Architectural Cases

This compilation delves into five distinct design narratives, showcasing innovation across hospitality, product design, and retail. It transports readers to a secret bar in Cannes, an intimate British lighting studio, an Italian designer's emotionally resonant objects, a footwear brand's home-like flagship store, and a Catskills retreat's expanded offerings. Each segment highlights a unique design philosophy and its practical application, from creating immersive atmospheric experiences to celebrating meticulous craftsmanship and fostering a sense of belonging within commercial spaces.

Hugo Toro, an acclaimed designer, conceived Flash, a clandestine bar nestled within Cannes' historic Palm Beach complex, as a captivating fusion of a speakeasy and a personal dwelling. He integrated elements of Mexican heritage, brutalist aesthetics, and refined European stylistic cues, culminating in an evocative subterranean atmosphere. The entrance, characterized by fluid wooden panels, conjures an immersive, almost cinematic experience. A central bar, illuminated by a custom-designed structure from Toro's studio, features laminated chrome and red screens, creating a 'volcanic dance floor' ambiance. The furniture, largely custom-made, includes luxurious velvet sofas and leather banquettes, complemented by Mexican mangrove-inspired patterned carpets, all evoking the opulence of speakeasy culture from the 70s and 90s.

Buchanan Studio, a London-based interior design firm established in 2018 by Charlotte and Angus Buchanan, has long championed local manufacturing. Their latest lighting collaboration, 'Neotonic,' with Original BTC, a renowned Oxfordshire-based manufacturer, continues this tradition. Original BTC is celebrated for its contemporary bone china lighting and its commitment to traditional glassblowing techniques. The 'Neotonic' collection features hand-blown, subtly marbled lamps in organic forms, tinted with colors inspired by ice cream flavors: Strawberry, Vanilla, and Chocolate. The designs aim to evoke joy and playfulness, with mushroom-shaped shades resting on robust triangular bases—a distinctive Buchanan motif—reminiscent of toasted marshmallows, a detail that Charlie Bowles of Original BTC highlights as central to the collection's identity.

Alessandro Moriconi, an Italian designer and art director, views objects as vessels of memory and emotion. His recent collaboration with Palatino Hospitality involved crafting bespoke pieces for hotels and restaurants, drawing inspiration from his personal passion for collecting. The resulting collection strikes a balance between industrial rawness and personal warmth, utilizing materials such as brushed silver, leather, walnut, and a striking reddish marble. Each item, whether an undulating silver tray on a marble base or a cracked, glazed ceramic held within a leather-clad frame, is designed to feel 'lived-in' rather than pristine. These pieces — the Fatale vase, Custodia box, Increspo tray, and Vitti capsule — are intended to hold personal treasures, transforming generic hospitality settings into spaces imbued with character, mood, and emotional depth.

In San Francisco, footwear brand Margaux's new flagship store on Fillmore Street transcends traditional retail, offering an ambiance akin to a meticulously curated home. Founders Alexa Buckley Roussel and Sarah Pierson prioritized intimacy over grandiosity, fostering an environment where customers instinctively feel at ease. The interior showcases signature elements such as mirrored shelving and an opulent shoe closet, while a brass and black leather library accentuates the building's expansive scale and natural light. Louis Rambert, a New York-based interior designer, meticulously crafted every detail, using layered dark wood accents to ground the space and define distinct vignettes. The store is adorned with flea market finds, antique silver from Tiffany & Co. and Svenskt Tenn, vintage suitcases, sculptural furniture, and artworks, including Rich Aybar bowls and original Picasso prints, all contributing to a rich, narrative-driven shopping experience.

