Category: Design

One of the most remarkable aspects of the renovation is the owners’ colour-blindness, which allowed YSG Studio to take bold creative liberties with the palette. Vibrant hues that might overwhelm a more traditional home were used to dramatic effect, with rich textures enhancing the scheme's appeal. Garnet-red, peach, and baby-blue floor tiles anchor the space, while natural lime wash on the walls provides a tactile, earthy finish. Light Queensland Maple timber joinery adds warmth in the spirit of Scandinavian interiors throughout the home, contrasting beautifully with the kitchen’s apple-green birch cupboards, tangerine pulls, and turquoise granite fruit vessels cleverly integrated into the island. Garnet-red upholstery enlivens the breakfast nook, which is designed as a curvaceous alcove inspired by Egyptian architect Hassan Fathy’s mud-brick constructions, blending traditional influences with contemporary flair.

Coloured glass ribbons adorning the windows add yet another layer of playfulness. The strategic use of coloured glass, which can be found throughout the house, not only accentuates YSG Studio’s vibrant colour scheme but also ties into the home’s overarching theme of blending cultural motifs, as seen in the shifting hues from deep garnet in the communal areas to soft pinks and lilacs in the master suite. The use of vibrant marble in the bathrooms—Rosso Asiago in the powder room and Verde Riviera in the master ensuite—further plays into the house’s tactile and colourful narrative, as does the master bedroom’s quilted lapis lazuli headboard which provides a counterpoint to the softer baby blue, lilac and pink hues.

Born In Lebanon, Aline Asmar d’Amman was surrounded by the restoration and reconstruction in her homeland. The dialogue between heritage and modernity struck a chord with this creative, who had already decided to become an architect when she was a teen. “I learned to find beauty in ruins and cherish the sense of perfect imperfections,” says d’Amman.

Contemporary buildings are just as impressive to her, particularly the Vitra Fire Station by Zaha Hadid. Located in Weil am Rhein, Germany, this sharp structure stands in total opposition to antiquity. For d’Amman, it is a powerful work because it’s essentially timeless and could exist in any place – without a date or style.

A true Parisian at heart, d’Amman cites her upbringing in a Francophile environment in Beirut, where refinement coexists amidst chaos, as the greatest influence on her life and work. The City of Lights inspired her love of interior design, and is a central facet of the projects her cross-disciplinary firm, Culture in Architecture, is known for.

While  d’Amman’s world revolves around evocative visual elements, the designer is an avid reader fascinated by the power of words. Books have always been a means of escape for her, and they serve as both armor and a shield. When d’Amman was a child, she would sit and hide with a tome under the table when faced with a difficult situation. She knew that the volumes would not save her or change her circumstances, but they were a way to travel and, for a moment, forget everything else.

Books, ink, and paper were the threads of the first conversations she had with legendary fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld. The duo collaborated on two memorable projects, the Hôtel de Crillon’s Les Grands Appartements, and “Architectures,” Lagerfeld’s collection of functional sculptures. It’s a cherished time that made a lasting impact. “Being Karl’s architect will always be one of the most incredible thrills of my adult working life,” notes d’Amman. “The level of one’s expectations suddenly shifts to higher levels when we’re lucky to find an inspirational mentor and character to challenge our imagination.”

Today, Aline Asmar d’Amman  joins us for Friday Five!

Photo: Qatar Museums

I first visited Richard Serra’s ”East-West/West-East” in the Qatari desert in November 2021.

Powerful and mesmerizing, it has infused me with a mystical feeling ever since. I often find myself returning to this sublime discovery, in search of the raw sense of elevation and suspension that only true art can provoke.

Mind-blowing. Sacred space. Open to all: the sand, the wind, the moon, and the people, day and night. The extraordinary encounter of Richard Serra’s steel sheets emerging from prehistoric rock formations, in a blue night where the sky turns from pink to purple, is an unmatched dose of beauty and emotion. The powerful vision that Sheikha Al-Mayassa and Qatar Museums are weaving is inspiring beyond words—just like this eternal gesture in the middle of the Qatari desert.

Photo: Aline Asmar d’Amman

2. The Mountains and Valleys of Engadin, Switzerland

I owe much of my sense of beauty and inspiration to the sumptuous mountains, lakes, walks, and ever-changing skies of Engadin. This is where I spend Christmas and start every new year with my family and loved ones.

I associate this ever-changing scenery and light that happens within the same day with Joan Didion’s quote from her cherished book: “Life changes fast. Life changes in the instant. You sit down to dinner and life as you know it ends.”

