Nestled in the heart of London, Art Concepts London mother-daughter team brings expertise that global acclaim is now expanding to Punta Cana in the Caribbean. Abode2 met founders, Ann-Charlotte and Paulina, at Playa Serena, to explore their latest project
Confident in combining their three decades of experience in curating bold and elegant design with the native Caribbean flair, meant Art Concept London were the ideal choice for the client when seeking something exclusive yet relaxed and exquisite home from home. “Our aim was to create a home with the unique wow factor, unlike anything else out there,” Ann-Charlotte explains. “As London serves as a great hub for international collaborations, we are excited to channel more efforts toward this amazing region.”
Punta Cana Resort & Club has a rich history beginning in 1971, when Dominican businessman Frank R. Rainieri and New York attorney Theodore W. Kheel embarked on an endeavour to construct a resort that respects the environment of Punta Cana while providing extraordinary vacation experiences. Acclaimed singing sensation Julio Iglesias and renowned fashion designer Oscar de la Renta joined forces with them as co-investors, establishing their home at the idyllic location. Ann-Charlotte added: “ACLDN is delighted to accompany the vibrant voyage that lies ahead as luxury villa developments surge in Punta Cana.”
After countless Zoom calls with the Mami-based clients about their new holiday home in Playa Serena, Art Concepts worked intensely on the design process’s initial phase including concept designs, desires, and ideas – all before flying out to meet the extraordinary local team in Punta Cana.
Paulina describes: “We formed an incredible crew for what is our first PC project, with The Architects Des Angles, Estudio EG's construction crew, Kitchen Arte deploying remarkable kitchen design concepts as well as Mava lighting designer - but there will be more in the future. We were enchanted by this place and are delighted to expand our portfolio with additional PC interior design & art projects.”
The resulting extraordinary 21,000-square-foot contemporary property boasts breathtaking views of the beach and golf court. This luxurious abode combines shades of white with organic finishes, alongside European flavours ranging from Italian mosaics to exquisite fabrics sourced around the globe.
First impression lasts and ACLND have curated the perfect impression at Playa Serena, with its attention to detail bringing life to the space. The striking curved staircase accented with the eye-catching 9-meter-tall Bloom chandelier greets you as you enter this paradise, with stylised porcelain petals assembled to create a combination of open and closed buds provoking the image of flowers unfurling at the start of the season. Each bud is individually lit from within, creating a soft glow and highlighting the precious metal detailing, with a total of 250 blooms.
They have created a seamless connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces with a unique atmosphere throughout with the use of Coralina Palladium stone to create a grandiose Art wall, combined with the exclusive, handcrafted Pieter Adam lamps, dancing man and woman European.
“We aim to exude the warmth of a subtle tropical ambience, yet making our own unique brand of sophistication and elegance evident” Ann-Charlotte adds.
With the vision of creating a kitchen fit for royalty, in collaboration with Kitchen Arte, ACLND designed and brought to life an incredible luxury space that exudes creativity. A stunning Neolith marble calacatta Luxe waterfall island serves as the centrepiece, surrounded by the highest quality Gaggenau appliances.
The Playa Serena dining room is a statement of sophistication and luxury in this tropical setting. Featuring an 18-seater dining table, custom made by the highly skilled local artisan Chabra Cassimiro, this space is truly remarkable and the use of wood and Asian stone marble has created the stand-out, one-of-a kind table.
To complete this ideal living experience, the property features a steam room with a star ceiling, a sauna highlighting Himalayan salt walls, plus a gym for exercising, a hairdresser for pampering days out, and a cava lounge & night club for nights in. Paulina explains: “When we got the brief of creating a private spa experience at home, we were ecstatic. We partnered up with Rondon IQ LLC for this top-notch project and together, we created a spa that features everything. Our clients can now enjoy all of this in the comfort of their villa and cocooned building.”
“Every day, we strive to remain at the pinnacle of Caribbean excellence,” Ann-Charlotte concludes. “Whether it's for a holiday suite, lavish second home, or boutique hotel. We are always eager to work within diverse and new settings because the beauty of this paradise coupled with its colourful culture stirs our creative inspiration even more! With enthusiasm, we look forward to creating one-of-a-kind designs in the years ahead.
Paulina adds: “No detail is overlooked, and quality assurance is our utmost priority. Every step along the way, from plumbing and wiring to tiles selection, our mission is to ensure that the result perfectly aligns with both our and our client's vision. We go above and beyond what's expected to provide an amazing experience for everyone involved. From the initial consultation with our clients, brainstorming vision ideas and programming through to the construction process.”
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