The first of a series of inspiration gathering grand voyages, Design Trawler visits the home of classical design, Italy to see how the grand palazzos measure up, and how the design dialogue of Europe's best suites stays relevant today. The Presidential Suite in Milan's Westin Palace is one of the cities largest and eschews contemporary couture for a timeless grandeur, with an almost wabi-sabi contentedness.
While the Armani may have polished concrete floors and leather walls [superb in the correct setting], the unadulterated intensity of detailing in the carved and often gilded cornices and panelling are masterful. Transplanting them in to a London newbuild would be inappropriate but the attention to design in every corner, and on every surface from top to bottom sets the benchmark [the 150sqm private terrace overlooked by none of the Westin's 12 floors being another great feature for the occasional festicciola too]
Living area with tobaccoed leather alongside antique veneers
Galleried reception with stairs to bedroom for a grand entrance
Dining space subtly connects to the living space with two steps
A mirrored, silver, glass, gold, velvet, linen and fruit cocktail
Master bed with wall and table lamps, pleated silk and marble
Grand piano with oversize vases and French doors to the terrace
With great ceilings come great chandeliers
