Projects
La Minerva
/ Orient Express
Hotel Minerva in Rome begins a new chapter under the creative direction of Hugo Toro. Located just steps from the Pantheon in the historic center, this 17th century building has been reinterpreted with an approach that combines its heritage with a contemporary and carefully considered vision.
In this project, Hugo Toro maintains a key idea of his work: creating spaces that convey emotion. Inspired by the history of the place, he proposes interiors where past and present interact naturally. Original traces are preserved, while light, materials, and lines bring a renewed sense of clarity. The hotel becomes a calm and welcoming space, designed to encourage rest and reflection.
His aesthetic draws on both Antiquity and a more contemporary sensibility. He uses warm tones, soft textures, and custom designed furniture created to integrate with the surroundings. Frescoes are preserved or reinterpreted, marble floors coexist with high quality fabrics, and there is a subtle influence inspired by the world of the Orient Express, adding a sense of timeless elegance.
More than a simple renovation, the project aims to recover the essence of the hotel while adapting it to a contemporary vision of hospitality. Hotel Minerva presents itself as a balanced space where history and modern design coexist naturally.
In this project, Hugo Toro maintains a key idea of his work: creating spaces that convey emotion. Inspired by the history of the place, he proposes interiors where past and present interact naturally. Original traces are preserved, while light, materials, and lines bring a renewed sense of clarity. The hotel becomes a calm and welcoming space, designed to encourage rest and reflection.
His aesthetic draws on both Antiquity and a more contemporary sensibility. He uses warm tones, soft textures, and custom designed furniture created to integrate with the surroundings. Frescoes are preserved or reinterpreted, marble floors coexist with high quality fabrics, and there is a subtle influence inspired by the world of the Orient Express, adding a sense of timeless elegance.
More than a simple renovation, the project aims to recover the essence of the hotel while adapting it to a contemporary vision of hospitality. Hotel Minerva presents itself as a balanced space where history and modern design coexist naturally.
SEE 
Rome
2026
JP at Louis Vuitton
/ Shinsegae
Hugo Toro conceived this restaurant on the Louis Vuitton rooftop at the Shinsegae building in Seoul as an immersive experience. Designed in collaboration with Maison Louis Vuitton, the space was developed specifically to bring together the house’s craftsmanship with South Korea’s architectural and cultural heritage. The brand’s iconic codes are reinterpreted in a contemporary language, creating a clear and cohesive experience.
JP at Louis Vuitton offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with an almost residential feel. The character of the rooftop is balanced by a sense of comfort, allowing visitors to feel at ease while taking in views over Seoul. The project follows a sensory approach. From the entrance, warm tones connect with the skyline and the city’s silvery light. The lighting introduces a softwarmth, while materials such as wood and a red plaster inspired by Épi leather add texture.
Located in Gangnam, the space engages with its surroundings and local traditions. Rugs designed by Hugo Toro are produced in jacquard using artisanal techniques, and the ceiling features a carefully composed pattern. Movement through the space is organized in sequence, creating more intimate areas defined by arches and enclosed rooms, including a VIP space.
Every element of the project was developed by the studio, including furniture, lighting, rugs, wall panels, and architectural details. Working with Louis Vuitton provided an opportunity to explore craftsmanship, understand materials more deeply, and highlight artisanal processes. For Hugo Toro, the project required a high level of precision and a focused approach, pushing the work further in a thoughtful way.
JP at Louis Vuitton offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with an almost residential feel. The character of the rooftop is balanced by a sense of comfort, allowing visitors to feel at ease while taking in views over Seoul. The project follows a sensory approach. From the entrance, warm tones connect with the skyline and the city’s silvery light. The lighting introduces a softwarmth, while materials such as wood and a red plaster inspired by Épi leather add texture.
