Film director Luca Guadagnino’s interior design studio, Studiolucaguadagnino, has unveiled its first hospitality project, transforming a historic 16th-century palazzo in Rome into the luxurious Palazzo Talia.
Initially a school for disadvantaged children, the Nobile Collegio del Nazareno evolved into a prestigious institution for the aristocracy’s youth before its closure in 1999. The Federici family from Gruppo Fresia has since rejuvenated the palazzo, commissioning Studiolucaguadagnino for the design of its communal areas.
Project manager Pablo Molezun articulated the exhilaration of reimagining the historical site: “The most thrilling part was contemplating how to make our mark on a place so rich in history and custom-fit it with a unique, new essence to revitalize the palace.”
The hotel’s showpiece, the 248-square-metre Magna Hall, is graced with 18th-century frescoes by Gaspare Serenario. A striking floral carpet in the reception lobby leads guests to this magnificent area. The design focuses on “chromaticism,” a harmonious decorative effect created using a broad spectrum of colour shades and in-depth collaboration with artisans.
The Bar della Musa is distinguished by its ancient frescoes adorning the ceiling and the textured blown-glass mirror panels along its walls. The top-floor Terrace Suite, featuring peach wood paneling and a snug alcove bed, boasts a 66-square-metre terrace that gazes upon the inner courtyard, now an “urban oasis” thanks to landscape artist Blue Mambor.
Architect Marianna Lubrano Lavadera and designer Laura Feroldi designed the remaining 25 rooms and suites, merging classic and contemporary styles with distinctive furniture pieces.