Architecture News

The era of minimalist, monochrome "spa bathrooms" is giving way to a captivating revival of 1930s Milanese design principles. This shift marks a departure from stark, light-filled spaces dominated by white and gray, toward an aesthetic rich in dramatic, intensely veined natural stones, distinctive Art Deco-inspired fixtures, and deep, luxurious wood finishes. Influential figures in design, such as Athena Calderone and supermodel Paloma Elsesser, are championing this new direction, drawing inspiration from the visionary work of architect Piero Portaluppi, whose Rationalist approach transformed utilitarian areas into stunning showcases through bold material combinations and precise geometric forms.

The Renaissance of Rationalist Bathroom Aesthetics

The contemporary design landscape is witnessing a notable evolution in bathroom aesthetics, moving beyond the ubiquitous "spa bathroom" characterized by its subdued color palette and expansive use of white marble. A new wave of design is emerging, deeply rooted in the sophisticated and bold styles of 1930s Milan. This movement celebrates the dramatic presence of richly veined natural stones, such as dark green or deep red, alongside the sculptural elegance of Art Deco-influenced fixtures and the warmth of finely crafted woodwork. This design philosophy reinterprets the opulence and meticulous detailing prevalent in Milanese Rationalism, offering a refreshing alternative to modern minimalist trends.

At the heart of this resurgence lies the enduring legacy of Piero Portaluppi, a Rationalist architect whose iconic creations, like the Villa Necchi Campiglio and Casa Corbellini-Wassermann, continue to inspire. While Portaluppi's grand entryways and sweeping staircases have long captivated designers, it is now his distinctive approach to bathroom design that is gaining significant traction. His use of contrasting materials to define architectural elements, such as the swirling Arabescato Orobico marble against mirrored walls at Villa Necchi, or the vibrant Verde Challant marble juxtaposed with graphic black stonework at Casa Corbellini-Wassermann, exemplifies a commitment to making these functional spaces ceremonial and visually engaging. Designers like Athena Calderone, who drew inspiration from Villa Necchi for her Tribeca apartment, appreciate Portaluppi's innovative use of stone to create depth and visual intrigue. Similarly, Gregory Rockwell's design for Paloma Elsesser's Brooklyn townhouse, featuring burgundy Rosso Francia marble, walnut-and-mirror paneling, and pistachio-green walls, embodies this spirit of unconventional yet harmonious material combinations.

Integrating Historic Elegance into Modern Spaces

The current trend in interior design reflects a profound appreciation for the artisanal craftsmanship and material richness exemplified by historical movements, particularly the Milanese Rationalism of the 1930s. Contemporary designers are not merely replicating past styles but are thoughtfully reinterpreting them, extracting the fundamental essence of these historical aesthetics and adapting them for modern living. This approach allows for the integration of unique elements such as intricately patterned stone, geometric shapes, and a vibrant spectrum of colors, without necessitating extensive overhauls. The focus is on creating spaces that exude character and sophistication, whether through a complete renovation or the strategic placement of individual design accents.

This innovative reinterpretation is evident in the current offerings of various design brands, which are drawing inspiration from Portaluppi's distinct design vocabulary. For instance, Artistic Tile's Calacatta Gold marble mosaic echoes the intricate inlaid borders seen in Calderone's designs, bringing a touch of bespoke artistry to walls and floors. Kelly Wearstler's Treillage tile for Ann Sacks, with its oxblood hues, offers a contemporary twist on the rich burgundy tones found in Elsesser's bathroom, adding dimensional depth. Furthermore, Clé Tile's collaboration with Reath Design yields marbleized patterns that beautifully mimic the organic flow of natural stone. Even smaller details are being elevated; Charles Edwards's alabaster dish light reintroduces an Art Deco silhouette, while Crate & Barrel's Verde Green marble accessories translate the distinctive color and veining of grand Verde Alpi sinks into everyday countertop items. Ultimately, this movement celebrates the idea that bathrooms, regardless of scale, should be as beautiful and exciting as any other room in the house, transforming them into luxurious and inspiring retreats.

