Tag: Best Designers
The Iconic Artemest Apartment Experience
The Artemest Apartment stood as a centerpiece of Milan Design Week 2025, commemorating a decade of Italian design excellence. Set within the historic Palazzo Donizetti, this third edition of L’Appartamento by Artemest brought together six internationally acclaimed interior design studios – 1508 London, Champalimaud Design, Meyer Davis, Nebras Aljoaib, Romanek Design Studio and Simone Haag. Each studio transformed a distinct room in the palazzo, curating spaces that showcased an extraordinary selection of furniture, lighting, home decor and art from over 180 of Artemest’s finest artisans, brands and artists. This immersive exhibition not only celebrated the timeless allure of Italian craftsmanship but also highlighted the innovative spirit that continues to define contemporary design.
A Decade of Italian Design Celebrated at Milan Design Week 2025
Artemest, a leading online platform dedicated to promoting the finest of Italian craftsmanship and design, has long been a symbol of excellence in the world of luxury interiors. Celebrating its tenth anniversary, Artemest marked this significant milestone with the presentation of the third edition of L’Appartamento at Milan Design Week 2025.
For over a decade, Artemest has championed the craftsmanship of Italian artisans, curating an extraordinary collection of furniture, lighting, home decor and art. The L’Appartamento exhibition serves as a celebration of this craftsmanship, blending traditional artistry with contemporary design. The rooms designed by the selected studios were a testament to the timeless beauty and innovation that continue to define the Italian design landscape. This edition not only celebrated the remarkable journey of Artemest but also showcased the incredible talent of artisans and designers, offering a glimpse into the future of Italian design.
Artemest Apartment Room by Room
The Foyer by Simone Haag
Simone Haag‘s Foyer sets the tone for the Artemest Appartment, combining elegance with a welcoming atmosphere. The design integrates Artemest’s curated pieces, creating a harmonious entry that reflects the essence of Italian craftsmanship.
The Dining Room by Romanek Design Studio
Romanek Design Studio transforms the Artemest Apartment’s Dining Room into a space of refined luxury. Featuring bespoke furniture and lighting, the room showcases the versatility of Artemest’s artisans, offering a contemporary take on classic dining aesthetics.
The Entertainment Room by 1508 London
1508 London‘s Entertainment Room is a testament to modern sophistication. With a focus on functionality and style, the room incorporates Artemest’s diverse offerings, creating an engaging environment for social gatherings.
The Grand Salon by Meyer Davis
Meyer Davis‘s Grand Salon exudes opulence and grandeur. The design emphasizes Artemest’s luxurious furnishings and artworks, crafting a space that celebrates the richness of Italian design heritage.
The Bedroom by Champalimaud Design
Champalimaud Design‘s Bedroom offers a serene retreat within the Artemest Apartment. Using Artemest’s artisanal pieces, the room blends comfort with style, showcasing a deep appreciation for Italian craftsmanship.
The Reading Room & Studio by Nebras Aljoaib
The Artemest Apartment’s Reading Room & Studio by Nebras Aljoaib is a blend of tranquility and inspiration. The design incorporates Artemest’s curated selections, creating a space conducive to reflection and creativity.
The Historic Setting: Palazzo Donizetti, Milan
Nestled in the heart of Milan, the Artemest Apartment found its home within the esteemed Palazzo Donizetti, located at Via Gaetano Donizetti 48. This 19th-century architectural gem, characterized by its Renaissance grace, Baroque opulence, and touches of Liberty style, provided an exquisite backdrop for the third edition of L’Appartamento by Artemest during Milan Design Week 2025. The palazzo’s interiors, adorned with soaring ceilings, detailed frescoes and a striking elliptical staircase with a wrought-iron balustrade, offered an immersive journey into Italian artistry and heritage. This historic residence served as the perfect setting to celebrate a decade of Italian design excellence, as envisioned by Artemest and brought to life by six internationally acclaimed interior design studios.
You May Also Like
And you? What do you think about the Artemest Apartment? Share your thoughts with us!
Stay tuned to our Journal for exclusive insights, expert advice and timeless elegance.
Most Iconic Interior Designers: David Hicks
David Hicks: The Mastermind Behind Timeless Interiors
David Hicks was a prominent English interior decorator and designer, renowned for his innovative approach to interior design during the 1960s and 1970s. Born in Essex, Hicks attended Charterhouse School and later the Central School of Arts and Crafts in London.