Located in Gangnam, the space engages with its surroundings and local traditions. Rugs designed by Hugo Toro are produced in jacquard using artisanal techniques, and the ceiling features a carefully composed pattern. Movement through the space is organized in sequence, creating more intimate areas defined by arches and enclosed rooms, including a VIP space.
Every element of the project was developed by the studio, including furniture, lighting, rugs, wall panels, and architectural details. Working with Louis Vuitton provided an opportunity to explore craftsmanship, understand materials more deeply, and highlight artisanal processes. For Hugo Toro, the project required a high level of precision and a focused approach, pushing the work further in a thoughtful way.
SEE
Seoul
2025
Il Grande
/ Palm Beach
Il Grande draws its inspiration from the golden years of Palm Beach, once a key destination for Riviera nightlife. Hugo Toro was influenced by the building’s history, which since 1928 hosted lively evenings and celebrations, and imagined a place that comes to life at night, shaped by soft light and a sense of atmosphere.
The design follows a cinematic approach, with deep reds and warm gold tones setting the mood. A subtle floral motif appears throughout the space, adding a layer of romance and mystery. Lighting plays a central role, conceived to feel close to candlelight and to create an intimate setting.
Il Grande is designed as a cohesive environment where architecture, furniture, and lighting work together. Set within the original rotunda of Palm Beach, the space combines a generous volume with more intimate areas. Materials such as jacquard fabrics, lacquered wood, concrete, marble, and brass create a balance between structure and warmth. Murano glass chandeliers add a soft, diffused light.
All elements were designed specifically for the project in collaboration with artisans in France, with careful attention given to materials and finishes.
The design follows a cinematic approach, with deep reds and warm gold tones setting the mood. A subtle floral motif appears throughout the space, adding a layer of romance and mystery. Lighting plays a central role, conceived to feel close to candlelight and to create an intimate setting.
Il Grande is designed as a cohesive environment where architecture, furniture, and lighting work together. Set within the original rotunda of Palm Beach, the space combines a generous volume with more intimate areas. Materials such as jacquard fabrics, lacquered wood, concrete, marble, and brass create a balance between structure and warmth. Murano glass chandeliers add a soft, diffused light.
All elements were designed specifically for the project in collaboration with artisans in France, with careful attention given to materials and finishes.
SEE
Cannes
2025
Flash
/ Palm Beach
Inspired by the golden age of speakeasies, Flash brings together sensuality, mystery, and a certain raw intensity in a setting defined by deep reds and amber tones.
The experience begins like entering a house that has been transformed into a club. After the brightness of the Cannes sunlight, visitors move into a darker, more intimate atmosphere shaped by onyx, varnished wood, hammered copper, and raw concrete. At the center, the bar, clad in backlit aluminum blades, acts as a focal point, connecting directly to the dance floor.
All elements are custom designed, from carpets inspired by mangroves to pleated leather banquettes, animal patterned jacquards, vintage objects, and lighting integrated into the architecture. The project is conceived as a sensory experience, engaging sound, light, taste, and touch to create a cohesive environment.
Materiality plays an important role. Surfaces such as leather, lime plaster, wood, and metal are meant to be felt, adding a tactile dimension to the space. Flash is designed to respond to the presence of its guests, encouraging movement and interaction. It becomes a place where people gather, move, and experience the night in a setting that feels both immersive and alive.
The experience begins like entering a house that has been transformed into a club. After the brightness of the Cannes sunlight, visitors move into a darker, more intimate atmosphere shaped by onyx, varnished wood, hammered copper, and raw concrete. At the center, the bar, clad in backlit aluminum blades, acts as a focal point, connecting directly to the dance floor.
All elements are custom designed, from carpets inspired by mangroves to pleated leather banquettes, animal patterned jacquards, vintage objects, and lighting integrated into the architecture. The project is conceived as a sensory experience, engaging sound, light, taste, and touch to create a cohesive environment.
