‘Call Me By Your Name’ Director Luca Guadagnino designs Roman palazzo style hotel
- Featured Travel & Hospitality
Zara Flavia Dmello- 16 minutes read
When *Call Me By Your Name* graced the screens in 2017, it captivated audiences with its breathtakingly picturesque locations and exquisite scenes. Each frame of the film seemed to be a carefully curated work of art, drawing viewers into the sun-drenched Italian countryside and the intoxicating romance that unfolded there. The idyllic settings were so enchanting that many found themselves fantasising about abandoning their daily routines in favour of a quieter life in a charming Italian village, where every corner seemed to whisper of romance and beauty.
Seven years later, Luca Guadagnino, the film’s visionary director, has extended his artistic prowess beyond the realm of cinema and into the world of interior design. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to infuse settings with an almost palpable atmosphere, Guadagnino has embarked on a new project that brings his cinematic sensibilities to life in an entirely new medium.
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His design studio, studiolucaguadagnino, founded in 2017, has unveiled its first hotel, Palazzo Talìa—a project that stands as a testament to the seamless fusion of historic grandeur and contemporary sophistication. Located in Rome, in a 16th-century building that once housed the Collegio Nazareno, a prestigious school for scholars, nobles, and pontiffs, this hotel is more than just a place to stay; it is an immersive experience that embodies Guadagnino’s artistic vision.
Stepping into Palazzo Talìa is like walking into one of Guadagnino’s films. The atmospheric grandeur of the historic building is complemented by a thoughtful and innovative design that reflects the studio’s core principles: chromatism, geometry, and craftsmanship. The entrance greets guests with a monumental carpet designed by Nigel Peake, where delicate floral motifs and geometric patterns in soft pinks, yellows, deep blues, and burgundies evoke the colours of the original frescoes. These hues are meticulously restored and integrated into contemporary designs, creating a dialogue between the past and the present.
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As you wander through the hotel’s public spaces, the attention to detail is unmistakable. The bar’s bespoke tabletops, crafted by a Sicilian ceramicist, and the green majolica tiles in the wellness area sourced from Spanish artisans, all contribute to a sensory experience that is both tactile and visual. Outside, the courtyard garden, curated with lush palms and tropical plants by landscape artist Blu Mambor, offers a serene retreat reminiscent of both Mediterranean and tropical oases.
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Palazzo Talìa’s 25 rooms and suites, designed by Marianna Lubrano Lavadera and Laura Feroldi, echo the hotel’s commitment to blending historical charm with contemporary elegance. Each room is a modern interpretation of classic designs, featuring bespoke furnishings and decorative elements crafted by the next generation of Venetian glassmakers.
In creating Palazzo Talìa, Luca Guadagnino has transformed his cinematic artistry into a tangible experience, allowing guests to immerse themselves in a space where every detail is a reflection of his unique vision. This project not only celebrates the grandeur of its historical setting but also showcases the seamless integration of contemporary design with traditional craftsmanship. As the stories of Palazzo Talìa begin to unfold, they promise to offer a new kind of cinematic experience—one that exists not on the screen, but in the very fabric of its exquisite interiors.
