoni thinks that the fundamental thing for the designers of tomorrow is the respect of traditions and their cultures, adding that they must know their history in order to improve it. “You need to offer a long life to your products because that’s the best way of saving resources. We need to be more responsible, purer and cleaner.”
PROJECTS WE COVET
PROJECTS WE COVET
CovetED is always looking for the best interior design projects in the world. Therefore, we select the best of the best. In this issue, you can find two projects around the world, from Russia to the US and India. We hope you feel inspired, and that you enjoy these projects as much as we do. Different in style, but equal in luxury.
Boca do Lobo
We sat down with Boca do Lobo Design team behind this modern project – Boca do Lobo Design Studio – to find out more of its entailed.
In Paris, the city of lights and the home of the iconic design is nestled that the apartment should be artistic and luxurious, but also functional. A in a luxurious and eclectic 1450 square feet apartment, by Boca do Lobo space to work, but also to leisure”, a place where even in the comfort of his Design Studio. An apartment fit for the most creative minds, this project home when brilliance strikes, no time is wasted in putting pen to paper. is one of the many homes of a prolific architect, who also dabbles in the As Boca do Lobo has always had a strong bond with the French capital, art dealing world. We sat down with the design team behind this modern becoming the furniture brand’s centre stage for its most ambitious design project – Boca do Lobo Design Studio – to find out more of what it entailed. to date, was an obvious choice. Boca do Lobo Design Studio was about to The client was looking for “a place where classic and contemporary come create one of the most luxurious apartments in the heart of Paris. together” says the studio. A multimillion-dollar penthouse that reflects The team knew exactly where to start, “We knew that white was the key the owner’s love for collectable design and the client’s needs to have colour of the interior design project giving us the perfect starting point a functional space for work and to be to work in different contemporary design inspired at the same time. “The client’s first contact with the brand concepts”. A neutral and clean background To fulfil his professional needs, the client was in Paris, in our showroom” where everything fits perfectly in reached out to Boca do Lobo Design harmony. From gold surfaces that express Studio, to create the perfect balanced home. “The client’s first contact luxury, to carefully hand-painted tiles, and the final touches of marble, with the brand was in Paris, in our showroom” recall the Boca do Lobo every detail was carefully thought out. Embracing the elegant details of representatives, “where the pieces captivated his attention“. Lately, when classic architecture, this apartment features white French wall mouldings, he was sure the project was going to happen, “the client joined us in highlighting the classical style of the French windows. Portugal and went to our design studio, showroom and production”. Influenced by the city’s renaissance period, the art worthy designs and Exclusivity and quality were two of the most important requirements and sculptures enhance the decor bringing to life the richness of the history of Boca do Lobo‘s pieces fulfilled all the needs. “After one meeting we decided those before us.
ENTRANCE GALLERY
In interior design, the entryway is the home’s greeting card and what welcomes those who visit it. Contrasting in the colours but converging in the aesthetic and boldness of the pieces, the Entry Gallery shows that details are everything. The one-bedroom luxury apartment was fully designed by the teaming collaboration with the architect and owner of the apartment. “The master bedroom, the tailored closet and the bespoke kitchen were the main challenges in this exclusive interior design project. The fully functional office was also one of the architect’s imperative requests.”
LIVING ROOM
In a wide and bright concept, the living room is one of the main areas in this apartment and the design team worked to build a space “surrounded by art and romantic sculptures that call back to Ancient Greece to combine classic and contemporary, in an artistic symbiosis”.
DINING AREA
Every piece is unique, exclusive coexisting as a masterpiece both individually and together. The different finishes are one of the features that contribute to the coherence of this interior design project, with statement pieces and timeless hues. In the dining room, the designers mixed neutral tones, with black and dark brown wood surfaces contrasting with the exquisiteness of gold brass. “But what truly elevates this ambience are the pieces that make this project a living art-gallery” explains the team, comprehensive furniture that could easily be considered an iconic collectable design piece “such as the imposing Empire Dining Table” taking centre stage with the Glance mirror and the Nº11 Chair complementing this beautiful and perfectly designed area.
