Renowned AD100 designer, Vincenzo De Cotiis, breathes new life into the historic Palazzo Giustinian Lolin.
Inspired by the architecture, the history, the monumentality of Venice The designer Vincenzo de cotiis where he tries to convey the feeling of the the 15th century Italian Palazzo construction.
On a misty afternoon in the month of February, as a handful of small boats glide along the glistening waterway, one cannot help but be enraptured by the rich history that this palazzo exudes.
As the Vincenzo De Cotiis’s wife, Claudia Rose De Cotiis, muses on the significance of this remarkable city, one begins to grasp the magnificence of Venice’s palazzo rise to become a hub of global trade and cultural exchange during the 15th century. Truly, there is something enchanting about this Italian Palazzo, a sense of being transported back in time to a bygone era of grandeur and sophistication.
With its origins dating back to the 15th century and originally built by the esteemed Miani family, the magnificent Palazzo Giustinian Lolin was eventually acquired by the Lolins in the early 17th century. With the aid of the renowned Venetian architect, Baldassare Longhena, the palazzo underwent a significant transformation around 1630, resulting in its awe-inspiring form that we see today. Through the twists and turns of history, the palazzo eventually passed into the hands of Giovanni Giustinian, a relative of the original owners, who continued to uphold the palazzo’s legacy of grandeur and splendor.
Throughout the course of its existence, the Palazzo Giustinian Lolin has been home to a myriad of residents, each contributing their own unique touch to the grandeur and opulence of the property. As one wanders through the hallowed halls of this architectural masterpiece, one is struck by the many layers of history that have accumulated over the centuries.
From the dazzling glass chandeliers that hang from the ceilings, to the mesmerizing cyan-colored silk wall panels that adorn the walls, each detail speaks to the grandeur and sophistication of a by gone era. And yet, perhaps the most unforgettable of all are the four magnificent paintings by Jean Raoux, which were part of the palazzo’s original inventory way back in 1766. Indeed, every corner of this exquisite palazzo is imbued with a sense of wonder and magic, a testament to the enduring legacy of the remarkable individuals who have called it home over the years, and it is part of Vicenzo De cotiis.
With an artist’s eye for detail and a deep appreciation for history, Vincenzo De Cotiis is thrilled at the opportunity to leave his own unique mark on the already illustrious Palazzo Giustinian Lolin.
Vincenzo De Cotiis vision is to sensitively restore the primary floor, seamlessly blending the palazzo’s rich past with the vibrant and dynamic culture of modern-day Venice. In doing so, he hopes to create a space that not only honors the grandeur and sophistication of the palazzo’s storied history, but also serves as a hub for the city’s thriving contemporary art, fashion, and cultural scenes.
As one enters the grand hall of the Palazzo Giustinian Lolin, the senses are immediately captivated by the sheer opulence and grandeur of the space. The massive chandelier, resplendent with golden chains and dazzling Murano glass, casts a warm and inviting glow across the room, while the walls themselves tell a story of centuries gone by. From the remnants of 19th-century marmorino decorations that still adorn the plastered walls, to the intricately carved burl-walnut doors, every detail speaks to the palazzo’s rich and storied history.
Nonetheless, within this timeless splendor, one cannot help but note the avant-garde seating area, which mixes effortlessly with the space’s classic components. This is Vincenzo De Cotiis’ vision, and his sculptural sculptures bring a dramatic and modern touch to the area.
The cocktail table, made of cast brass, reclaimed fiberglass, and malachite, exemplifies the designer’s inventive and adventurous approach. And the soft mohair velvet sofa invites visitors to unwind and enjoy the opulent surroundings. It is the Palazzo Giustinian Lolin’s combination of old and new, classic and modern, that truly distinguishes it and makes it a genuinely unique and engaging setting.
