Luca Guadagnino Transforms Roman Palazzo

Renowned film director Luca Guadagnino has helped turn a historic palazzo in Rome, Italy, into luxury hotel Palazzo Talia. With the help of Luca’s interior design studio – Studiolucaguadagnino – the public spaces of the 16th century palazzo were transformed into boutique rooms that pay homage to the history of the building.

GALLERY  

“The most exhilarating aspect was pondering how to intervene in a place so steeped in history and tailor it to a completely different, bespoke garment to breathe new life into the palace,” Studiolucaguadagnino project manager Pablo Molezun said.

At the forefront of the hotel’s public spaces is a 248-square-metre hall called the Magna Hall, decorated with 18th-century frescoes. These frescoes were originally painted by Italian artist Gaspare Serenario.

The design of the hotel relied heavily on the use of a wide range of colour hues to achieve a “balanced decorative effect”, Molezun said, describing this as “chromaticism”.

“Chromaticism guides the entire project, as does our close collaboration with artisans. This aspect allowed us to experiment with various techniques. The project itself is the result of a process aimed at achieving this balanced decorative synthesis.”

Centuries-old frescoes also adorn the ceiling of the Bar della Musa, the hotel’s own bar. Its walls are clad in textured blown-mirror panels, which reflect the frescoes.

Along with the public programme, Studiolucaguadagnino also designed the Terrace Suite on the top floor. The suite, capped with a sloping roof, is lined with peach wood panelling and features an alcove bed.

A 66-square-metre terrace extends from the suite, overlooking the inner courtyard of the hotel. Landscape artist Blue Mambor curated a selection of tropical foliage for the inner courtyard, transforming it into an urban oasis.

Palazzo Talia
Location Rome, Italy
Designer Studiolucaguadagnino
Photography Giulio Ghiradi

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