The Designer’s Team referred that “The Master Bedroom was mainly inspired by the art pieces that the client brings from all the corners of the world, like the vintage black mirror and the rug”, but the centre stage it’s the king-size bed. The bed is framed with the handmade Lapiaz Headboard, from Boca do Lobo 2020 Collection. This imposing design piece is inspired by the french word for ‘stone’ that when frizzed, cracks into an unexpected stunning interior revealing all the inside details.
THE OFFICE
The reflection of personal style, passions, and aspirations of the private client is the motto for this working space. Leading into the creative room, the hallway maintains the same art gallery-like aesthetic as the entrance of the house “yet breaking the informality of it with the stunning and imposing Millionaire luxury safes with the strong and formal design”, adds Boca do Lobo Design Studio. The Hera Suspension Lamp illuminates the entry of this room, and the marble floor reflects the brightness needed to balance this business yet inspiring environment.
INSIDE A MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR VILLA IN MOSCOW
Covet House
We had the opportunity to interview the rising star designer, Francisca Ferreira, currently the head designer for the Covet House Studio. The artist has recently embraced a very ambitious and massive project for an 8.5$ Million Modern Classic Villa in St. Petersburg, and we wanted to know more not only about this project, but also a peek inside the curtains on the life of the young designer as well.
appealing walk-in closet. The distinctive marble pattern in the bathroom resembles the river current, it was a play on nature. Also, I’ve designed the kid bedroom, which was quite a challenge to create a fun yet luxury set, but ultimately ended up being a very exciting design. And finally, we have a full-on black office attire, my homage to an all-modern style décor”, said Francisca Ferreira, Covet House Studio Designer. This secluded villa is the first of a series of luxury houses created by COVET HOUSE with the purpose of inspiring professionals and design lovers to new heights in this new era. The 8.5 million, “It all starts with the entryway, A play on marbles, the high ceiling and
500 m2 mansion in Russia presents elegant bespoke interiors with reflective surfaces provide a wider feel to the house, next we have the
a modern classic touch, and a perfect balance between statement heart of the house, the living room, my personal favourite. Designed with
handcrafted pieces and more
every detail carefully thought out to fulfil a powerful aesthetic, but also “Ultimately this project represents the soul of neutral, functional elements. a comfortable, contemporary, and Covet House, curated pieces, some of them The result is a very comfortable high end-setting. A room decorated were customized and even bespoke pieces home fit for the modern luxury by mixing various textures and made specifically for this project.” lifestyle. “This project is a staple on luxury design. We mixed highmaterials. The dining area, connected end furniture pieces with a modern to the open kitchen, and consisting of a unique dining table that embodies aesthetic and shaped them into reality.” handmade techniques. The master bedroom was designed concise and not With 9 rooms to explore, this marvellous project has its own signature bright so that nothing would interfere with the rest. Wooden soft panels and language, with a very clear message, without being too loud or give the interior a soft touch and smooth the impression of dark walls that overpowering, every single detail is carefully put together to provide an contrast with the light ceiling and floor, annexed to a very functional and ultimate luxury home.
ENTRYWAY
Welcoming you into the house is a splendorous sight. A play on marbles, the high-ceiling and reflective surfaces provide a wider feel to the house. Exquisite, refined and quite subtle while being remarkable are some of the characteristics of this entrance hall. With a view to the second
floor, L’Chandelier from Boca do Lobo drops from the ceiling to make a statement with a dreamy, elegant and luxurious lightning piece. Also contrasting with the black marble of the floor, the white marble from the Empire Round Table protrudes from the flooring to receive every guest The heart of a house. Designed with every detail carefully thought out to fulfil a powerful aesthetic, but also a comfortable, contemporary, and high-end setting. A room decorated by mixing various textures and materials, providing the ultimate luxury modern classic living room.
