Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1471747
Interior designer Corbin See, co- founder of Duro Hospitality, studied in Florence while in college, where he received a high dose of Italian culture and lifestyle, he says. "Whether it's cars, suits, or antiques, the Italian approach to design is a bit of a rebel. I'm infatuated with that." Corbin and his brother Ross See, another c o - f o u n d e r o f Duro Hospitality, design all of Duro H o s p i t a l i t y ' s interiors through t h e i r f a m i l y - run firm, Sees Design. Café Duro's muted y e l l o w - a n d - green palette and patterned t i l e f l o o r s were inspired by Giacomo, the Milanese ristorante d e s i g n e d by Mongiardino, who often faux-painted marble details in his interiors. For the Café, Corbin used umber and gray marbleized wallpapers and patterned porcelain tile floors that reference antique floors throughout Italy. A striking patterned banquette has a seat upholstered in a Deco- inspired geometric fabric by Pierre Frey, with a backrest covered in a classic scenic pattern designed by Timothy Corrigan for Perennials. The overall effect of so many different patterns is exhilarating. "In terms of design," says Corbin, "Café Duro is so outside the box — but it works." Upstairs, Casa Duro's one- and two-bedroom apartments are named after the moms of Duro founders — Susanna, Marcia, and Priscilla — and are equipped with espresso machines and kitchens ideal for cooking freshly made pasta and sauces that can be purchased prepackaged from the Café. "I designed the apartments to feel like a pied-à-terre in Italy," says Corbin, who gave each space history and soul with classic Credit furnishings that feel collected and inherited. "My journey with Duro has made me put a spotlight on traditional design because it's both timeless and easy to mix with current pieces." Much of the furniture in the apartments is by American furniture maker Dessin Fournir, which faithfully reproduced European antiques by hand, often finishing them with 22K gold and MANNY RODRIGUEZ MANNY RODRIGUEZ Dining room in Marcia, Casa Duro Marcia apartment, Casa Duro Priscilla apartment, Casa Duro Espresso at Café Duro Priscilla apartment, Casa Duro Beets and avocado at Sister 50