ISSUE NO. 01

A September Issue

Welcome to the first issue of Design Dossier—a weekly art exploration into the world’s most culture-defining designs. I'm excited that you're here.

Each week, we’ll uncover emerging trends, admire timeless elegance, dive into the minds of global creatives, and find unexpected inspirations. Without further ado, let’s dive in.

ARCHITECTURALLY CURIOUS

A Contemporary Twist on a Historic Lake Como Villa

The renovation of this historic 18th-century villa on Lake Como marries the villa’s original charm with modern design elements, featuring a refined facade, an eclectic garden, and a stylishly updated interior.

Preserving the Historic Exterior

By preserving its classic facade and adding modern features—new awnings and green shutters, the villa maintains its historical charm while benefiting from contemporary updates. This blend of old and new keeps the building's original character intact while enhancing its functionality and visual interest.

Adding Interior Monochromatic Finishes

The mix of original features with modern, monochromatic finishes creates a bold visual contrast. Lighter colors in lakefront rooms match the deep-blue water outside, while darker tones in other areas make the space feel cozy and intimate. Mirrored ceilings add a contemporary touch, making the rooms feel more open and reflective.

GLOBAL GLIMPSE

São Paulo: The Emerging Creative Luxury Hotel Scene

São Paulo—or Sampa, as locals call it—is the cultural heartbeat of Brazil. It's a vibrant hub where artists gather to showcase their work, making their creations an essential part of the city.

For years, São Paulo has had only a few hotels that truly impressed global travelers, but that’s changing now. The city is seeing a surge in luxury hotels and residential projects, highlighted by the opening of Rosewood, Pulso Hotel and Soho House.

Setting the Scene

After years of renovating a beautiful early 20th-century Italian-style building surrounded by tropical gardens, Soho House has officially opened its doors. This is the brand's first location in South America, blending its luxury vibe with local culture.

The house is located in Bela Vista, a neighborhood near Avenida Paulista, São Paulo's main commercial street known for its excellent shopping, museums like MASP, and car-free Sundays.

Blending Nature & Architecture

Brazilian architecture is famous for its creative use of space and its blend with nature. In the Pinheiros neighborhood, hotelier Otavio Suriani has launched the Pulso Hotel, capturing the essence of the city with a boutique hotel vibe that’s been missing for decades.

Inside, floor-to-ceiling glass windows flood the minimalist lobby with natural light, connecting the indoors with a garden-filled courtyard. Green marble, leather, and hand-woven bed throws add subtle elegance to the public spaces and guestrooms, while iconic furniture pieces, like Warren Platner’s armchair, bring a touch of classic design to the hotel’s refined aesthetic.

VISUAL COMFORT

Commune Studio Unveils New "Muffin" Collection

LA-based studio Commune, known for vibrant designs featured in high-end projects and West Elm collections, has teamed up again with British furniture maker George Smith.

Modern Art Deco

The new "Muffin" collection, debuting at the London Design Festival on September 18th, blends 1930s art deco with a modern twist. It includes a sofa, armchair, chaise, and ottoman, designed to pair with contemporary and vintage furniture.

Custom Elegance

Highlighted in Reseda Green mohair with white oak feet, the Muffin pieces reflect a playful yet refined elegance. Each item can be customized with any fabric, showcasing George Smith’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

CULTURALLY RELEVANT

Exploring Art and Design at Milano Design Week

At Milano Design Week, Giles Tettey Nartey unveiled "Communion"—a sculptural table made from American maple with a black patina that reflects a unique blend of design, art, and sustainability.

The Concept: Sustainable Design

Communion was created for the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), which promotes the sustainable use of American hardwoods. Through Communion, Nartey demonstrates how design can align with environmental goals and support forest regeneration—promoting eco-friendly practices.

The Vision: Turning Daily Rituals into Art

Nartey merges West African rituals with art and design. Communion reimagines everyday practices like food preparation and storytelling as performance art. In Ghana, the act of pounding fufu—a traditional food—served as inspiration, symbolizing the intersection of culture, ritual, and design.

Challenging Boundaries

I was drawn to Communion because it blurs the line between functional objects and art. Nartey is redefining rituals as art forms—inviting a deeper appreciation of the cultural significance and encouraging a holistic approach to design.

DESIGNER PICKS

Things I’m Currently Obsessing Over

Hayon's Archivo Shelves

Originally designed for Hayon’s own home and created in collaboration with &Tradition, these irregularly divided shelves showcase an ornamental playfulness to every space it occupies. Personally, I’m loving the pop of color the sky blue selection brings.

JJ Heated Towel Rail

Inspired by minimalist sculptures, these elegant heated towel rails feature a sleek aluminum design with two heated shelves and a hidden slot for towels or bathrobes, adding a spa-like touch to any bathroom.

Wahaaj Tables

These modular tables, made from semi-transparent plastic and recycled fabric, showcase translucent, kaleidoscopic colors inspired by Qatari stained glass. The eco-friendly materials create a visually striking and sustainable design statement.

MUSICAL INTERLUDE

What I'm Listening to in September

September’s here, and part of my creative journey is finding new artists across different mediums. I've curated what I have on repeat, setting the perfect musical backdrop for early autumn. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do—I’ll see you next week, my friend.