Materiality plays an important role. Surfaces such as leather, lime plaster, wood, and metal are meant to be felt, adding a tactile dimension to the space. Flash is designed to respond to the presence of its guests, encouraging movement and interaction. It becomes a place where people gather, move, and experience the night in a setting that feels both immersive and alive.
SEE
Cannes
2025
Ostiense station
Located inside Roma Ostiense station, the Orient Express lounge designed by Hugo Toro brings together historic elements and a contemporary approach. The project takes inspiration from Art Deco and reinterprets it in a simple, modern way, with strong attention to materials and atmosphere.
Original mosaics by Giulio Rosso and Maria Zaffuto have been preserved, along with the use of travertine, a material closely linked to Roman architecture. The space also includes a reflective orange ceiling and tubular neon lighting, which add brightness and contrast to the historic setting.
The design combines architectural details such as coffered inspired elements with travel themed artworks, creating a coherent environment that reflects both the history of the station and the idea of travel.
Original mosaics by Giulio Rosso and Maria Zaffuto have been preserved, along with the use of travertine, a material closely linked to Roman architecture. The space also includes a reflective orange ceiling and tubular neon lighting, which add brightness and contrast to the historic setting.
The design combines architectural details such as coffered inspired elements with travel themed artworks, creating a coherent environment that reflects both the history of the station and the idea of travel.
SEE
Rome
2025
Marlow
/ Mareterra
Marlow, located in the Mareterra district of Monaco, is a restaurant designed by Hugo Toro as a space that changes throughout the day, moving from calm to a more lively atmosphere in the evening.
The project combines the feeling of a wood panelled private club with the openness and light of the Mediterranean. It includes around 300 square meters of interior space and a 100 square meter terrace.
Everything was custom designed, from the architecture to the furniture, lighting, and door handles. The design brings together Victorian inspired elements with marine references, creating a dialogue between warmth and coastal influences.
The space is organized around a central bar, with different areas including a seafood counter, a private lounge, and a space for live music. Light plays an important role, shifting from daylight to a softer evening atmosphere.
Materials such as wood, marble, Murano glass, and decorative patinas shape the overall feel of the restaurant. Within the space, a cabinet of curiosities called Lady M presents a selection of objects, books, and artworks.
The project combines the feeling of a wood panelled private club with the openness and light of the Mediterranean. It includes around 300 square meters of interior space and a 100 square meter terrace.
Everything was custom designed, from the architecture to the furniture, lighting, and door handles. The design brings together Victorian inspired elements with marine references, creating a dialogue between warmth and coastal influences.
The space is organized around a central bar, with different areas including a seafood counter, a private lounge, and a space for live music. Light plays an important role, shifting from daylight to a softer evening atmosphere.
Materials such as wood, marble, Murano glass, and decorative patinas shape the overall feel of the restaurant. Within the space, a cabinet of curiosities called Lady M presents a selection of objects, books, and artworks.
SEE
Monaco
2025
Hôtel Particulier Floquet
This early 20th century private mansion in Paris, left abandoned for fifteen years, has been carefully restored by Hugo Toro, who aimed to preserve its original character while adapting it for contemporary living. Structural work reorganized the seven levels of the building and restored key historic features such as the wood paneling and the staircase railing.
The project focuses on creating a balance between warmth, intimacy, and a more expressive architectural language. In the living areas, custom designed pieces sit alongside vintage furniture and works by Hugo Toro, establishing a dialogue between past and present.
The monumental staircase is highlighted by a seven-meter chandelier in chrome and Murano glass, emphasizing the verticality of the space. Each room has its own identity, from the living room with its curved green ceramic fireplace to the main bedroom with bespoke textiles and detailing. The en suite bathroom, finished in green onyx marble, combines natural texture with a more refined aesthetic.
The interior pool, surrounded by plants and daybeds, along with a winter garden opening onto a terrace, extends the living spaces outward. The project is structured like a sequence of spaces, each with its own atmosphere, bringing the house back to life in a coherent and livable way.