He began his design career in 1954 when House & Garden magazine featured his decoration of his mother’s London home. This exposure led to a flourishing career, with Hicks becoming one of London’s most sought-after designers. His style was characterized by the bold use of contrasting colors, geometric patterns and the eclectic mixing of antique and modern furnishings. Hicks’s clientele included royalty, aristocrats and celebrities, and his projects spanned private residences, hotels, restaurants and even product designs.
In his 1968 book, David Hicks on Living—With Taste, he stated, “My greatest contribution as an interior designer has been to show people how to use bold color mixtures, how to use patterned carpets, how to light rooms and how to mix old with new.” His legacy continues to influence interior design, with his work remaining a benchmark for creativity and boldness in the field.
The Legacy of Bold Elegance
One of Hicks’s most significant contributions was his innovative approach to carpeting. In the early 1960s, he introduced vibrant, patterned carpets, including his iconic hexagonal design, which became a hallmark of his style. These designs gained prominence, adorning spaces like Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace. His influence extended to popular culture, with his patterns featured in films such as Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining” and Pixar’s “Toy Story.”
In fact, this inspired David Hicks’s daughter, Ashley Hicks, to create an eggplant-hued chain-link carpet for the London apartment she shares with her wife, Kata.
The Genius of David Hicks
Beyond interiors, Hicks’s impact was multifaceted. He ventured into designing fashion and jewelry collections, set designs for films and garden landscapes. His dedication to design excellence earned him numerous accolades, including induction into the Interior Design Hall of Fame. Hicks’s legacy continues through his writings and the enduring appeal of his design aesthetics, influencing designers and enthusiasts worldwide.
David Hicks’s Most Defining Projects
David Hicks’s most defining projects showcase his bold and innovative approach to interior design. At Baronscourt in Northern Ireland, he revitalized the historic estate with vibrant colors and modern furnishings, transforming traditional spaces into dynamic, contemporary environments.
In London, the Chelsea Drugstore, opened in 1968, embodied the spirit of the Swinging Sixties. Its sleek, modern design featured travertine and brushed steel, housing bars, a chemist and record stores across three floors. The venue became a cultural icon, even featuring in Stanley Kubrick’s film A Clockwork Orange.
Hicks’s work on the St. Regis Hotel Suites in New York brought British elegance and geometric precision to a cosmopolitan setting. His designs combined luxurious materials with bold color palettes, creating spaces that were both sophisticated and inviting.
Villa Verde in Portugal stands as one of Hicks’s most comprehensive projects. Commissioned by close friends Amin and Nahid Ghani, he oversaw every aspect – from selecting the site to designing the architecture, interiors, and landscaping. The villa showcases his signature style: a seamless mix of classic and modern elements, meticulous attention to detail and a cohesive aesthetic throughout.
Matching the Style
And you? What do you think of David Hicks’s design style? Do you like it?
Stay tuned to our Journal for exclusive insights, expert advice and timeless elegance.
You might also like: Most Iconic Interior Designers: Jacques Grange
Most Iconic Interior Designers: Jacques Grange
Jacques Grange, born on June 27, 1944, in Saint-Amand-Montrond, France, is a distinguished French interior designer renowned for his ability to blend traditional elegance with contemporary flair. He began his formal education at the Lycée Gerson and Lycée Janson-de-Sailly, followed by studies at the École Boulle and École Camondo in Paris, institutions celebrated for their rigorous training in decorative arts.
In 1965, Grange joined the esteemed design firm of Henri Samuel, where he honed his craft before establishing his own practice in 1970. Throughout his illustrious career, he has curated interiors for a host of high-profile clients, including Yves Saint Laurent, Pierre Bergé, Princess Caroline of Monaco and Valentino. Notably, he decorated the Château Gabriel in Benerville-sur-Mer for Saint Laurent and Bergé, drawing inspiration from Proust’s “In Search of Lost Time.”
Grange’s design philosophy is characterized by an eclectic mix of periods and influences, seamlessly integrating antique and modern elements to create sophisticated and personalized spaces. His contributions to interior design have earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur, reflecting his significant impact on the field.
Beyond his design work, Grange has influenced the industry through his mentorship under Henri Samuel and his ongoing commitment to excellence, inspiring both peers and emerging designers worldwide.
“Art doesn’t transform a space, but it magnifies it and gives it a rare flavor and style.”
