Sweet Suite de Castillo

Permalink         Comments (None)        
Posted March 8, 2013. Filed in Lorenzo Castillo, The New Eclectic

One of today’s talented and in-demand interior designers is the Spaniard, Lorenzo Castillo, whose Madrid townhouse ensconced within a palace is fast becoming legendary and much copied. With bold strokes of color reminiscent of David Hicks and layered rooms conceived with the eye of a romantic classicist,  el estilo del Castillo is defining today’s New Eclecticism. The following photos feature a new suite recently completed by Castillo within the confines of the palacio which serves as his home, showroom gallery, and office.

A view of the staircase from the gallery within the palacio reveals Castillo’s taste for classical symmetry and refined elegance with bold strokes of color-blocking reminiscent of Dorothy Draper. The orderly arrangement of art in a grid pattern brings to mind David Hicks. The cool mint painted panels are a refreshing contrast to the strong black color framing them. It’s classic and new all at once.

A place to lounge and read: citrine Rubelli velvet on the chaise pops against the grayed blue stylized sand dollar-paisley motif of the Sanderson wall covering. I’m still trying “to like” the side table and shag carpeting! I don’t think I have yet successfully rid myself of uncomfortable associations with 70’s (shag) and 80’s (brass) decoration.

In the same long gallery-like space Castillo created a dining area showcasing his talent for mixing patterns and styles. His adept hand at layering never feels contrived but honest and soulful. He proves my mantra that “it’s all in the mix”.

Another view of the same space shows Lorenzo’s penchant for exotic textiles and chinoiserie. The blanc-et-celdon-de-chine ginger jars feel fresh and modern atop the perceived weight of the black lacquered Chinese cabinet.

On a wall in the hall off the courtyard, which gives access to the apartment, a painting in an Art Deco period frame by Lorenzo’s brother, Santiago Castillo, hangs above a Carolos II console. The pair of lions are Italian; The bird cage Napoleon II, and the chair, covered in Mallorcan cloth, is a Lorenzo Castillo design. The unexpected contrast of disparate styles and periods is not only affective but seductive: the flourish of the rococo in the console beside a modest chair with Bohemian flair is sublime.

A collection of woven bull heads from the 60’s stagger the walls of the kitchen lined with oak cabinets. The Swiss pine table is from the 1940’s; the bamboo armchair is American, c. 1970’s.

The bedroom, viewed from a balcony, shares the same Sanderson wallcovering with the main salon in tomato red, which pours onto the (dare I say “shag”?) carpeting, a Louix XV cracked leather stool and checkered wool curtains from Sanderson – all contributing to a decidedly louche atmosphere, finished off with a fur bed cover. Al-luring!

In another view of the bedroom interesting tension is created with a 12-century Spanish portrait hung above a 1970’s Op Art painting by José María Yturralde. The tufted Rubelli velvet upholstered bed adds another note of louche decadence.

In the vintage marble bath striped wall paper from Ralph Lauren Home covers the walls. The unique link-design of the shower doors and cabinet are pronounced by an old ship’s mirror hanging above the sink.

And that is all for this fine Friday afternoon. Have a beautiful weekend!

Content courtesy of the January issue of AD Espana. Photography by Pablo Zuloaga.