With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the palazzo’s unique history, Vincenzo De Cotiis has executed his renovations with the utmost care and precision. His focus has been primarily on surface-level updates, discreetly concealing unsightly heating and electrical systems with polished silver-plated balustrades. Careful attention has also been paid to the lighting design, with track lighting seamlessly tucked away within the decorated timber beams of the ceiling.
In his quest for perfection, Vincenzo has even eliminated the relics of a terrible ’80s renovation, ensuring that every aspect of the room testifies to its rich and historic past. Vincenzo’s renovations are distinguished by their uncompromising devotion to both form and function, resulting in a space that is both visually gorgeous and completely functional for modern-day use. Vincenzo De Cotiis has produced a place that is both timeless and forward-thinking by carefully blending the palazzo’s heritage with the demands of modern living.
Vincenzo De Cotiis’s reverence for the palazzo’s history is evident in every design choice he has made. Rather than imposing his own vision upon the space, Vincenzo De cotiis has focused on enhancing and restoring what was already present. Silk tapestries have been meticulously restored, while original terrazzo floors have been uncovered and brought back to their former glory. Even the vermilion wall panels have been refurbished to their original luster, their vibrant hue evoking the rich history of the space.
In a departure from his usual palette, Vincenzo has incorporated the colors of Venice itself into his design. The blues, drawn from the original silk wall covering, reflect the tranquil waters of the lagoon outside the palazzo’s windows.
Meanwhile, the rich reds found throughout the space pay homage to the neighboring palazzo, further connecting the space to its surroundings. Vincenzo’s expert use of color and attention to detail have resulted in a space that is both timeless and of the moment, perfectly marrying past and present in a seamless blend of old-world elegance and modern sensibility.
Vincenzo De Cotiis’s creativity is on full display in the unique objects he has curated for the palazzo. Each piece tells a story, and has been carefully selected to fit seamlessly into the Venetian context.
One standout example is the hulking cabinet in the primary bedroom. Crafted from a combination of German silver, hand-painted fiberglass, and white bronze, this striking piece is a nod to traditional Venetian design. Its ziggurat form is reminiscent of 16th century typologies that might have been used to store dishes, but Vincenzo has repurposed it to hold books and other personal items. The cabinet’s modern materials and contemporary design add a fresh twist to the space, while its nod to the palazzo’s rich history ties it perfectly into the overall narrative of the design.
With his characteristic flair, Vincenzo De Cotiis sourced exquisite materials from far and wide, transported by canal to the Palazzo Giustinian Lolin. In his inimitable style, he juxtaposes the grandeur of marble, precious metals, and Murano glass with the alluring patina of unconventional elements. Hand-painted recycled fiberglass, evocative of precious stones, features prominently in his bespoke furniture pieces. An artfully crafted bed platform in brutalist style, perched atop the original terrazzo floors, bears a hand-painted finish that mimics the texture of weathered concrete.
In the quest for a harmonious relationship between art and life, Vincenzo de Cotiis believes that the home plays an essential role. This belief has been the driving force behind his renovation of historic properties, a passion that has also inspired his sculptural practice. His latest series focuses on arches, symbols of innovation that have fascinated Vincenzo De Cotiis throughout his career.
Set to debut this fall at Carpenters Workshop Gallery’s new Ladbroke Hall flagship in London, his works will be showcased alongside his designs for a restaurant and a boardroom. Vincenzo De cotiis’s approach defies traditional categorizations and blurs the boundaries between art, design, furniture, and painting. It is this creative fluidity that makes his work so compelling and allows him to bring a fresh perspective to every project he undertakes.
Thank you to be part in this Italian Palazzo tour! We are thrilled to share with you this new story unfolding as designer Vincenzo De Cotiis and his wife new life into this historic space. Our hope is that their creative vision will inspire you to embark on your own historical project.
If you’re seeking further inspiration, we invite you to peruse our Interiors page where you’ll find a collection of artistic and unique designs. We hope you enjoy your visit and leave feeling energized to create something truly special.
