Based in Milan, Spagnulo & Partners has been one of the forerunners of architecture and luxury interior design not only in Italy but throughout the world. Federico Spagnulo, the founder and senior partner of the firm, shared his insights on the recent trends in design and his experience in the industry.
Where are you from and where did you learn design?
I was born in Milan where I studied by the Politecnico, University of Architecture. I also lived in Berlin in the 90s and worked by the architectural office Steinebach & Weber.
What is your style, and what makes you stand out among other designers?
We have a tailored approach to the Interior Design Project. In our mind, every project should be different depending on the aim of the place, the cultural context and the client’s needs. Like a tailor, I love to customize our projects and to face them as it was the first time. Thanks to this approach, the style is shared on each new project, changing every time to create a unique and custom-made experience.
When did you first know that you wanted to be a designer?
My father was an artist. He taught me and my brother, our art director, that the only way to be really free is simply to love our job. To be an architect is fantastic.
What are some recurring trends that you are seeing in 2019?
The most important new trends are some subject matters which are not strictly referred to the architectural and design world. A lot of influence is, for instance, coming from the contemporary art experience and from the cultural aspects related to India, China, Russia etc. That’s why I consider the real new trend in our job as the capacity to hear and to watch what’s coming from the outside world.
The real new trend in our job as the capacity to hear and to watch what’s coming from the outside world.
— Federico Spagnulo
What 2019 trends surprise you the most and why?
The last exhibition of Marina Abramovic in Florence. The courage to provoke a new way of thinking is always a generator of a concept. It doesn’t matter if positive or negative, but it’s always in the direction of a new beginning.
What are you working on right now?
We are involved in two new 5-star hotel projects in Dubai with 200 rooms and Doha with 300 rooms. We are also involved in the restoration of one of the most important antique palaces in Florence, Palazzo Portinari Salviati, which will be completely transformed into a luxury residence with about 40 flats. We are involved in a new architectural project of 110,000 square meters for a co-living house, offices, 3 theaters and vertical farms in Taipei, Taiwan; two new fine dining restaurants in London; two Villas on the Como Lake, and in Tuscany.
What is the most challenging part of your job and why?
To respect the client’s needs and expectations within the cultural and styling choices coming from the aim of the place where the project is located. I don’t like to continually propose the same approach to our projects, as we always work in different places and situations. This means that every time we start from scratch to invent a new story.
What does Italian design mean to you?
Just three important elements: hundreds of years of history; an incredible capacity of workers, artisans and small companies; and good architects able to talk with the first two elements and understanding that that alone it is not possible to reach good results.
Explain your process when beginning a new project.
We always start from the place and from the cultural aspects of where we are working. This analysis is combined with the client’s requests and becomes a concept that contains the strategic, cultural styling and practical elements that are the main pillars of the entire project. We spend a lot of time and effort on this phase, providing sketches, stories, videos, materials, music, samples and all that is necessary to create the right starting point for all the rest.
What inspires you?
If you are able to hear and watch what is outside from your usual context, it will be possible to catch real unexpected suggestions. The real inspiration, for me, is the surprise.
Photos courtesy of Spagnulo & Partners
Engel & Völkers | Mallorca West
Archiduque Luis Salvador, 1, E-07179 Deià, Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain
+34.971.636.363 | deia@engelvoelkers.com | www.engelvoelkers.com/mallorca-westcoast
On Mallorca, the West Coast where the Sierra de Tramuntana is located has recently declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, remains one of the most authentic and sought after areas of the island. The Engel & Völkers real estate team will be pleased to present you with the best properties in this region, both those seeking a second home for the summer and those who have decided to reside here permanently.
Listings by Engel & Völkers | Mallorca West
A GEM ON THE WEST COAST OF THE TRAMUNTANA
IThe origins of this extraordinary estate date back to the 13th century. In 1983, the former winery was awakened from its slumber. The impressive entrance hall leads into the living room with its imposing archways — a spacious, luminous room was created. There is an open-plan studio area with a dining and a conference table, a gallery and a library. On the ground floor, there is also the Majorcan-style, fully fitted kitchen and on the same level as a charming covered terrace. On this floor, there is also a cozy guest wing with a private terrace with sea views. The entire 1st floor accommodates 5 bedrooms with private baths. There is so much to say about this extraordinary property — only a personal impression will convey the true atmosphere. This is a unique, premium home in the Sierra de Tramuntana, which must be viewed.