LIVING ROOM
DINING ROOM
The sophisticated dining area, connected to the open kitchen, and consisting of a unique dining table that embodies handmade techniques such as wood carving, metal cutting and hammering, and polishing. An open space room with the contrast between the softness of the velvet upholstery and the harshness of the marbles and woods in the architecture of the spaces. The walls are detailed and stand out with a set of Supernova Chandeliers, and all the furniture is geometric and placed strategically. A convenient ergonomic kitchen, fully equipped with the latest tech and with a counter, is stylish and colour neutral. It is deliberately not supposed to stand out in an open plan living room/dining room. The bright accent of the kitchen is the golden brass details in the lighting accessories, chairs and cabinet. A kitchen interior effortlessly that blends ergonomic motives with luxury
The master bedroom was designed concise and not bright so that nothing would interfere with the rest. Wooden soft panels give the interior a soft touch and smooth the impression of dark walls that contrast with the light ceiling and floor, just like in the living room. Designer luxury items from Luxxu and Rug’Society have not spared the room – a soft rug, a stunning chandelier hangs over the bed, and bedside tables and a couch are perfectly crafted into the room.
KITCHEN
MASTER BEDROOM
CLOSET
The sophisticated dining area, connected to the open kitchen, and consisting of a unique dining table that embodies handmade techniques such as wood carving, metal cutting and hammering, and polishing. An open space room with the contrast between the softness of the velvet upholstery and the harshness of the marbles and woods in the architecture of the spaces. The walls are detailed and stand out with a set of Supernova Chandeliers, and all the furniture is geometric and placed strategically.
Creating a children’s bedroom, the studio started from the dream world of a boy and tried to make the room such that it takes a ride and never stops. With every attention to the “A” graphic lamp from Delightfull, standing out from the phenomenal Bun Van Bed from Circu in a sleek black paint job. Almost any unique product is the result of the eclecticism of many details and a sense of taste, so in this interior is remembered the loft and the classics but it’s still very contemporary, as it’s able to see from the white walls with mouldings and warm lamps hanging next to the bed. The bathroom is designed with a deliberate luxury: marble panel, the iconic black Diamond Bathtub from Maison Valentina and a
contrasting black and white marble floor. The unique marble pattern in the bathroom resembles the river current. Brass and golden accessories complete the picture.
A more sophisticated and leaner look, the use of neutral colours and more strict lines in the decoration, the variety of materials and finishes (especially the use of black), transpires luxury, professionalism, and most of all a modern-style décor.
KIDS BEDROOM BATHROOM
OFFICE
THE PERFECT BLEND BETWEEN ERGONOMY AND HIGH-END DESIGN
Covet House x Caffe Latte
The second of a series of luxury curated houses by Covet House, Covet Studio brings to life an exceptional contemporary modern 16 million penthouse in Monaco. Now in a completely different style, this 295 m2, 8 room penthouse in Monaco focuses on functionality and contemporary modern design in neutral tones to create an effortlessly chic look.
“The goal was to provide a home that transpired warmth and luxury by combining a neutral aesthetic with modern design furniture”, said Covet House Studio
With 8 rooms to explore, this marvellous project has its own signature and language, with a very clear message, without being too loud or overpowering, every single detail is carefully put together to provide an ultimate modern home for a contemporary lifestyle.
ENTRYWAY
Setting the first impressions, the entryway hall welcomes you into a journey of effortless chic design. Connecting all the rooms, it serves as the main artery for the house with a privileged view over all the open space areas. The goal was to provide an entryway that transpired warmth and luxury by combining a neutral aesthetic with modern design furniture and lighting pieces. Setting the tone for the rest of the penthouse.
