█ lorelei
orlando, fl : [2025]
Lorelei was conceived as the imagined residence of a modern bon vivant—a figure whose life is devoted to the pleasures of art, conviviality, and the appreciation of fine wine. The design draws upon the intimacy of a private house and gardens, where a mélange of personal effects reflects her discerning taste and devotion to beauty and hospitality in its many forms. Paintings, sculptures, and carefully curated objects animate the space, contributing to an intimate and sophisticated atmosphere. The design extends outwards into a lush garden setting, blurring the boundary between indoors and outdoors, encouraging guests to linger and explore.
We designed the floor plan as a series of spatial vignettes, each evoking a different room within a home. Guests are invited to move through intimate corners and open gathering areas, experiencing the establishment as a sequence of settings for conversation, eating, and celebration. This approach creates a sense of discovery while reinforcing the feeling of being welcomed into a private residence
The elevated garden terrace is imagined as a year-round extension of the home, conceived as a richly planted and beautifully ornamented retreat. Ample greenery softens the architecture of the “residence” and dining pavilion while establishing a sense of seclusion. Imported French planters and carefully selected furnishings evoke the charm of an informal European garden, creating an environment that feels both cultivated and lived in. Cascading water from a tiered fountain introduces lively ambient noise, establishing a sense of calm.
The interiors are light and bright, suffused with a sense of openness and ease. Old-world European materials and details lend a timeless character to the space. A material palette comprised of chevron oak wood floors, brass hardware, and Parisian Blue accents brings warmth, clarity, and refinement. With its considered balance of elegance and personal familiarity, the project situates the rituals of wine and dining within a world shaped by art, taste, and the joy of shared experience.
photo credit | Chad Baumer Photography