E&V ID W-02BEEL. €16,500,000.
Engel & Völkers | Mallorca West originally appeared as an Elite company in the Unique Homes Spring ’19: Elite edition. See their page here.
Libraries have always been a timeless space open for unique design. Whether the library is modern or historical, small or large, or used for reading or working, the library is possibly one of the rooms that invites the most creativity in its architecture and design.
Mansion Global interviewed Jeffrey Forrest, the founder of STACKLAB, a design studio based in Toronto, Canada, to ask about his advice in designing libraries.
“Your library is a record of who you are,” Forrest told Mansion Global. “Design decisions should be deliberate and very personal — with equal focus on celebrating your history, but also on the joy of reading.”
With that being said, here are a few tips on designing the perfect private library.
Photo courtesy of Binyan by IF STUDIO
Photo courtesy of Selwyn Tungol
Using your space
For book-lovers who need an ample amount of shelving space, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves are functional and add a great design to the walls of the room. When all the books are placed on the shelves, it creates a beautiful assortment and makes the walls burst with color from top to bottom. Whether it’s designed with a more modern or classical touch, the floor-to-ceiling bookshelves are sure to be the centerpiece of the room.
The double-height library located in the lobby of 277 Fifth Avenue in New York City utilizes this concept, creating a beautiful centerpiece for all visitors and residents to see and use.
Bold Colors and Fabrics
Feel free to bring vibrant colors out from the shelves and into the room through the furniture, curtains, walls or rugs. Whether you’re going for a more modern or historical design, bold colors can create a more interesting and unique space. In Washington, D.C., the Jefferson hosts a book room sure to attract book-lovers from all over. Its velvet green couch adds the perfect pop of color, creating the perfect balance in the space between neutral and vibrant colors.
The bold colors can be used not only in historical designs, but in modern designs as well. Adding a statement rug or sofa can bring a room’s colors together.
Photo courtesy of The Jefferson
1000M, Photo courtesy of Miller Hare
Laying it Out
A library is the perfect opportunity for designers to get creative with the layout of the space they have. Whether the center of the room is a desk, four chairs around a coffee table or an assortment of seating, there are endless possibilities for the designer to create the perfect space to fit the needs of the homeowner. At 1000M, the layout is comfortable yet elegant, with ample seating for readers to use.
If the option for multiple levels is available, create a unique look by adding a spiral staircase to get from one level to the other or ladders on the shelves for the reader to grab whatever book they’d like. Make sure, however, that whatever the layout is, there is plenty of comfort for the reader to use the space often. Adding comfortable seating and plush rugs can do just the trick for this.
Whether designing the space or simply looking for inspiration, libraries are arguably one of the best rooms to have the most creativity in its design. So remember — regardless of what look or layout, make sure to use this unique opportunity!
One of the biggest debates in kitchen and home design is this: should granite be replaced by marble, or quartz? While more developers are looking toward quartz as an alternative to marble, neither one clearly outweighs the other. But there are four different categories that compare the two materials, and can help both developers and homeowners decide which one best suits them. Their appearance, durability, maintenance and overall cost can play a part in choosing which one is better to replace granite.
For appearance, it is largely a matter of preference. According to MSI Surfaces, while Quartz is more uniform in its design and color, it can also mimic the look of natural stone as well. Meanwhile, with marble, each slab is one-of-a-kind. If you have marble as your kitchen countertop, no other counter will be the same as that one. The uniqueness adds a classic beauty to any room.
Renderings courtesy of KAR Properties (Marble)
Marble
Quartz
Appearance
- One-of-a-kind
- Natural stone rather than man-made
- Uniform in design and color
- Man-made, but mimics natural stone
Durability
- Can get stained or discolored more easily
- Overall, durable and dependable
- Direct sunlight or UV rays can cause irreparable discoloring
- Overall, durable and dependable
Maintenance
- Sitting water can cause discoloration or stains
- Overall, more maintenance is required
- Hot pots or pans sitting on it can scorch the stone
- Overall, less maintenance is required
Price
- More expensive per square foot
- $50-150 per square foot
- Less expensive per square foot
- $40-100 per square foot
In terms of durability, both are great options. Quartz is man-made, but is increasing in popularity because of the material’s durability. Marble is from many different countries around the world, and is also a durable but natural material as well. With quartz, however, any direct sunlight or high UV rays can cause irreparable discoloring, according to Polycor. Although both can gain chips on their edges and other minor damages, neither are fragile or impractical for everyday use. For durability, both quartz and marble are great options.