LIVING ROOM
An open space area filled with warm and soothing upholstery and tones. The living room was carefully put together with one clear goal: comfort. Spacing and the overall setting of the furniture and decoration were design to provide a calm aesthetic, without any of the pieces overpowering each other, mastering the perfect balance between design and functionality. A subtle neutral palette to provide the most nurturing ambience. Using mostly pieces from Caffe Latte, one of the brands from Covet House, as the custom-made Aroma Console, and the light Emperor Marble Robusta centre table to give a pop to the aesthetic. The Fitzgerald modular sofa from Essential Home and complement the simplicity of the Coltrane suspension from Delightfull, while the Essex Armchair from Brabbu is the ultimate comfort experience.
DINING ROOM
What better place to enjoy a fine dinner with friends and family than a beautiful and inspiring dining room? This room was design to provide exactly that: a beautifully decorated and furnished area, with a practical and cosy approach. Again, the neutral tones are in sync with the other open areas, both in design and taste. Organic shapes dominate this division, with the fluidity of the Boma sideboard by Caffe Latte or the Moka chairs. Contrasting perfectly against the straight lines from the Beyond Dining table from Luxxo custom made for this project. The Horus suspension from Brabbu creates a warm cosy lighting environment.
KITCHEN
“Calm with a neutral style, providing a chic appeal to the architecture and to the design of the interior,” added Covet House Studio.
MASTER BEDROOM
Sharing the same area with the dining room, a fully equipped kitchen with built-in appliances, and a design that seamlessly becomes one with the other rooms. The use of the marbles provides a cleanness to the eye and exudes an elegant and modern appeal, suiting for a family or friends get together, especially with the marble countertop, the perfect place to start your dinner party. The softness of the counter stool from the Moka family (same as the dining chairs) by Caffe Latte, stands out completely from the architecture of the hardness of the marbles, while the Etta Pendant from Delightfull delights the ambience with a bronze appeal. A true feast for the eyes.
Yet another comforting zone, the master bedroom was designed to render the ultimate relaxing a calm experience. Few elements were set to make the room as subtle as possible not to be too loud, this elegant bedroom transpires a peace and quietness perfect for a relaxing night. Not compromising on the aesthetic, it is still polished and neutral, making it all about the wide spacings and the well-lit walls and ceilings. Sophia Bed from Essential home is the perfect piece for a peaceful sleep but the stand-out item is undoubtedly the Heritage Sideboard from Boca do Lobo in sepia tones. This modern and simplistic design is complemented by other functionalities and additions to the overall area, that we will explore ahead.
Although with a simplistic design, the master bedroom is filled with elements that fulfil a design worthy of this penthouse. Besides an ensuite bathroom, the master bedroom is complemented with a walk-in
One of the many amenities for the master bedroom is the complementing sitting room. A smaller private living room, the perfect retreat or calm reading corner. Borrowing its design straight from the main living room is the ideal place for an intimate and personal escape. No master bedroom is complete without an astonishing en-suite bathroom. Complementing the subtle bedroom is the private and sophisticated suite. Straight parallel lines define its style, organic patterns of the marbles contrast perfectly with the modern lines of the items like the bathtub and wall mirrors. A contemporary design that never goes out of style. Maison Valentina’s spectacular Diamond Bathtub is the glamorous piece of the master bathroom suite.
SITTING ROOM
closet that immediately transports us to a private experience worthy of some of the most luxurious brands in the fashion industry. Simple in design, complex in the details.
EN-SUITE BATHROOM
TWINS BEDROOM
A house is not a home without the lively laughter and play of children. In this case, double the fun. The twins’ room is both fun and aesthetically pleasing. Doubling on the items and doubling on the styling with a gender-neutral palette, complete with an office and private bathroom. A whimsical place that allows
A masterful combination of items, where design meets professionalism. A generously wide area, comprising of two distinctive areas: the office area and the reading corner. Designed to comfort, safety, and functionality without compromising on the playfulness of the room. Circu’s magical furniture had a big play on this room, with both the Cloud bed and sofa being the dreamy place to skyrocket imagination and travel along with the children’s dreams.
be a place of work, its main goal was ergonomy and functionality. The office follows the same structure and architecture as the other
spaces but feels like its own unique styling and appeal.
