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Andrea Benedettini On Designing a Library
10 Jun 2024
WOW! House has made its grand return, once again to the Design Centre Chelsea Harbour, inviting visitors to marvel at the awe-inspiring creativity of world-class interior designers in a one-of-a-kind showhouse. This year our team were invited to curate books for Chase Erwin's breathtaking library space, designed by Andrea Benedettini.~~Since launching his studio in 2020, Benedettini has swiftly risen to prominence, praised for his unique fusion of classical references, period features and contemporary aesthetic reinterpreted for the modern homeowner. Ahead of the WOW! House launch we spoke to him about the inspiration behind this collaborative project; the vital role books play in his creative process and, his must-reads for anyone passionate about interior design.
At the heart of our studio lies a belief in originality, personality, and identity. While our designs are tailored to meet our clients' requirements, I've always been sure of who I am and infuse every project with elements of my personality. My classic contemporary aesthetic merges natural and organic elements with clean lines and occasional rustic touches which reflect my Tuscan roots.
A prime example of this blend is the WOW! House library, inspired by ballet, particularly Swan Lake, which epitomises elegance and romanticism for me. Having trained as a ballet designer since the age of eight, this theme is deeply personal. The influence of ballet is evident in the interiors, featuring swivel armchairs, elegant tassels, secret doors, a stylised forest on the ceiling, a rug mimicking rippling water, and a green leather floor that brings nature indoors.
Libraries should serve as sanctuaries offering entry into different worlds. For our design at WOW! House, we aimed to evoke this sense of escapism. We achieved this by creating an immersive, theatrical atmosphere with luxurious curtain walls that wrap around the room, crystal chandeliers, and a bar, all reminiscent of attending the theater. I always approach design projects by imagining myself living in the space. I'm detail-oriented and believe that if I love the result, others will too. One particularly exciting aspect of WOW! House was the lack of budget constraints, which allowed my imagination to run wild and and hopefully inspires visitors to do the same. I collaborated with suppliers who create the most beautiful, imaginative pieces that bring the fantastical into reality. The final design is a cozy, elegant, and quiet space that invites visitors to curl up with a good book and get lost in its pages.
A room without books feels incomplete. Books are more than just a finishing touch; they are an essential ingredient that adds warmth and character to a space. In our design projects, we always incorporate a variety of books, from vintage volumes to beautifully illustrated coffee table books, to enhance and complement the room's personality.
We are currently engaged in a diverse range of projects, from family homes in Dulwich and Hampstead to a larger project in Eaton Place, along with several smaller projects scattered throughout London. There's so much more to come so stay tuned! This is just the beginning— so many more exciting projects ahead!
BY Gil Schafer
With my architectural background, I found it fascinating to gain insights from an interior architect specializing in reinterpreting classical aesthetics. Schafer skillfully blends contemporary designs with classical elements, adapting the style to suit modern needs.
BY STEPHEN CALLOWAY
I always keep this book in our design studio for my team to read and reference. Calloway's reflections on architectural design over the past 500 years provide a chronological guide through the significant styles and periods.
BY Alex Vervoordt
Axel Vervoordt has always been one of my design heroes. His simplicity and use of antiques have significantly influenced my own design aesthetic. In his book, he explores twenty-three houses, each showcasing its own distinct atmosphere.
We want to thank Andrea Benedettini for being our expert this month. You can find out more about his work on his
website
and on his
Instagram
. If you want to learn more about the WOW!Talks at the Design Centre Chelsea Harbour, you can visit their
website
.
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We believe in the power of books to create a sense of place and new perspectives. Our bespoke book collections have a great impact on a guest’s overall experience of a hotel or resort. It’s small extras like books in rooms and library spaces that make a guest’s stay extra special, and many of our clients receive high praise for their book collections. For private clients they make a house their home.
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