I start every year with these powerful words.

Photo: Mathieu Zazzo

The 7L, the sacred, ultra-vibrant cathedral of books, houses Karl Lagerfeld’s collection of 33,000 volumes, in what was once his photo studio. This is where I met Karl for the first time and often joined him for our work sessions.

Today, the place has been given a new lease of life, thanks to its acquisition by CHANEL and the vision of Laurence Delamare, who, together with a passionate team, brings together a circle of Friends of 7L for creative and cultural events. I start my projects by accumulating inspiring books and visiting soulful places. This one definitely nourished my soul with knowledge and wit, specially the conversations with the spirited librarians of this magic house!

French antique market Paul Bert Serpette in Saint-Ouen Photo: Aline Asmar d’Amman

4. Treasurable Hunts

Treasure hunting for our projects is an emotional adventure filled with surprises and stories of serendipity. More than the finds themselves, I love the layered stories behind each piece shared by the antique dealers, brimming with enthusiasm and culture. This head of David and the remains of the Roman goddess next to it are heading straight into one of our projects. I visited them like old friends many times and couldn’t let go of the attachment to their scars. I know they will delight all the visitors who stumble upon them soon in a fantastic garden to come.

Stella Tennant in John Galliano’s 1998 Marchesa Casati collection for Christian Dior Haute Couture, Vogue, May 2006 Photo: Mario Testino

5. Fashion Photography of La Casati, Reinterpreted by John Galliano and Karl Lagerfeld

Women are heroes! Legendary characters and fashion’s ability to capture a certain state of mind nurture the storytelling in my projects. When working on the epic renovation of Palazzo Dona Giovannelli, I imagine Marchesa Luisa Casati, the extravagant figure known for her femme fatale looks and allure, walking into the room. I love Karl Lagerfeld’s and John Galliano’s take on this iconic legend in the 21st century, dressed to seduce with audacity and irreverence.

Works by Aline Asmar d’Amman:

Photo: Stephan Julliard

Le Jules Verne restaurant by Frederic Anton The Eiffel Tower is the rebellious sentinel of Paris, an architectural fantasy that spreads its magic across the world. High engineering, audacity, lighting, modernity, femininity… these elements inspired the interiors I imagined for Le Jules Verne restaurant during its complete renovation. Le Jules Verne offers a unique encounter between the culinary and decorative arts, high in the clouds of the Parisian sky. It is a delicate equation, blending the raw and the precious, the hand of man and the lace of the Iron Lady, with reflections and connections between the exterior and new interior perspectives.

Photo: Stephan Julliard

“Les Grands Appartements” by Karl Lagerfeld at Hôtel de Crillon, a Rosewood Hotel My collaboration on Karl Lagerfeld’s ‘Les Grands Appartements’ at the Hôtel de Crillon is a defining moment in my career as an architect. The interiors of ‘Les Grands Appartements’ encapsulate the best of what Paris has to offer in terms of 18th-century French heritage, modernized by one of the greatest geniuses of our time. Uncompromising elegance and a timeless classic feel permeate this space, marked by the indelible signature of Karl’s knowledge and impeccable taste.

Photo: Matthieu Salvaing

My Parisian Home A sense of celebration and the magic of unexpected encounters define the spirit of my Parisian home. The celebration of love, family, and diversity is infused into every room, with a confident freedom in blending old soul with contemporary creativity through the power of art. With my Lebanese roots and Parisian heart, a connection to my hometown, and a magnetic bond with my husband’s Swiss heritage, life is divided between three cities I call home and numerous destinations, following the flow of my design studio projects, Culture in Architecture. Home is a feeling—a celebration of life and love, a nest for dreams and memories shared with family and friends.

Photo: Jean-Pierre Vaillancourt

Culture in Architecture Studio, Paris My design studio in Paris is nestled in an atelier that has witnessed decades of design practice before us. A century of French architects from the Blavette-Gelis family have worked here since 1889. Once filled with vintage drawing tables and the first printed plans of Paris, it is now brimming with books, boards, and materials that fuel imagination and open us to the world. This is where my team and I meet with collaborators, friends, gallerists, artists, and artisans who inspire us, leaving energized by the unique perspective and mesmerizing views of Paris.

Anna Zappia is a New York City-based writer and editor with a passion for textiles, and she can often be found at a fashion exhibit or shopping for more books. Anna writes the Friday Five column, as well as commercial content.