Marble requires more maintenance since it is natural stone. Sitting water on a marble countertop can cause discoloration and stains. For individuals with a busy lifestyle, quartz would be much easier to manage. But with quartz, make sure not to place any hot pots or pans on the counter — doing so could scorch the material. In terms of overall maintenance, however, quartz is generally a better fit.
Rendering courtesy of RIVA Residences (Quartz)
Rendering courtesy of Akoya Boca West (Quartz)
Rendering courtesy of RIVA Residences (Quartz)
Lastly, marble is usually more expensive than quartz. MSI Surfaces explains that while each square foot of marble is only slightly more expensive than quartz, that price tag can quickly add up when designing a whole room. Despite the overall added price, however, marble can add to a home’s value, so it might be worth it in the long run for some homeowners and designers.
While quartz is more practical in terms of durability and maintenance, nothing is like the one-of-a-kind material found with marble. In the end, knowing both materials’ advantages and setbacks can help determine which one works best.
Rendering courtesy of RIVA Residences (Quartz) Rendering courtesy of Akoya Boca West (Quartz)
Thermador, the iconic luxury home and kitchen appliance brand, is kicking off its fourth Kitchen Design Challenge, with new categories and prizes, allowing professional designers, builders, architects, remodelers, kitchen dealers and — for the first time in Thermador contest history — students to get involved.
All 44 of the regional winners will also win a trip for two to the exclusive gala in Southern California in 2020, where the national winners will be announced.
Image courtesy of Marc Thee
Image courtesy of Ili Hidalgo
“When it comes to marrying groundbreaking innovation and stunning design, Thermador leads the industry — empowering consumers and trade professionals to make bold statements throughout the home,” said Beatriz Sandoval, director of brand marketing for Thermador.
Encouraging the established and flourishing design-build communities to showcase their creativity in any design style, this year’s Kitchen Design Challenge aims to attract the most innovative projects yet, with four all-new categories for submission: Exceptional Kitchen, Compact Kitchen Suite, Original Innovator/Out of the Box Space and the Student Concept Kitchen.
For Exceptional Kitchen, one national winner will receive a $25,000 grand prize, one second-place winner will receive a $15,000 prize, and one third-place winner will receive a $10,000 prize.
In the Compact Kitchen Suite category, the national winner will receive a grand prize of $5,000 for crafting a culinary space within 200 square feet and containing at least three primary Thermador products.
Image courtesy of Constance Riik
Image courtesy of Marc Thee
The national winner of the Original Innovator/Out of the Box Space will receive a $5,000 prize for designing a space outside of the kitchen such as a wet bar, personal gym, wine cellar or game room. The space must have at least two Thermador products.
And for the first time, the Thermador Kitchen Design challenge is including students in the competition. In the Student Concept Kitchen category, one national winner will receive a $5,000 cash prize for designing an exceptional kitchen for a hypothetical client. The space must be a minimum of 200 square feet, include at least three primary Thermador products and cost a maximum of $250,000.
Two more categories are also part of the challenge, including the Designer’s Choice, which will be chosen at the gala and receive a $5,000 cash prize, and the Fan Favorites category, in which five winners will be selected in a separate contest held in 2021 to receive a $1,000 cash prize each.
By breaking boundaries and the status quo in terms of kitchen design, vision and creativity, Thermador is allowing for others to do the same, creating bold ideas and bringing them to life.
An increased focus on farm-to-table living has spurred a rise in the development of agricultural neighborhoods.
As healthier lifestyle trends continue to gain ground, homebuilders are trying to cash in on consumer sentiment through the creation of “agrihoods.” From the beautiful shores of Ecuador and open pastures of Wyoming to the rolling hills of upstate New Jersey, agrihoods are allowing homeowners to enjoy greater connections to the earth and an enhanced sense of wellbeing.