In the heart of Antwerp, a remarkable transformation has taken place within the historic grounds of St. George's Church, where renowned Dutch landscape architect Ronald van der Hilst has breathed new life into a once-forgotten garden. This secluded sanctuary, christened Hortus Conclusus, reflects van der Hilst's deep passion for horticulture and his vision of creating an urban oasis. His meticulous efforts have cultivated a diverse botanical tapestry that flourishes throughout the seasons, offering visitors a unique and contemplative experience. The garden, spanning approximately 4,800 square feet, embodies both artistic expression and historical reverence, with symbolic elements like a central olive tree and bordering cypresses.

Van der Hilst's personal investment in this project, located directly across from his renovated 19th-century coachman's house, goes beyond mere design; it is a profound connection to the earth and its cycles. Having maintained a personal garden for years prior, he approached the church's offer to take over the neglected space as a divine opportunity, resulting in a vibrant ecosystem that celebrates nature's richness. The garden's discreet yet accessible nature allows it to be a private haven for the designer while occasionally opening its gates to the public, revealing a richly layered landscape that is both a living art piece and a scientific endeavor.

The Rebirth of an Enclosed Garden

The transformation of St. George's Church garden into Hortus Conclusus marks a significant achievement for Ronald van der Hilst, reflecting his lifelong dedication to landscape architecture. This hidden gem, named after the Latin for 'enclosed garden,' was once an underutilized space within the church's property. Van der Hilst, residing nearby, was approached by the clergy in 2018 and given complete artistic autonomy to reimagine the neglected grounds. His profound connection to plants and the soil, nurtured since his youth, inspired him to create a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape. The garden now serves as a testament to his ability to blend historical context with contemporary design, making it a truly immersive experience for all who encounter it. Its design incorporates traditional elements like a central olive tree symbolizing peace and longevity, tall cypresses representing the connection between earth and heaven, a small water basin signifying life's source, and a continuous path reminiscent of monastic contemplation walks. These carefully chosen features contribute to the garden's deeply spiritual and contemplative atmosphere.

Van der Hilst's approach to the Hortus Conclusus is deeply personal, transforming it into what he describes as an "oasis within the desert of the urban context." He views this project as a fulfillment, providing immense satisfaction in revitalizing a city space and grounding him in his surroundings. His philosophy extends to maximizing plant diversity, incorporating some 500 distinct plant species, 5,000 tulips, and an additional 2,000 bulbous flowering plants. Unlike conventional gardening, he cultivates individual specimens rather than large collections, showcasing nature's varied textures, colors, and flowering periods. This method also allows the garden to function as his personal "plant lab." The result is a garden that offers continuous bloom throughout the year, maintaining aesthetic appeal even in the winter months. The balance of transience, eternity, and perspective, themes deeply rooted in garden lore, resonates within this space, offering a vertical connection to the vast sky despite its enclosed nature.

A Designer's Living Masterpiece and Public Treasure

Ronald van der Hilst's Hortus Conclusus transcends the conventional definition of a garden, serving as both a deeply personal sanctuary and a remarkable public attraction. For van der Hilst, this garden represents a profound sense of completeness and a successful endeavor to bring vitality back to an urban environment. His lifelong passion for gardening, which began in childhood, is evident in every detail of the Hortus Conclusus. The garden's design deliberately eschews rigid order or strict symmetry, instead embracing a rich tapestry of textures, colors, and varied flowering periods. This approach, where he plants individual specimens rather than large groups, showcases the sheer diversity and abundance of nature. His commitment ensures that flowers are present in the garden every single day of the year, providing continuous beauty and interest to all who visit. This living masterpiece serves as a continuous source of inspiration and experimentation for the landscape architect.

Although van der Hilst is renowned for his expertise in tulip history and the cultivation of rare bulbs, the Hortus Conclusus maintains a discreet profile, opening to the public only occasionally or by appointment. This balance between privacy and accessibility adds to its allure, mirroring the hidden riches often found behind closed doors in Antwerp itself. Visitors who seek out this unique space might be rewarded with a cup of tea brewed from herbs grown within the garden, perhaps served in a porcelain piece crafted by van der Hilst himself. This thoughtful touch underscores the personal connection he shares with his creation. Recalling a magical childhood memory of a hidden vegetable garden in the woods, van der Hilst sees a parallel in the self-contained world of Hortus Conclusus, a place that continues to inspire and enchant, much like the clearing that fascinated him in his youth.