Ferrari’s F80 hybrid supercar draws from formula 1 vehicles

Ferrari makes a hybrid debut with the F80, its recent supercar inspired by Formula 1 racing vehicles as well as aerospace designs. The road-legal vehicle nods to the aerospace industry as it borrows cues from fighting jets and space vehicles. The F80 hybrid supercar has a cross-section that looks like dihedral, with two angled surfaces being joined. These two surfaces extend from the bottom corners and are planted on the wheels to give the supercar stability and an aggressive stance. Ferrari also draws from architecture for the front of the car, invoked through the sharp and clear lines as well as the wheelarch that ends in a vertical panel.

The F80 also uses 3D printing for some of its parts and electric turbo technology for the first time. The 3D-printed upper wishbones are a debut feature for the car manufacturer, built layer by layer to make them lighter and more robust. For the latter, Ferrari adds electric motors to their turbochargers, which are devices that push more air into the engine. The carbon-fiber chassis adds to making the supercar lightweight enough to speed away fast, and the vertical panel that sticks out from the butterfly doors is a direct homage to the supercar’s sibling, the F40.

all images courtesy of Ferrari

For the first time, ferrari uses ‘e-turbo’ technology

Speaking of electric turbo technology, it’s the first time that Ferrari installs it on its vehicle. It’s composed of electric motors that are placed between the turbine and the compressor to help the turbocharger rev up faster, even before the exhaust gases kick in. Thanks to this ‘e-turbo’ technology, the engine can instantly produce more power as soon as the driver presses the accelerator, even at low engine speeds. This may be an upgrade because turbochargers typically take some time to build up power at low speeds, but not this time in the Ferrari F80 hybrid supercar.

Many of the technical and design elements of the F80 draw from Formula 1 racing cars. The first is the use of a V6 hybrid powertrain, which comprises turbocharged engines with an 800V hybrid system. It’s not a tradition for the car manufacturer to put this in place, as they used turbocharged V8 engines in the GTO and F40 models. Now, the combustion engine and electric motor set up added power and efficiency for the F80 so it can keep up with its high-performance racing quality while on the road. The design of these electric motors also comes from Formula 1, especially the stator and rotor in a Halbach array configuration and the magnet sleeve in carbon fiber.

Ferrari makes a hybrid debut with the F80

F80 hybrid supercar leaves behind digital controls

The hollow sills of the F80’s tub, the main structural part of the car holding the key mechanical parts and supporting the body, as well as the hybrid supercar’s roof, are both made of carbon fiber, inspired by Formula 1 technology. Even the interior borrows cues from Ferrari racing cars, with the design approach called 1+. This entails that the passenger seat is integrated into the supercar’s interior in a way that it almost disappears from view. Ferrari pulls it off by using different colors and materials for the driver’s seat and the passenger seat so that the driver’s seat stands out more (hence, the lone Ferrari red color for the chair).

The passenger seat is positioned a bit farther back compared to the driver’s seat to allow the F80 hybrid supercar to have a narrower cabin without making the passenger feel cramped. Ferrari also redesigns the steering wheel of the F80, which is slightly smaller than the one used in previous models. Its top and bottom edges are flattened to improve the driver’s visibility, especially of the dashboard. Ferrari returns to the tactile era by putting back physical buttons, leaving behind touch-sensitive digital controls and starting with the right and left spokes of the steering wheel. For Ferrari, it’s easier for the driver to find and press them, so they can keep their focus on the road.

the recent supercar inspired by Formula 1 racing vehicles as well as aerospace designs

the road-legal vehicle nods to the aerospace industry as it borrows cues from fighting jets and space vehicles

the passenger seat is integrated into the supercar’s interior in a way that it almost disappears from view

Ferrari also redesigns the steering wheel of the F80

Anni highlights the transformation taking place in the design field, emphasizing a shift from focusing solely on end products to exploring the design processes themselves. “This year, the focus is on design processes: how ideas are developed, how materials are used and reused, and how design can reflect a deep respect for the environment, especially considering the current geopolitical and climate crises”, she explained. Her vision centres on the idea of creating design that serves the city and its people, emphasizing that it’s not just about making more but about making better for the community.

Rethinking the festival’s format was also on Anni’s checklist going forward. “It’s important to reconsider and redefine the format of the event, suggesting that such festivals should tell stories not only about designers but also about their practices.” This perspective not only encourages a broader conversation on the impact of design, but explores its significance not only on a local level but also within a global context. “It’s almost an invitation to understand what it really means to be a designer today—a journey that combines personal growth with a deep sense of social and environmental responsibility.”

