Yes, the view of St Stephen’s Cathedral from up here is breathtaking. The view inside the penthouse flat is no less heavenly: the Haute—Étage designed by Mezza—Maiso is a perfect example of what the interdisciplinary office of Verena Wohlkönig and Jürgen Hamberger understands by interior design. Not just the design of a living space, but the realisation of a holistic narrative. In other words, a curated total work of art that is realised at the highest level from the first draft to the last fragrance note.

Piece by piece, interior designer Pascale Lauber and co-owner Ulrike Bauschke have carefully renovated and modernized this historic palazzo. A particularly striking contrast to the ancient walls is found in the steel-framed windows and doors, reminiscent of diamonds. Unique antique pieces and custom-made furnishings from various countries and eras come together in a truly magical way. The sofas and bed headboards come from South Africa, a fire bowl from the South African bush has been transformed into a bathtub. An old olive press serves as a communal table, and an impressive chandelier, designed by Pascale Lauber herself, hangs from the bar’s ceiling.

Riccardo’s Locanda al Colle in Tuscany is a Wunderkammer. The host has lovingly placed numerous furnishing treasures in his guest house, a historic farmhouse, and brought them together to create a harmonious whole. The chairs, tables and lamps come from antique markets and earlier times, from contemporary artists and old design icons, from Italy or London. Breathing new life into old objects and placing them in a new context is one of Riccardo Barsottelli’s passions. It’s worth asking where the pieces in Locanda al Colle come from and what stories they tell…