Since its inception in 2022, Piaule Catskill has gained renown for its distinctive architectural style: stilt-supported wooden cabins that minimally impact the landscape, featuring pale wood interiors and a Scandinavian-inspired minimalism. Located in the Catskill Mountains, the resort's design harmonizes with its wellness programs, which include Reiki, yoga, and meditation, making it an ideal secluded retreat. Previously, the intimate scale of Piaule's 24 cabins limited group accommodations. However, the introduction of Oak House, a new three-bedroom residence on a private 20-acre parcel, addresses this by offering a larger space while maintaining the resort's serene aesthetic. The interior of Oak House combines warm hardwoods, leather, wool, and cashmere with stainless steel and glass accents. Subdued lighting, notably from Vaarnii's Hans Pendants, creates a gentle glow. Collaborating with Design Within Reach, Piaule has furnished the cabin with iconic decor that complements the natural surroundings. Founders Nolan McHugh and Trevor Briggs envision Oak House as a more communal embodiment of Piaule's brand, a place for collective gatherings that still preserves a sense of tranquility, whether for shared meals, games, or relaxation by the fireplace.

Reath Design, under the discerning eye of Frances Merrill, has masterfully revitalized a 1990s Aspen mountain residence, imbuing it with a profound sense of warmth and character. Merrill’s vision aimed to transcend stereotypical Alpine aesthetics, instead crafting a space that truly resonates with its stunning natural surroundings while reflecting the homeowners’ unique sensibilities. This transformation involved a meticulous curation of elements, from rich textures and subtle color palettes to a blend of classic and contemporary furnishings, all contributing to an environment that is both luxurious and deeply comforting.

Merrill’s design philosophy for the Aspen retreat centered on creating an inviting atmosphere that complements, rather than competes with, the majestic mountain landscape. She intentionally moved away from stark white interiors, opting instead for a more vibrant and layered approach. For instance, the main living area, which previously felt cold and uninspired, was dramatically reimagined with knotty pine paneling that extends to the ceiling, instantly infusing the space with rustic charm and an embracing warmth. This natural wood treatment provides a cohesive backdrop for the diverse elements within the room, making it feel more grounded and connected to its natural setting.

A striking example of Merrill’s innovative approach is the fireplace, which she reimagined by cladding it entirely in copper. This choice, arrived at after extensive experimentation with various materials, introduced a distinctive metallic gleam that harmonizes with the organic textures of the wood, adding both visual interest and an unexpected touch of modern elegance. Complementing this, hand-carved wood trim, created by artist Nik Gelormino, gracefully frames the expansive room, subtly reappearing in the kitchen and one of the primary bathrooms to tie the design narrative together. Vintage furnishings, such as a Tue Poulsen cocktail table, were carefully selected to add depth and history without overwhelming the space with overtly recognizable, high-profile designer pieces, ensuring an understated and intimate feel.

The kitchen, once dominated by a blindingly white palette, underwent a remarkable metamorphosis. Deep green Rookwood wall tiles now provide a rich, earthy hue, while glazed terra-cotta tiles cover the floor, creating a sense of rustic authenticity. The central island, crafted from knotty pine and topped with honed Ceppo Avorio marble, serves as both a functional centerpiece and a testament to natural beauty. Charming café curtains, fashioned from a vintage linen petit point tablecloth, introduce a delicate, personalized touch, characteristic of Reath Design’s signature blend of sweetness and sophistication.

This thoughtful fusion of old and new extends into other areas of the home, such as the dining room, where a Tobia Scarpa pendant light gracefully illuminates a custom-designed oak table, fostering an ambiance suitable for both casual gatherings and formal dining. In the primary bedroom, Merrill created a serene haven by wrapping the space in green Holland & Sherry flannel, used for both wall coverings and curtains. This cocoon-like environment, furnished with a Gustavian folk art dresser, a contemporary resin table by Lukas Cober, and mid-century Nordic chairs by Hans Wegner and Olavi Hänninen, offers a cozy refuge from the snowy outdoors, inviting residents to savor the breathtaking natural spectacle unfolding beyond their windows.

The interior designer's objective was not to overshadow the surrounding alpine beauty but to create a harmonious and comfortable living space where the homeowners could truly appreciate it. Each carefully chosen detail, from the selection of materials and colors to the placement of unique art and furniture, contributes to an overall feeling of effortless sophistication and deep-seated comfort. The result is a home that feels both luxurious and intimately connected to its spectacular mountain environment, a true testament to thoughtful design that prioritizes livability and a sense of belonging.