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Latitude 43, an iconic 1930’s building by Georges-Henri Pingusson ‘has been reimagined as a refined tribute to the Modern Movement and nautical aesthetics’
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The force of Dimori’s creative genius coalesces in Étage 5: immediately striking is a singular focus on design essentials. The lack of forced unnecessaries aids the powerful aesthetic of refinement and functionality. Although at the forefront of contemporary design the apartment is infused with both timeless qualities and a sober eclecticism.
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Étage 5 exudes personality and style: the size of the apartment dictates that every facet has equal status in the design objective, the appointments and the narrative; essential because the brief likely more problematic when space is limited to 120 square metres. In conjunction with the trim nature of the apartment, and part of the big picture is undoubtedly space augmentation. The designers, working instinctively, utilize myriad and tonally related natural textures like cow hide, tiles, rattan/sisal, wool and ‘velvet’ from within a limited palette, combining muted with strong tones. Aiding that factor, the employment of reflective and flat finishes in the cabinetry and furniture.
A case in point; the lower horizontal shelving unit in the living room extends along the length of the wall to end finally in support of the bench seating in the eating area: the horizontal expanse aids the impression of length and continuity. Moreover, the texture and tone of the bank shelving differs slightly in tone and texture from the cabinet/shelf above and yet aligns smoothly to the sisal matting thus aiding the impression of length in the other direction.
Similarly, the vertical sides and trim of the upright cabinet / shelf have a mirror finish, this simple element, along with enclosed negative space subtly heightens the verticality and extent of the room. Further, the discrete spaces are distinctive and multi-faceted with a depth of use and adaptability (the Corbusier armchairs can be moved around at will), and thus, the designers have both astutely and delicately magnified the impression of space. Whilst clearly the mindset eschews gratuity generally the various negative spaces give the rooms lightness and authority, while functional areas materialize both decorously and consequentially.
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The compact lodging takes its cues and hues from two distinguishing areas. The Modern Movement (the connection to nature via the sequence of plain rectangular windows with door opening onto the balcony and St Tropez) and the colours of nature – specifically the ocean: shimmering tones of amber, agate, teal, oyster-ivory, lichen, burgundy and coconut brown. Additionally, colour and space are discerningly amplified by a combination of high-sheen with flat finishes.
Apart from increasing the sense of space, Dimore have vibrantly summarised an inter-generational design précis; one undeniably representative of place. These aspects spearhead the anecdote of St Tropez as the pinnacle of a scintillating contemporary lifestyle.
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The perceptive use of texture (colour, textile, leather and other quality finishes) reflects a rich cultivated milieu.
A compelling sense of the client’s character, sense of self and place in the world is portrayed as a mirror image of both the apartment and the relaxed yet luxurious lifestyle of St Tropez. Sense of place can be described as the inherent emotional and cultural attachment to a place via a multitude of factors such as architecture, art, the cafe and restaurent scene and the general lifestyle and atmosphere; so that every aspect is reflected back as a representation of yourself.
Those elements feed into the narrative of the apartment as a conceptual and stylistic powerhouse, epitomised in the DimoreMilano Oriente A pendant light; an exquisitely delicate and whimsical injection of elegance. The entire scheme summarised in this graceful object. In this context it projects as edgy inclusive design infused with a waft of orientalism and traditionalism, and one subtly and adroitly overlayed with touch of feminine mystique.
Allegra Hicks: I love the contrast between something that feels masculine and strong, and something that’s delicate and traditionally feminine,” she says. “It’s about transformation – of material, of meaning.
Dimore is conspicuous for both leading-edge design as well as a unique interpretation of design history in both extensive and specific ways.
Consider the Diurno Venezia print and accompanying deco-mid-century style lighting: they float between and differ from the aesthetic that encloses them adding to the story of cultivated milieu.
Style dialogues ensure the small scale apartment unfolds in interesting and unexpected ways, manifesting as greater than the sum of its parts.
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From within the heart of contemporary style Dimore looks to challenge and electrify the zeitgeist: the final arbiter of style must supercede global trends whilst spontaneously recognise the apartment as the very forefront of modern design.
Étage 5 represents a sedate yet charismatic snapshot of a cultured genteel life, of what is important, and what is projected: while the composed nature of the design infers both speculative musings and a celebration of the life well lived.
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Dimore Studio / Dimore Studio – Inst: @dimorestudio
Andrea Ferrari Studio / Andrea Ferrari Studio – Inst: @andreaferraristudio
