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In the world of interior design, certain creators stand out for their immense knowledge and ability to transform the spaces we live in, shop at, and dine out into masterpieces of luxury and innovation. In this edition of the Design Affair, we highlight five exceptional designers and their projects, each chosen for their unparalleled expertise and visionary approach to design. From Paris to New York, Manama to Mumbai, and Lisbon to Florence, these designers exemplify the art of blending historical influences with contemporary elegance, crafting environments that radiate know-how as they captivate and inspire.

Stéphanie Coutas | Villa M, France

Photos by Francis Amiand

We have long adored Stéphanie Coutas and her Paris-based firm. Her transformation of this 1000 m² Art Deco apartment into a breathtaking family home exemplifies our obsession. Stéphanie’s designs epitomize luxury and innovation, leaving us in awe and always craving more. Her immense knowledge and expertise in creating interiors filled with custom details and the most exquisite materials are unparalleled.

In this project, Stéphanie Coutas seamlessly blends 1930s references with brutalist textures, creating luminous serenity. She brilliantly transformed a modest townhouse, once occupied by nuns, into a luxurious haven featuring a mosaic-adorned swimming pool, gym, and spa. The home showcases the finest craftsmanship, from Dunod Mallier’s cubist ironwork to Christophe Fey’s leather sheathing. Each space is adorned with refined décor, making every room a masterpiece. | stephaniecoutas.com

Laura Gonzalez | Printemps New York, USA

Photos by Gieves Anderson

Laura Gonzalez is celebrated for her ability to blend diverse influences into cohesive and enchanting spaces. Her work is characterized by a unique style that merges historical elements with modern innovation, creating atmospheres that are both timeless and vibrant. Entrusted by the French luxury department store Printemps to design their concept in New York, Laura brings her immense knowledge and flair for creating visual dialogues between distinct worlds. Her designs are a tribute to cultural and stylistic fusion, capturing the essence of Paris and New York through a symbiotic relationship between heritage and contemporary vibrancy.

Printemps New York, a 5,000 m² space, is a captivating blend of Parisian elegance and New York modernity. Inspired by the codes of a Parisian apartment, the project interprets the interaction between Printemps’ rich history and the architectural grandeur of One Wall Street. Laura transforms classic materials, enhancing oak parquet with stone inlays and reimagined Art Nouveau tiles. The use of ecological materials and recycled elements underscores a commitment to sustainability. Each room offers a unique identity, harmonizing to create a fluid, immersive shopping experience that engages visitors in a sensory journey through interconnected spaces. | lauragonzalez.fr

MuseLab | Rehethann, A Multigenerational Residence, Kutch, Gujarat, India

Photos by Ishita Sitwala

Huzefa Rangwala and Jasem Pirani of MuseLab are the visionary designers behind this multigenerational residence that reimagines contemporary living through a fusion of Mediterranean and Mid-Century architectural elements. Known for their ability to blend timelessness with artisanship, they have crafted a home that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Gujarat. Their immense knowledge is evident in their design philosophy, which emphasizes rooted, texture-laden finishes, creating spaces that are both innovative and deeply connected to their surroundings.

Set in the ethereal landscape of Kutch, the project spans 13,000 square feet with design know-how emanating from every corner. The home features a tactile symphony of natural stones, wood, and glass, with corridors conceived as gallery-esque spaces. The design includes vibrant sanctuaries of rest, illuminated ceilings, and large fenestrations that blur indoor and outdoor boundaries, embodying a contemporary-Indian vein throughout. | muselab.in

Qreative Design | Obica Restaurant, Adiiya, Manama, Bahrain

Photos by Fadhi Muhammed

Mohamed Alqari, the distinguished architect and interior designer, is renowned for crafting luxurious homes and exquisite commercial spaces. With a Master’s degree in Architecture Heritage Conservation and Preservation from the University of Minnesota, he founded Qreative Design in 2020. His studio has grown into an award-winning design firm celebrated for its innovative and client-focused approach.

His project, Obica, a restaurant in Manama, Bahrain, exemplifies his design prowess. The restaurant is a theatrical ode to Bahrain’s artisanal excellence, featuring a chandelier of 78,000 mother-of-pearl shells inspired by Verner Panton’s work and deeply rooted in the country’s pearling legacy. The interior dazzles with its hexagonal mirror mosaic ceiling and bespoke elements in jewel tones like burgundy and emerald green. Richly veined marble adorns the reception area, while hand-painted wallpapers depict paradise-like scenes. Mohamed integrates functional elements seamlessly, such as hidden air conditioning, into the opulent design. Obica combines historic influences with a contemporary twist, showcasing Mohamad’s ability to blend palatial luxury with cultural depth. | quartivedesign.com

Casa do Passadiço | Aquazzura, Florence, Italy

Photos by Francisco Almeida Dias

Casa do Passadiço Interiors, founded by Catarina Rosas in 1992, has evolved into a renowned atelier known for its sophisticated and timeless interior design. Joined by her daughters, Cláudia and Catarina Soares Pereira, the studio initially focused on projects within its home country of Portugal but quickly gained international acclaim. Their expertise is reflected in designs that blend contemporary elegance with discreet luxury, crafting unique spaces that harmoniously combine materials to create a bold yet timeless ambiance.

The firm brought its daring expertise to luxury footwear brand Aquazzura’s first flagship store in Florence. Situated in the historic Palazzo Corsini, the store’s design masterfully contrasts the building’s restored 17th-century frescoes with bold geometric patterns. The striking entrance makes a statement that draws the eye in with black and white marble. Inside, the vibrant colors of the Pompeii frescoes are echoed in the furnishings, while Murano glass chandeliers provide a gentle ambiance. This project showcases the studio’s extensive design knowledge and is one of many stunning store designs Casa do Passadiço has created for Aquazzura around the world. | casadopassadico.com

About the Author

Emma Voigt leads Communications teams supporting changes to issue areas she is passionate about. With a background in Fashion Design, Social Science, and Conflict Resolution, she brings unique perspectives to current challenges. She is also a children’s book author and aspiring pilot. 

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