Since 2013, Calico Wallpaper has presented the finest, most immersive wall murals on the market. Their new collection is in collaboration with Kindergarten teacher and Early Childhood Educator Janene Ping. Ping, who maintains a prolific natural dyeing practice, aims to highlight the balance and beauty of nature. Teaching at the Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School for thirty years has given her the insight and sensitivity needed to foster a love for the great outdoors in our little ones. This collaboration features two distinct collections, Alchemy and Enchantment.

The Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School is committed to providing children with the tools they need to become aware citizens. During their time, they grow a personal relationship with the natural world, and learn to become an active participant in their local economy. Handcraft and artistry is paramount, essential for humans to truly connect with the earth. Ping, a natural dyer extraordinaire, creates fantastic silk tapestries for The Magical Puppet Tree Theater – which she founded in 1992. Through this joyful medium, she uplifts a collection of fanciful stories often untold.

Alchemy in Rosewood

Alchemy in Marigold

“The dying process reveals a journey in which the unforeseeable enchantment of color unfolds each time the fibers are lifted from the brewing vessel,” notes Ping. “The revelation of unexpected hues is the most rewarding. It’s been a wonderful opportunity and journey to explore my work on a greater scale. Seeing it come to life has been magical.”

Alchemy in Vetiver

Alchemy in Walnut

The Alchemy collection illustrates what the beauty of hand-dyeing does so well: transparent ripples of organic colors splash across the silk, which are then translated into these wall murals. The dye is saturated by different fibers at different rates, allowing for a blooming, watercolor effect. Alchemy is available in seven colorways – Vetiver, Woad, Turmeric, Marigold, Acacia, Walnut, and Rosewood.

Alchemy in Woad

Enchantment in Neem

Enchantment pulls upon the organic lulls and changes in tone that we find constantly in nature. One can almost make out delicate landscapes in the midst of the undulating hues, yielding softly to their neighbors. Enchantment is available in seven colorways as well – Logwood, Allium, Goldenrod, Bark, Neem, Rainbow, and Hawthorn.

Enchantment in Rainbow

Enchantment in Allium

Enchantment in Goldenrod

Enchantment in Bark

“I’m grateful for the hands-on education and experiential learning that The Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School has provided to my children and the other students within the community,” shares Rachel Cope, Creative Director of Calico Wallpaper. “This inspired us to work with Janene to develop Alchemy and Enchantment, offering us an opportunity to give back to the organization that continues to support our children.”

Enchantment in Logwood

Enchantment in Hawthorn

Calico Wallpaper was born out of the notion that art shouldn’t just live in a frame. Balancing background and foreground, texture, color, and finish is a task of endless possibility, ensuring there’s always some new discovery around the corner. Boundless and beautiful, the mesmerizing fullness of a wall mural can add incredible depth and luxury to any space, at any age.

Rachel Cope and Janene Ping Photo: Em McCann Zauder

To learn more about the Alchemy and Enchantment collections, visit calicowallpaper.com. To connect with the Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School, visit their website here.

Growing up in NYC has given Aria a unique perspective into art + design, constantly striving for new projects to get immersed in. An avid baker, crocheter, and pasta maker, handwork and personal touch is central to what she loves about the built environment. Outside of the city, she enjoys hiking, biking, and learning about space.

laminated wood clads Quinta Fachada’s headquarters

Taller Atemporal by architecture studio Quinta Fachada is a multifunctional 18-square-meter space designed as a coworking area, showroom, project workshop, and architecture office in Ibarra, Ecuador. Laminated wood clads the structure, chosen for its low environmental footprint, durability, and energy efficiency. The wood is responsibly sourced from certified forests and prefabricated to abbreviate the construction duration. Polycarbonate and rice straws protect the building from noise and weather conditions, insulating its facades. Inside, low-maintenance OSB panels coated with microcement provide durability, while tempered glass on one facade opens the space to the landscape.

all images courtesy of Quinta Fachada

Taller Atemporal responds to the climate of ecuador

Quinta Fachada employs sustainable strategies to minimize the environmental impact of their headquarters. The Ibarra-based studio designed an adaptable structure with a single open space where the roof acts as a structural and symbolic element. This gesture allows for flexible use and lets natural light in to shape the interior experience. Responding to the climatic conditions in Equador, the team opts for a holistic approach that optimizes resources. Thermal comfort within the multifunctional Taller Atemporal is achieved with the use of solar orientation, without compromising the energy efficiency of the establishment. 