For active agrihood communities like Oceanside Farms, wellness is a major inspiration behind its development. A luxury agrihood community in Puerto Cayo, Ecuador, Oceanside Farms provides an optimal mix of pristine beachfront environment with convenient access and amenity value.
The development, according to co-founder Sean Kelly, was designed to offer a lifestyle that was unique on the levels of health and wellness. “By targeting this farm-to-table, dock-to-dish, wellness-driven lifestyle, we encompass the physical, mental and social value of our community and residents within it,” Kelly says.
Though the concept of an “agrihood” was not fully realized at that point, Kelly and co-founder Wendy Chan were able to realize their goals for Oceanside by designing the farm to remain accessible, and almost customizable, to residents through a variety of harvest privileges.
Residents can fully customize their lifestyle, from having seasonal selections brought to their door to reserving ergonomically designed growing beds where they can “place their hands in the soil and grow-their-own with pride,” says Kelly.
Oceanside Farms, Ecuador
Photo by Sean Kelly.
Willowsford, Virginia
Photos by © Bushnell Photography.
A refocus on food origin and quality is a large part of the expansion and appeal of agrihoods. To understand where food comes from and be involved in the process of growing it as part of the living experience sounds simple enough, but nowadays seems almost revolutionary.
Agrihoods go further by linking the home to the farm or garden, and even moreso to amenities. For an agrihood like Willowsford in Loudoun County, Virginia, this reconnection to an all-encompassing community that offers both luxury amenities and farming reverts to an almost transitional lifestyle, modern, but with traditional roots.
This transitional lifestyle is apparent as soon as you enter Willowsford. Though the community spans four distinctive “villages” on over 4,000 acres, it is defined by the recreational spaces and strong food and farm connection that encourage an appreciation for the environment and a commitment to land stewardship.
Everything about Willowsford feels close-knit, from the Farm Garden and Market Stand, open seasonally to residents and the local community with seasonal vegetables, local meat, farm fresh eggs and more, to the Willowsford Conservancy that connects and maintains the community’s forests, trails, streams, fields and farmland.
Willowsford extensively offers residents the chance to not only connect with each other as neighbors, but to connect to their food and drink. When in season, food is sourced mainly from the farm or from farms in the surrounding area.
No matter the time of year, residents can attend events like cooking classes, demonstrations, “Date Nights” or dinners that deepen that feeling of a close-knit family, with modern touches such as live instruction and on-site wine experts that tell the origins of your wine selections.
Through the landscape’s rich agricultural heritage, Willowsford stands out as an agrihood offering a transitional lifestyle, a community with modern home designs and traditional ideals of what it means to be neighbors.
The benefits of agrihoods extend further than just the plate, especially for developments that offer restaurants on site. Within the kitchen of Ninety Acres, a restaurant located on the grounds of Natirar, chefs have the chance to curate a farm-to-table dining experience for residents.
Natirar in Somerset County, New Jersey, is redesigning its country estate to become Pendry Natirar, bringing a bespoke collection of private, whole-ownership Estate and Farm Villa residences to the property with the Natirar Farm as their backdrop.
“The Natirar Farm allows people to reconnect with their passion for natural, healthy eating and a way of life authentic to the 100-plus-year history of Natirar,” says founder Bob Wojtowicz.
While residents will have direct access to Natirar’s 12-acre farm to create a true “dining table at the farm,” having a farm right outside the kitchen is even more favorable for chefs, according to Wojtowicz. “The farmers at Natirar work in tandem with the Natirar chefs to produce fresh ingredients,” he says, noting that chefs can request when the ingredients are harvested to allow them to reach peak perfection.
This sense of perfection in the dining services at Ninety Acres is prevalent, making meals feel more like an experience than just dinner. From almost anywhere in the dining area of the restaurant you get a glimpse of the chefs working to prepare your food; you see the high-rising flames and get a sensation of what’s to come just from the smells surrounding you.
And though Ninety Acres’ dedication to locally sourced ingredients is well known, its appreciation of these ingredients is fully realized in the dishes they create, from a creamy, savory egg dish that feels like a fluffy, buttery cloud to thin slices of cheese and crispy pork that taste utterly sinful.
Pendry Natirar, New Jersey
Photos by Christian Horan.
Brush Creek Ranch, Wyoming
Photo by Dan Ham.