Mastering the Art of Creating Timeless and Sophisticated Interiors
Jacques Grange has curated numerous residential projects that seamlessly blend traditional elegance with contemporary flair. Notably, he transformed Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé’s Château Gabriel in Benerville-sur-Mer, creating a luxurious and sophisticated retreat. In Manhattan, Grange designed Terry de Gunzburg’s residence, crafting a warm and refined environment that mirrors the owner’s lifestyle. Additionally, his own retreat, Casa Nina, comprises a series of cabanas nestled in Portugal’s Alentejo region, exemplifying his signature fusion of rustic charm and refined design. These projects highlight Grange’s adeptness at harmonizing classic and modern elements, resulting in unique and personalized interiors that cater to each client’s distinct vision.
In addition to his residential projects, Jacques Grange has significantly contributed to the design of prestigious commercial and hospitality establishments. Notably, he reimagined The Mark Hotel on Madison Avenue in New York City, blending modern luxury with timeless elegance. He also collaborated with Francis Ford Coppola to restore Palazzo Margherita in Bernalda, Italy, infusing the space with rich cultural elements and sophisticated design.
Top Projects by Jacques Grange
Paris Apartment
The apartment, a spacious and elegant residence with a traditional L-shaped layout, initially featured a classic floor plan. A long enfilade connected the main living spaces, preserving a sense of old-world charm and architectural continuity. Jacques Grange, however, brought his signature balance of heritage and modernity by completely reconfiguring the shorter wing of the “L.” This is where he introduced a sleek, contemporary kitchen and a modern bathroom – two spaces that now contrast beautifully with the more classical elements of the home.
Grange approached the project with a deeply personal touch, designing it for a friend and shaping every detail through close dialogue. “We spoke about everything, and where to put each piece,” he notes. The result is a warm, layered interior that blends vintage character with modern comfort, creating a space that feels both timeless and alive. As Grange reflects on the experience, he emphasizes the mutual exchange that defined the process: “We taught each other things. I am not interested in just sitting quietly with my own old thoughts. I learned too.”
Style Match
Gala Armchair
Mesmerizing Paris Mansion
Jacques Grange transformed a 19th-century hôtel particulier in Paris, blending historical grandeur with contemporary elegance. The mansion, built between 1870 and 1872, boasts expansive windows overlooking the Seine River and the Musée du Louvre. Grange’s design harmoniously combines opulent fabrics, custom-designed carpets, and innovative room transformations, resulting in a luxurious and art-filled residence.
One of the most striking features is the minimalist swimming pool in the basement, illuminated by atmospheric lighting designed by artist James Turrell. This addition provides a serene and otherworldly complement to the mansion’s historic architecture.
Grange’s meticulous restoration and design work exemplify a masterful blend of past and present, creating a mesmerizing Parisian mansion that honors its rich history while embracing modern luxury.
Style Match
Romy Sofa
Christian Louboutin’s Penthouse
Jacques Grange designed his longtime friend Christian Louboutin’s Paris penthouse as a testament to the fusion of luxury and personal expression. Situated with views of the Eiffel Tower, the apartment showcases Louboutin’s penchant for vibrant colors and eclectic art. Grange’s design features ample spaces for entertaining, with a loft-like living area adorned with vintage furniture and custom-designed elements inspired by Louboutin’s observations, such as skylights reminiscent of metal cat flaps he noticed across the street. The bedroom, intentionally designed without a guest room, reflects Louboutin’s candidness about his lifestyle, with over 50 pairs of shoes casually arranged on the floor.
Style Match
Nancy Sofa
Pierre Passebon’s Apartment
Jacques Grange collaborated with his partner Pierre Passebon to transform Passebon’s 1820s Directoire apartment in Paris into a harmonious blend of history and modernity. Grange reimagined the space by removing interior walls to create an open, fluid layout that showcases a curated mix of modernist furniture, antique pieces and contemporary art. Notable features include a custom-designed quilted sofa by Grange, a striking 16th-century Italian marble fireplace, and vibrant artworks like Gino Marotta’s Amore Mio. The apartment reflects Grange’s signature style—merging diverse eras and cultures into a cohesive, elegant environment that balances eclecticism with refined taste.
Style Match
La Danse Dining Table
“Grange’s decor cannot be explained; it is the Grange style.”
Pierre Passebon
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to interior design, Grange was honored with the title of Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres and Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur. Furthermore, in 2014, he received the Trophée des Arts from the French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) during their annual gala at New York City’s Plaza Hotel.
And you? What do you think of Jacques Grange’s style? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
Stay tuned to our Journal for exclusive insights, expert advice, and timeless elegance.
You might also like: Most Iconic Interior Designers: Elsie de Wolfe