Taller Atemporal by architecture studio Quinta Fachada is a multifunctional 18-square-meter space

designed as a coworking area, showroom, project workshop, and architecture office

tempered glass on one facade opens the space to the landscape

the structure is crafted from laminated wood, chosen for its low environmental footprint

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5RgdM0gemo[/embed]

Beginning with their decision to preserve an existing concrete shell on the site, Studio Lotus’s approach was rooted in sustainability which also dictated the use of local materials, most notably Jodhpur red sandstone. Hand-carved by an army of skilled artisans, the sandstone façade features intricate latticework patterns that draw from different historical periods of the region—Rajputana, Mughal, and Art Deco. More than a stylistic compendium of Jaipur’s architectural heritage, the decorative variations reflect Shekhawat’s own design approach to her jewellery, which, while rooted in tradition, crosses over seamlessly into European and other contemporary iterations.

Once inside, visitors are greeted by a sweeping sculptural staircase, a dynamic architectural feature that winds through the heart of the building, connecting all three floors. This central staircase is symbolic, tying together the different functions of the building, from retail to office spaces, and serving as a metaphor for the interconnectedness of tradition and modernity.

Originally intended as retail space, the building’s ground floor houses the Museum of Meenakari Heritage. Curated by Usha Balakrishnan, a leading authority on Indian jewellery, the museum experience has been designed by Siddhartha Das Studio, with each exhibit tracing the evolution of the 16th century Meenakari craft and showcasing its significance in both historical and contemporary contexts.

In Paris’s 4th arrondissement near the historic Place de Bastille, a renovation has taken place within the prestigious Hotel de Sagonne. Originally conceived in 1668 by Jules Hardouin-Mansart as his private residence, this Baroque structure has undergone several transformations over the years, including its conversion into multiple apartments in the mid-20th century. Wood Marsh is at the head of the latest intervention in one of these units offering a unique reinterpretation of the space, merging the rich history of the building with contemporary design principles.

The Hotel de Sagonne is an architectural treasure protected by strict heritage regulations. As such, any modifications must undergo rigorous scrutiny to ensure the preservation of its historical essence. In this renovation, Wood Marsh has navigated these constraints, honoring the building’s storied past while integrating modern elements to create a living space that feels both timeless and fresh. The approach carefully balances the restoration of original details with the removal of mid-20th century alterations, providing a new canvas for contemporary living without erasing the apartment’s heritage character.

One of the defining features of this renovated apartment is its careful curation of art and design. The client’s extensive collection of Australian and international artworks, including digital installations seamlessly integrated into the walls, adds a dynamic layer to the home’s atmosphere. European furnishings are thoughtfully chosen to complement the artworks, enhancing the visual harmony of the interior.

The formal dining room serves as the focal point of the apartment, a space that bridges the transition between different areas. The room’s salmon-colored walls draw inspiration from the Baroque motifs found in the original moldings, while a custom chandelier by Nathalie Ziegler Pasqua adds a sense of grandeur. A cleverly hidden bar, cloaked in magenta mirror, adds an unexpected element of vibrancy and fun to the room.

A restrained color palette dominated by whites, accented with soft organic tones, permeates much of the apartment. This approach brings warmth and cohesion to the space, while new wood floors unify the flooring, eliminating inconsistencies from previous renovations. The living room, with its gentle beige tones and pastel artwork, exemplifies the calm and inviting environment created through this sensitive use of color.

In stark contrast, the kitchen is a bold statement of modern, minimalist design. With its black wood finishes and nero marquina marble surfaces, the space takes on a sculptural quality. Integrated appliances and hidden details contribute to a clean, geometric look, with a central niche providing symmetry and focus. The informal dining area and framed artworks add a personal touch to the sophisticated space.

The study, painted in charcoal hues, creates a sense of intimacy and seclusion, offering a quiet retreat between the more public living areas and the private primary suite. The use of darker tones here adds depth and contrast, making it an ideal space for reflection or quiet work.

The primary bedroom itself is a serene sanctuary where the bed serves as a dramatic central feature. The ensuite bathroom, with its sleek white marble finish, showcases innovative use of lightweight materials, perfectly suited for an older structure with limited support capacity.

For more information on Wood Marsh, head to woodmarsh.com.au.

Photography by Tommaso Sartori.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.