Dimore Studio, the Milan-based design powerhouse founded by Emiliano Salci and Britt Moran in 2003, has become synonymous with sophisticated, eclectic interiors that combine bold aesthetics with historical references. Their ability to create spaces that evoke emotion, tell stories, and push boundaries has earned them a place among the most innovative design studios in the world.
In this article, we will explore the design philosophy of Dimore Studio, review some of their most iconic projects, and understand how their bold, luxurious approach to design continues to influence both private residences and commercial spaces worldwide.
Dimore Studio’s Design Philosophy: Eclecticism Meets Elegance
What sets Dimore Studio apart from other design firms is their artful blend of different time periods, textures, and colors. Their work spans across eras, from mid-century modern to Art Deco, with layers of detail that create a visual feast in every project. While their designs are undeniably luxurious, there’s an unexpected mix of materials and styles that gives their spaces a unique, lived-in feel.
Their interiors are dramatic yet inviting, where rich color palettes meet opulent fabrics and vintage pieces are juxtaposed with contemporary art. They have mastered the art of making the old feel new again, turning antique furnishings into modern-day centerpieces, often alongside custom-designed pieces that are both functional and aesthetically daring.
Key Elements of Dimore Studio’s Work
- Bold Color Palettes and Patterns: Dimore Studio is renowned for its bold use of colors, often pairing jewel tones like deep emeralds, sapphire blues, and burnt oranges with luxurious materials like velvet, lacquered wood, and brass. Patterns also play a key role, whether it’s rich floral wallpaper or geometric floor tiles, adding layers of complexity to each room.
- Mixing Time Periods: Their interiors are a masterclass in blending eras. Dimore Studio’s signature is the seamless combination of historical elements—think vintage furniture and period architecture—with ultra-modern lighting or abstract art. This unique fusion creates spaces that feel timeless yet avant-garde.
- Luxurious Textures and Materials: Velvet, marble, polished metals, and lacquered surfaces are hallmarks of Dimore Studio’s opulent aesthetic. These materials not only add a sense of luxury but also create a sensory experience, where textures invite you to touch and engage with the space.
- Lighting as Art: The studio’s custom lighting designs are often the focal points of their projects. From sculptural pendants to atmospheric floor lamps, their lighting solutions are dramatic and impactful, emphasizing the studio’s meticulous attention to detail. These lights do more than illuminate—they shape the mood and enhance the experience of the space.
- Art Deco Influences: Dimore Studio frequently references the glamour and opulence of the Art Deco era, incorporating sleek lines, mirrored surfaces, and rich materials that evoke the roaring twenties. This influence gives their work a glamorous yet nostalgic feel.
Notable Projects by Dimore Studio
1. Hotel Saint-Marc, Paris
One of Dimore Studio’s most notable projects is the Hotel Saint-Marc in Paris, which beautifully encapsulates their eclectic style. This boutique hotel combines Art Deco design elements with mid-century modern furniture, creating a luxurious yet contemporary space. The bold use of color, such as emerald green walls paired with pink velvet sofas, gives each room its own distinct character. With marble bathrooms, bespoke furniture, and custom lighting, the hotel feels like a work of art, inviting guests into a world of vintage glamour with a modern twist.
2. Aesop, Milan
Dimore Studio designed the Aesop store in Milan, where their signature eclecticism takes on a more minimalist tone while retaining an artistic flair. The store features a sleek, modern design, with brushed steel shelving, reflective surfaces, and geometric elements. It showcases their versatility—proving they can create spaces that are both restrained and luxurious, depending on the context.
3. Casa Fayette, Guadalajara
At Casa Fayette, a hotel in Mexico, Dimore Studio brings their signature style across the globe. The hotel features a blend of Mexican influences and mid-century modern design, with a playful use of color and patterns throughout. Velvet upholstered furniture, brass fixtures, and marble surfaces create a sense of refined luxury, while the design remains rooted in local culture. The end result is a space that feels international yet distinctly personal.
4. Private Apartment, Milan
In a private Milan apartment, Dimore Studio showcased their mastery of contrast. The apartment features an eclectic mix of 20th-century design icons with contemporary pieces, all set against a muted palette of gray, white, and black. Bold art pieces adorn the walls, while the furniture mixes luxurious fabrics like silk and velvet with sleek marble and brass. The apartment feels both intimate and grand, a testament to Dimore Studio’s ability to create spaces that are not just visually striking but also livable.
Dimore Studio’s Influence on Contemporary Design
Dimore Studio’s influence reaches beyond the interiors they design. Their eclectic style has redefined what luxury can look like in modern spaces—mixing the old with the new, the lavish with the understated. Their fearless approach to color, materials, and form has inspired a new wave of designers and clients alike, encouraging them to think outside the box when it comes to creating spaces that are both functional and artistic.
Dimore Studio is a creative force in the world of luxury interior design, known for their ability to create eclectic, story-filled spaces that are as beautiful as they are functional. Their bold use of color, texture, and historical references sets them apart in a crowded design world, making each of their projects a unique exploration of art, history, and modern living.
If you’re inspired by the elegant yet daring work of Dimore Studio, consider how Nolita Harbour’s bespoke furniture and design services can help you bring a similar sense of eclectic luxury to your home.