An International Hotel Designer Talks Inspiration, Style & More
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Paul Barbera
My style is full of personality – it’s best described as fun, artistic and contemporary, with a nod to art history and design, all of which has been informed by a love of research. It’s grown and developed by studying and learning about design: seeing how people engage and interact with a space, and focusing on the place itself, along with its cultural influences. I hope my tastes will continue to change and evolve. Designers are always learning.
I grew up taking different art classes, which ultimately led me to studying interior design. I’ve always loved and found inspiration in magazines, books, and travel, and I really dive into my research – whether that be the history of furniture and materials or artists and what inspired them.
I studied interior design at university. I remember sitting in the design studio, prepping my portfolio to apply for jobs, and that’s when I found Champalimaud’s website. Something clicked – I knew I had to work there. I was interviewed, offered an internship and loved every minute of it. I learnt so much from my peers and really used the library to educate myself on vendors and manufacturers. I was promoted to junior designer shortly thereafter and haven’t looked back. I am now a principal at Champalimaud, and continue to be inspired by the people I work with.
When I was growing up, my whole family was involved in the design industry. They owned a company that specialised in historical plaster restoration and I remember visiting Gianetti’s Studio near Washington, DC as a child. The place was filled with sculptures, architectural details and elements, and it was absolutely fascinating. Plaster is still one of my favourite materials to use.
I love going to Europe – especially France and Italy. Being based in New York, it’s a quick flight for a lot of inspiration. I am fortunate enough to travel often, and I make a point to visit lots of hotels, restaurants and artist studios on my trips. I like to absorb as much of the life in a city as possible. Recently, I went to Paris for Deco Off and Maison & Objet, and it was just what I needed to inspire work on my latest presentation.
Design books, coffee table books and travel books are my favourite things to collect. One of my favourites is the The Beverly Hills Hotel: The First 100 Years, which was gifted to me by the hotel after we completed the renovation at the bungalows; it tells the fascinating story about how the iconic hotel came to be.
The Touch has been on my ‘to read’ list for some time. It’s a collaboration between Nathan Williams of Kinfolk and Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen of Norm Architects. It explores interiors that aren’t just visually appealing, but that also aim to engage all the human senses.
My favourite movie is Singin’ in the Rain – I love the combination of dancing, singing and acting and how all of those components work together so well. Finding that same sense of balance in design between the architecture, materials and furnishings – while having some fun – is what creates a beautifully balanced space.
Music is a big part of my life – I am constantly playing music while I work, cook, relax at home, work at the office. I don’t have a favourite artist – I prefer to explore new music genres and artists all the time.
I love to cook, especially while listening to John Mayer. His music makes me want to dance. My go-to dish is stuffed peppers, with quinoa, spinach, feta, dried currants, chickpeas, and topped with a sauce made of crème fraiche, lemon and basil. They are bright and fun to make, healthy and delicious.
In London, The Wolseley is my go-to restaurant. The architecture is just stunning. I also love Granger & Co in Notting Hill. It has the best neighbourhood vibes. And one of the best meals I’ve ever had is at Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester.
Laura Gonzalez has a fantastic eye for patterns and shapes. She combines them in such unexpected ways and her furniture and lighting collections showcase that perfectly. Lulu de Kwiatkowski is another artist I admire – I love her recent mixed media pieces that incorporate shells and coral from The Bahamas. Bright, fun and so unique.
If I could claim any brand as my own, it would be House of Hackney. It’s so bold, playful, and extremely creative – I can’t get enough.
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