Bold Pattern Mixing Defines Bogotá Penthouse Redesign
Veronica Mishaan layers colors, textures and eras in a family-centric renovation
1Preserving history while modernizing
The 580-square-meter penthouse renovation preserved 30 years of family memories while updating layouts and materials. Designer Veronica Mishaan maintained the clients' art and antique collections as focal points, refreshing the space with new color palettes and functional zoning. Original elements like hand-painted sinks were retained alongside contemporary custom pieces, creating dialogue between eras. The design team framed mountain views through window-oriented planning and natural material selections.
2Material storytelling
Natural materials dominate the palette: marmorino plaster backdrops art, oak floors mirror outdoor landscapes, and grasscloth wallpaper provides subtle texture. Tactile choices like Pierre Frey velvet upholstery and bronze railings shaped like tree branches reinforce connections to nature. Each room features material juxtapositions - smooth plaster against rough bouclé wool, mirrored walls contrasting with parchment vanities. These choices prioritize longevity over trends while creating sensory richness.
3Bold pattern play
The design confidently mixes leopard prints, floral motifs, and geometric patterns throughout. A blue-leopard Stark carpet complements lacquered bookcases, while indigo Phillip Jeffries wallpaper with blossoms ties to pink zellige tiles. In the dining room, Schumacher velvet chairs with leopard motifs sit beneath an antique crystal chandelier. Mishaan describes this layered approach as creating 'compositional balance' between contrasting elements.
4Functional artistry
Custom solutions address family needs: double-height entry with bronze-branch staircase, playroom with sage green millwork, and wooden bunk beds for grandchildren. The layout balances private family areas with entertainment spaces. Furniture combines mid-century Donzella chairs with contemporary Lee Jofa sofas and signature iron martini tables. Each piece serves both aesthetic and practical purposes in the flow of daily life.
5Color as connective tissue
A sophisticated color strategy unites the eclectic mix: terracotta sofas complement sand-hued artwork, light blue dining chairs echo mountain views, and coral wallpaper references Colombian flora. Dark blue walls provide grounding for vibrant accents. The palette transitions smoothly between rooms while allowing bold moments like the deep blue lacquered office bookcases that match the Stark carpet.
6Lighting as sculpture
Light fixtures serve as artistic focal points: an Elsa Foulon porcelain pendant marks the entry, antique chandeliers contrast with contemporary art, and mirrored walls amplify natural light. The team used lighting to highlight architectural features and art collection pieces. Each fixture was selected for both its aesthetic contribution and ability to enhance the quality of space after dark.
7Design philosophy in practice
Mishaan's approach rejected trends in favor of lasting principles: client-specific solutions, craft emphasis, and local custom work. The project demonstrates how bold choices can create timelessness when rooted in contextual responsiveness. By mixing high-end designer pieces with local craftsmanship and antiques, the design achieves authenticity rather than fashionable homogeneity.
8Colombian design context
This project joins a wave of sophisticated Colombian interior work balancing global influences with local identity. Like Gallery NC Diseño's furniture exhibitions or 5 Sólidos' 1980s-inspired apartments, Mishaan's work showcases how regional designers are reinterpreting international styles through local materials and cultural references. The penthouse exemplifies this confident, layered approach to contemporary Colombian design.
Original article: Interior design | Dezeen — Bold Pattern Mixing Defines Bogotá Penthouse Redesign