The project focuses on creating a balance between warmth, intimacy, and a more expressive architectural language. In the living areas, custom designed pieces sit alongside vintage furniture and works by Hugo Toro, establishing a dialogue between past and present.
The monumental staircase is highlighted by a seven-meter chandelier in chrome and Murano glass, emphasizing the verticality of the space. Each room has its own identity, from the living room with its curved green ceramic fireplace to the main bedroom with bespoke textiles and detailing. The en suite bathroom, finished in green onyx marble, combines natural texture with a more refined aesthetic.
The interior pool, surrounded by plants and daybeds, along with a winter garden opening onto a terrace, extends the living spaces outward. The project is structured like a sequence of spaces, each with its own atmosphere, bringing the house back to life in a coherent and livable way.
SEE
Paris
2024
Gigi Dubai
Gigi in Dubai is a private club set by the sea, designed by Hugo Toro as a series of small buildings within a garden-like setting. The project focuses on creating a smooth connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, supported by warm natural light.
The design uses simple, tactile materials such as wood, rattan, and custom made fabrics and lighting. Striped patterns are a recurring element and help define the identity of the place.
Details throughout the space give it a lived in feeling, with a careful selection of objects and finishes. Some Italian references appear in subtle ways, including lemon motifs on the tables, reinterpreted with a local influence.
The design uses simple, tactile materials such as wood, rattan, and custom made fabrics and lighting. Striped patterns are a recurring element and help define the identity of the place.
Details throughout the space give it a lived in feeling, with a careful selection of objects and finishes. Some Italian references appear in subtle ways, including lemon motifs on the tables, reinterpreted with a local influence.
SEE
Dubai
2024
PUR’
/ Place Vendôme
PUR’ at Park Hyatt Vendôme in Paris was redesigned by Hugo Toro as a series of connected spaces, inspired by interior designers of the 1930s.
The restaurant is imagined as a private residence, combining warm tones with a mix of raw and refined materials. Ochre colours, lacquered surfaces, wood, and marble define the atmosphere.
Key elements include a large sofa, abstract rugs, and a painting of Bacchus by Hugo Toro, created for the space. The reception area in green marble opens onto the different rooms and is marked by a backlit oculus inspired by Californian villas.
A central 8 metre fireplace anchors the main dining room. Other areas include a library with art and travel books, and a winter garden with Murano glass lighting.
The furniture is designed to highlight natural materials, with simple tables and sculptural chairs that add character without excess.
The restaurant is imagined as a private residence, combining warm tones with a mix of raw and refined materials. Ochre colours, lacquered surfaces, wood, and marble define the atmosphere.
Key elements include a large sofa, abstract rugs, and a painting of Bacchus by Hugo Toro, created for the space. The reception area in green marble opens onto the different rooms and is marked by a backlit oculus inspired by Californian villas.
A central 8 metre fireplace anchors the main dining room. Other areas include a library with art and travel books, and a winter garden with Murano glass lighting.
The furniture is designed to highlight natural materials, with simple tables and sculptural chairs that add character without excess.
SEE
Paris
2024
Le Mas Candille
Le Mas Candille in Mougins combines Provençal character with a subtle Californian influence, with views over the surrounding hills. The hotel includes the historic Mas, which houses the restaurant, lobby, and rooms, as well as the Bastide with additional accommodations.
The design is built around a palette of deep greens, yellows, and ochres, used across fabrics, carpets, and furniture arrangements. Natural references are reinterpreted in a simple way, bringing together traditional elements of a Provençal house with a more contemporary approach.
The atmosphere is warm and relaxed, with soft lighting and a hint of 1960s and 1970s references. Custom designed textiles, large sofas, rugs, a leather coffee table, and chairs in natural fibres create a comfortable and cohesive environment with a Mediterranean and slightly Californian feel.
The design is built around a palette of deep greens, yellows, and ochres, used across fabrics, carpets, and furniture arrangements. Natural references are reinterpreted in a simple way, bringing together traditional elements of a Provençal house with a more contemporary approach.
