The new interiors for creative agency Al Dente’s headquarters in Paris feature a mix of old-school movie inspirations, references to modern design history and contemporary elements. The rue des Petits Hôtels building was taken over by Al Dente founder Patrizio Miceli, who transformed it into a multifunctional creative space suited to his team’s work and clients’ requirements. Founded in 2004, Al Dente is based between Paris and Rome, and works with clients such as Chanel, Fendi, Boucheron and Serge Lutens on art direction, advertising, digital experiences, and more.
‘A living space’, created by Miceli in collaboration with interior designer Hadrien Breitenbach, the new HQ features two photo studios, a hidden indoor swimming pool, a lounge and dining room patio, a conservatory, as well as offices for the Al Dente teams. The arrangement references domestic interiors, with kitchen and living areas seamlessly planned alongside more functional workspaces.
Areas such as the kitchen, featuring French Alpine green marble, are framed with curved passageways, and the all-white walls are offset by a colourful range of furnishings. The different but connected spaces are described by Breitenbach as ‘paintings linked together’, a concept he has been developing in his work by playing with perspective, light and proportion.
Furniture in the HQ includes custom-made marble pieces, and a mix of influences with designs from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. In the office space, Charles and Ray Eames’ ‘EA117’ office chairs are juxtaposed with the designers’ ‘Pollock’ chairs, upholstered in bright green fabric and placed poolside. Pierre Paulin sofas are set next to the fireplace in the living room, while the airy patio features a vintage Italian sofa and mirrored coffee table. Miceli’s own studio is a small alcove featuring a sequence of arches, a mirrored bookcase and a bespoke marble table. Greenery throughout the interior and in the winter garden was curated by landscape designer Julia Chaigneau, who interpreted Al Dente’s Mediterranean origins with fruit trees, jasmine, basil, rosemary, parsley and mint.
‘By transforming this space, we were concerned with presenting a Roman vision in Paris with an approach that is both personal and genuine,’ comments Miceli. ‘More than offices, we wanted to create a living space, [...] a space with plural influences that create dialogues between volumes, objects or even colours. Here, we offer a certain vision of the Al Dente art of living, nurtured by those who live in it or are invited to it.’
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