Through agrihoods, culinary experiences developed for residents offer a unique opportunity to revel in the process of cultivating, harvesting, preparing and savoring food in the beautiful landscape where it is grown. For example, Wyoming’s Brush Creek Ranch intends to deliver the new Farm at Brush Creek Ranch to create an immersive epicurean adventure of the highest quality that captures the flavors of the West, according to Michael Williams, executive vice president and COO of Brush Creek Ranch.
“Each of the individual components of The Farm are destinations within themselves…. Each feature maximizes views of the landscape and uses color palettes and design elements from the respective processes (brewing, distilling, cheesemaking, et cetera) and treats both as art for the interiors,” Williams says.
So much of the purpose behind agrihoods relies on education and granting residents accessibility to sustainable farming and resources, ideals that are becoming more appealing to luxury developers, says Wojtowicz. The concept offers a “new way to deliver a deeper connection to the location, wellbeing offerings and, better yet, a sense of community.”
Editor’s Note: Kristen Ordonez visited Willowsford and Ninety Acres as part of this special report.
This editorial appeared in the Unique Homes Spring ’19: Elite edition.
Cocosan Villa, nestled high in the San San Estate in Portland Jamaica, forms part of the Geejam Collection. It offers a uniquely designed take on contemporary Jamaican living. This villa features six bedrooms with balconies overlooking scenes of the beautiful parish of Portland and eight bathrooms.
Cocosan’s upscale design is poised with elegance and modern day comfort, while engaging the tropical aesthetic of the Caribbean. The property, listed by Kaili McDonnough Scott of Coldwell Banker Jamaica Realty for $2.9 million, also boasts a gym, sauna, heated lap pool and Jacuzzi, and state-of-the-art kitchen.
Cheri McCann
McCann Realty Group Ltd.
3307 Yonge Street, Toronto, Canada
416.481.2355 | cheri@cherimccann.com | www.mccannrealty.ca
McCann Realty is one of the finest boutique brokerages in Toronto. Cheri, ranked among the top 7 agents in Canada with her previous brokerage, has over 30 years of experience in Toronto’s high-end real estate market. Our clients have access to a team of highly experienced specialized agents with intimate knowledge of the Toronto market providing our clients with white glove service, deep practical expertise, exclusive access to opportunities, and a strong network of buyers and sellers. Hardwork and integrity get you the results you want!
HARDWORK — INTEGRITY — RESULTS
Listing by Cheri McCann
2 CHEDINGTON PLACE PH | BRIDLE PATH
One-of-a-kind, 2-story penthouse with 4 bedrooms and 6 baths in Bridle Path. Private elevator to the 8th and 9th floor, 5,390 square feet, 4 terraces, 4 parking spaces, and 2 lockers. $8,100,000.
Cheri McCann originally appeared as an Elite agent in the Unique Homes Spring ’17: Elite edition. See her page here.
The powder room used to be an afterthought, but for people who entertain this space has become an important design moment. In fact, when it comes to luxury condo buildings, developers are now going above and beyond to create distinct powder rooms that leave a lasting impression – with details like custom wall paneling, unique custom lighting and specially made marble vanities that highlight today’s style trends. To perfect your own powder room, we’ve come up with a few tips based on stylish New York residences.
Embrace the Selfie Lighting
Often small spaces, powder rooms can still offer a great place to capture that perfect Instagram photo, especially if there is good lighting. To create the perfect selfie space, lighting must be on point to not only adequately brighten up the space, as well as both capture the best pose and highlight the style and decor of the room.
350 West 71st Street
Photo by Alan Hill / Redundant Pixel.
There is some flexibility in this regard. For example, this chic powder room located in one of the residences at 350 West 71st Street offers flawless, bright lighting, making it the perfect spot to apply makeup.
Soft light, however, offers some of the best places to take photos. A great example is seen at 555 West End Avenue, where the mellow glow of the lit mirror highlight the powder room’s luxurious features, from the custom Calacatta gold countertops to the Lefroy Brooks fixtures.
With this lighting choice, you achieve a warm, inviting aesthetic that people will spend trying their best to capture.
555 West End Avenue
Photo by Hayes Davidson.