OFFICE
CASA NEUE
Colabcompany
An Architect-Duo’s residence sprawling over 4,200 sq ft on the fringes of Mumbai; replete with an interplay of colour, shifting silhouettes and an unapologetically expressive scheme of design. When lead Designers and homeowners Saloni and Hiren Ganatra focussed their design prowess together on bringing their creative vision to life, the celebration of their polar opposite, yet complementary design personas assumed the spotlight! The stances in this project were switched, the designers who are acclimatized to looking into every micron of detail for their clients, became the key-end users in this endeavour.
Casa Neue is emblematic of the ‘ingenious’ - a home pieced together with its every weave by the design partners with utmost affection and prowess. This abode was conceptualised from the get-go as a blank canvas that encaptures every facet of design the Architects and homeowners, in this case, would resonate with. This passion project was spearheaded under Maison Colab, a segment under ColabCompany that laid the design foundation for this luxury home over a course of 1 year and 4 months. Maison Colab is a bespoke segment for the upscale urban modernist who garners an inherent passion for interior design, art/antiques, modern design and
architecture, creating an equilibrium of classic and modern styles. Located on the 22nd floor, The bare shell of the home is a culmination of 3 apartments and offers vantage panoramic views of the bustling city on one side, and rolling views of the Sahyadri range on the other - a collage of contrasting contextual landscapes. The design narrative of Casa Neue has been seamed together with the penchant to create an experiential and sensorial identity, tangibly brought into existence via the curation of stimulating colours, material and finishes in each nook.
Maximalism runs in the very pulse of this abode - in a way this home is a reflection of the designer’s deeprooted resonance with eclecticism - a
juxtaposition of classic, modern, raw and luxurious strains of design and the creation of à la mode spaces. The aspect of pragmatism has been ingrained into the design process; the emphasis lay on creating a residence that harboured every need of the family members, the designer’s love for hosting and the coexistence of aesthetics in tandem
with technology while stringing together an engaging milieu. The residence is a composition of five private bedrooms that each is a seamless projection of the inhabitant’s personality, capacious kitchen, shared family spaces, areas to entertain and doses of the outdoors in the form of decks - the design scheme ensures that there is a continuous dialogue amidst spaces while they anchor diverse functions.
A muted palette bathes the shell of the home which is interspersed with bursts of colour, print and pattern in the form of art, furniture, bespoke lighting, materiality and textures; all set against the expansive white marble flooring that unfurls across the blueprint. Colour in the architect duo’s minds is a form of
expression that breathes life into a built volume; it’s evocative of emotion and stirs a soulful visual
montage. The axial and directional flow
were crucial factors that anchored
the planning stages - in the form of physical, visual and sensory movement. The element of
repetition creates an architectural attribute of dynamism that guides the eyes across the volume. The aspect of lighting imparts a sense of balance - artisanal luminaires
shed light on the elemental heroes in each space, giving them the visual precedence that ties the room together, celebrating each pièce de résistance in its own right! The ideology didn’t focus on clinically aesthetic spaces, the emphasis
instead was on creating a functional oasis that stimulated the visual and physical senses. The process is similar to penning down a saga of life in design, wherein each space is a lyrical counterpart in the formation of a larger-than-life picture. For Saloni and Hiren, inspiration can be sought in a ubiquitous manner - interior design, architectural constructs, fashion, furniture design, lifestyle and travels across the globe; all it takes is receptiveness. The entire process was a trance state of ‘Ikigai’ for the lead designers - a feeling of finding satiation in being occupied and working on their quintessential ‘home’. What inspired the designers in an ardent manner was taking inspiration from creations completely out of the realms of their craft, which brought a fresh perspective to the table - reiterating the fact that design lies at the node of curiosity and the will to explore uncharted territories. Casa Neue is a physical manifestation of the shared aspirations of the Architects, creating a stage for visual and tangible spatial experiences to come to life. As creators, one is often submitted to the utilities of the end-user, but in order to envisage something anew one has to take chances - conviction, an uninhibited imagination and a focused vision are the essences of this abode.
