A boutique hotel in Palermo where the contemporary lighting scheme compliments its historical legacy

The 18th Century palazzo which has been converted into a four-star boutique hotel is located at the historic heart of the Italian city of Palermo, both the architectural and the interior design were managed by Arch. Parisi. This hospitality project is a carefully curated example of how to reinterpret the historical legacy of a building adapting it to the needs of the modern-day traveller while equally conserving the value of its noble lineage.

After negotiating the vibrant city streets arriving at Via Maqueda and crossing the threshold of Palazzo Natoli Boutique Hotel visitors are invited to relax and surrender themselves to the calming ambience of the hotel where the lighting is designed as an inviting immersive experience perfectly integrated within the various spaces, starting with the entrance.

Just past the threshold guests are presented with a vivid atmosphere that reflects the surrounding cityscape, raw tones, pastel and oak timber colour shades, fill the interiors with a sensual presence, with its arches, vaults and custom furniture. The light fittings create a pleasant and seamless transition from the noisy streets outside to the more intimate and human scale of the hotel interior.

Curved forms are one of the defining elements of the project, beginning with the entrance doors. The Knit light fittings beyond are suspended above the side tables and the large hall mirror, introducing a luminous presence that projects a warm, inviting sensation. Designed by Meike Harde, each lamp features a textile volume that filters light through 360 degrees, reinforcing the spatial continuity with the furniture design and tactile surfaces of the surroundings.

The playful blending of dimensions together with the markedly ribbed textures create a panorama of attractive floating luminous volumes thanks to the warm immersive and even lighting projected by Knit. In addition, the combination of fittings reflects the characteristic curves of the space without overwhelming it. While the elasticated Lycra textile references the tactile design of the hotel reception desk, creating a continuity through the use of the same material.

Another of the hotel spaces where the lighting enhances the guest experience is the breakfast room. Here, the Array collection designed by Umut Yamac is presented as a series of suspended sculptures placed over the tables and chairs, featuring the same curvilinear silhouette designs. The fine tensile threads stretched between the metallic rings reflect a downward and upward illumination that wraps around the space to create a subtle yet spectacular lighting effect. The dynamic perception of the oversized volumes gives off a balanced light that eases the guests into the day ahead while enjoying their breakfast.

The interior design project for Palazzo Natoli Boutique Hotel is a refined combination of craftsmanship and design, from the selection of the materials to the shapes of the various elements with careful attention paid to the lighting which helps reinforce the warm feeling of the interior spaces. The project illustrates how lighting can be the common thread that connects past and present, lighting the historical architecture with the contemporary design language of the Knit collection, providing a warm welcome and tactile texture, while the Array collection in the breakfast room introduces a rhythm and lighting gradation that compliments the start of the day.

Credits:
– Project by Arch. Floriana Parisi
– Interior Design by Celestina Sgroi
– Dealers Cocolumo, Agency Light Style

Featured Products:
– Array
– Knit