Keeping Fashion-Forward
Staying on trend can sometimes be difficult when it comes to home design, so the best way to do so is highlight classic, elegant finishes that remain stylish over time, while incorporating accents and decor that is on trend. Some classic finishes are beautiful marble counters and sinks, black and white tiles or wallpaper, and metallic detailing.
One Waterline Square
Photo by Noe & Associates with The Boundary.
Designed by celebrated architect, Robert A.M. Stern, 30 Park Place offers 157 residences, all managed by Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.
Within the powder rooms of Penthouse 78B, marble vanities offer a minimalistic yet beautiful setting with its clean lines and silver accents, both elegant and modern.
The Champalimaud-designed powder rooms at One Waterline Square are jewel-box-like spaces fashioned in striking black and white marble.
Every bit as luxurious as the master baths, the sparkling powder rooms feature best-in-class materials and fixtures, including polished Bianco Dolomiti marble flooring, polished Nero Marquina marble vanities and feature walls, Dornbracht fittings, and more.
30 Park Place
Photo by 30 Park Place.
Customization is Key
No matter your style, custom finishes or accents are also a defining decor element that can make or break the style of your powder room. Detailed design elements and customized, select finishes make a strong modern statement, create warmth and elegance in every space. Not only will these be a unique focal point, but inspirational in design for those looking to spruce up their own spaces.
Greenwich West
Photo by Alan Tansey.
Located at 110 Charlton Street, Greenwich West’s interiors have been beautifully designed by star Parisian architect and interior designer Sebastien Segers, who is known for his work with clients such as Giorgio Armani, Christian Dior and more.
A standout within, the powder rooms at Greenwich West are outfitted in Zebrino marble with custom-designed curved vanities featuring Laufen toilets and Hansgrohe Axor Bouroullec collection fittings in polished nickel.
A contrast of black and white, Segers’ signature ogee edge shape makes this a statement room.
Custom designing everything in the 61 light filled residences at 40 Bleecker in NoHo, the powder rooms leave no detail unturned.
Within the powder rooms, hand-selected statuary marble envelops the area and a unique lighting design by Bill Schwinghammer.
40 Bleeker
Photo by Bjorn Wallender.
Montage Residences Big Sky, the first ultra-luxury mountain resort in Big Sky, Montana – set to open in 2021. Designed by Hart Howerton, Brayton Hughes, and EDG of San Francisco, it will feature 150 guest rooms and suites, along with 39 Montage Residences.
The limited collection of 39 residences that make up Montage Residences Big Sky elevate mountain living to its highest standard. These two- to six-bedroom residences, ranging in size from 2,300 to 8,100 square feet, are inspired by modern mountain design principles and feature timeless, comfortable styling throughout. Each residence embodies an enduring palette of regional materials including hand-stacked stone, western-inspired lighting, and custom cabinetry. In addition, residences all have well-appointed kitchens, fireplaces, lock-off bedrooms, underground parking and ample storage. Optional participation in the Montage rental program allows owners to designate usage dates and enjoy turnkey access.
Centrally located within Big Sky’s 3,530-acre Spanish Peaks enclave, Montage Residences Big Sky residents will have unparalleled proximity to outdoor amenities offering ski-in, ski-out access to Big Sky Resort’s 5,800 skiable acres (the second largest ski resort in the United States by acreage) and access to Spanish Peaks Mountain Club’s 18-hole Tom Weiskopf-designed golf course, which is located just steps from the resort. Hiking, mountain biking, Nordic skiing and snowshoeing trails abound, with three world-renowned fly-fishing rivers passing through the Big Sky region. The accommodations of Montage Big Sky will create a mountain paradise for luxury adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts visiting Montana and Yellowstone National Park.
Big Sky Resort actually has plans to transform the destination a bit, as well – with “Big Sky 2025,” a campaign to bring upgrades to the area. Nearly $1 billion in improvements are under way, including a developer-built Town Center that will soon get its first branded hotel: a Marriott Residence Inn named for Woodrow Wilson (who signed the act creating the National Park Service); it’s set to open by summer 2019. Additional hotels are a Marriott Residence Inn named for Woodrow Wilson (who signed the act creating the National Park Service); it’s set to open by summer 2019 and a One & Only Resort at Moonlight that is expected to break ground in a year or two.
All photos courtesy Montage Residences.