ColabCompany is a new world design agency renowned for its eclectic and layered perspective. The keystone of Colab is a simple tool- collaboration. The duo Hiren Ganatra and Saloni Ganatra
founded Colab, both coming from solid design experience; together they realise projects of any scale and detail with great emotional value, given their eclectic.
LOS ANGELES RESIDENCIAL
Virtuoso Interior Design
Located in the heart of the Los Angeles Golden mile on Wilshire Blvd., this 3000 sq. feet bachelorette pad is designed to fit the client’s active lifestyle, and has been transformed to amuse guests, as well as comfort for everyday living.
When you arrive at the unit, you are welcomed by the light-up wood portal and gorgeous double clear doors. In this entry area, raindrops glass pendant lighting is placed in front of a textured stone wall to represent a waterfall, and I incorporated hidden shoe cabinets with a large backlight pivot mirror panel to create a spacious effect. Kitchen, Dining and Living areas are designed to function as one harmonious space to have a great flow of the space and to maximize the space usage for entertaining. The impeccable custom show kitchen is surrounded by a large wine cellar and a 12-foot-long island. It has a beautiful marble stone slab top and is facing dining and living areas so the owner can cook and flawlessly interact with guests. Full-height tinted glass front cabinets with LED lighting on side panels hold special liquor bottles and barware for social events. With the client’s fun-loving nature and passion for art, I came up with the idea of bringing in art with a twist. In this residence, Arts were incorporated into walls, vanities, millwork design and furniture pieces. For instance, a Hand-painted dining table by Fornasetti, and jewellery like metal pendant light is deliciously illuminating this art piece table. In the living area, while you sit and relax on an over-scaled sofa, you
cannot miss such an eye-catching centre table that reminiscences of facet diamond stone.
The juxtaposition with Asian tradition and contemporary sleek design elements is another key concept of this project, and it created a very distinctive style. The dark charred SUGI BAN wood panel wall, which was used to be applied on exterior walls of Japanese houses, is a feature of this living area. Light up entertainment centre, glass display case and shelving are installed on this beautiful wood which creates a high contrast dramatic setting. Indirect Lighting effects are a very essential part of the design to achieve a dramatic atmosphere. All lighting is carefully programmed per activities; cooking, dining, entertaining, relaxing, and resting… Hallway to master suite function as an art installation with bold black and white colour and installed led light trough running wall to ceiling diagonally and change colours depending upon occasions. When you enter a master suite, you will feel like you are staying at a luxury hotel Spa suite in Asia country; Inspired by an old world of Chinese Villa, the bed wall is framed with watercolour landscape mural paper and indirect lighting sets different moods for any scenes
and brings tranquillity into this space. Minibar is also provided for comfort and convenience in the bedroom area.
The bathroom is developed as a “wet room”; the shower, whirlpool tub and steam sauna are all in one room. To achieve a seamless space, two corner walls are clear glass panels with black frames, and these glass panels can be opened fully while bathing to enjoy a large fireplace view. Master vanity is designed in a formal manner. A traditional silk embroidered chinois wallpaper is installed as artwork and framed with painted silver wood trimming. This suite has everything you wished for… Fun, Luxury, Functional and Comfortable, and notably, welldesigned space. VIRTUOSO INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO is a Los Angeles Based Interior design full-service firm; including space planning, custom millwork design, renovations, furniture, art and decor selections. Michiko Kawakami has over 15 years’ experience in international five-star hospitality and high-end residential and workspace design. Michiko’s work can be seen in the Ritz Carlton, Kyoto; Shilla hotel, Seoul; the Langham hotel, Shanghai China; City Center, Las Vegas; Grand Hyatt, Guangzhou; the W Scottsdale, Arizona; Hotel Sorella, Texas and the Conrad Hotel, New York.