The atmosphere is warm and relaxed, with soft lighting and a hint of 1960s and 1970s references. Custom designed textiles, large sofas, rugs, a leather coffee table, and chairs in natural fibres create a comfortable and cohesive environment with a Mediterranean and slightly Californian feel.
SEE
Mougins
2024
Gothic bar
Gothic Bar London, photographed in 2023 by Michael Sinclair, is located in the entrance hall of the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel and was designed by Hugo Toro.
The project references the building’s Neo Gothic architecture in a contemporary way. Velvet seating with peacock inspired patterns, painted ceilings, and restored marble columns define the space.
The overall atmosphere is intimate and focused on detail, combining historic character with a more decorative, modern interpretation. The bar is designed as a place for cocktails and conversation within a historic setting.
The project references the building’s Neo Gothic architecture in a contemporary way. Velvet seating with peacock inspired patterns, painted ceilings, and restored marble columns define the space.
The overall atmosphere is intimate and focused on detail, combining historic character with a more decorative, modern interpretation. The bar is designed as a place for cocktails and conversation within a historic setting.
SEE
London
2023
Apartment Buttes Chaumont
This apartment near Buttes Chaumont Park has been redesigned with a bold color palette and a careful use of contrast.
Originally from the 1960s and 1970s, the space has been updated with a focus on wood, using three different types: walnut, liquidambar, and ziricote, to create variation and depth. Hugo Toro designed much of the custom furniture and added touches of red travertine pieces from his Amanecer collection.
The result is a straightforward and balanced interior where materials and colors define the atmosphere.
Originally from the 1960s and 1970s, the space has been updated with a focus on wood, using three different types: walnut, liquidambar, and ziricote, to create variation and depth. Hugo Toro designed much of the custom furniture and added touches of red travertine pieces from his Amanecer collection.
The result is a straightforward and balanced interior where materials and colors define the atmosphere.
SEE
Paris
2023
Midland Dining Room
At the Midland Grand Dining Room in London, the renovation led by Hugo Toro reworks the original Victorian architecture with a mix of restored historic elements and contemporary additions.
The marble columns were cleaned and repaired, the painted ceilings restored, and the decorative mouldings regilded to bring back the character of the space. Alongside this, Toro introduced modern seating in curved velvet forms and sculptural lighting to soften the atmosphere.
Located in Midland Grand Dining Room, the design draws on the tradition of Parisian brasseries while keeping the space relaxed and welcoming. The result is a dining room that keeps its historical identity but feels adapted to how it is used today.
The marble columns were cleaned and repaired, the painted ceilings restored, and the decorative mouldings regilded to bring back the character of the space. Alongside this, Toro introduced modern seating in curved velvet forms and sculptural lighting to soften the atmosphere.
Located in Midland Grand Dining Room, the design draws on the tradition of Parisian brasseries while keeping the space relaxed and welcoming. The result is a dining room that keeps its historical identity but feels adapted to how it is used today.
SEE
London
2023
Riviera
/ Apicius Garden
Located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, Riviera Paris is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant created by chef Mathieu Pacaud. Sharing its garden with Apicius, the space offers a calm setting where Parisian elegance meets a more relaxed southern atmosphere.
The outdoor space was designed by interior architect Hugo Toro, who shaped the garden into a warm and open environment. Earthy tones like ochre and olive green, Murano glass chandeliers, and custom-made textiles define the atmosphere, along with vegetation inspired by the south of France.
The cuisine reflects the same influence, focusing on fresh, shareable dishes inspired by Mediterranean cooking, from chilled gazpacho to grilled seafood.
Riviera Paris functions as a garden restaurant experience that connects Paris with a Mediterranean sensibility.
The outdoor space was designed by interior architect Hugo Toro, who shaped the garden into a warm and open environment. Earthy tones like ochre and olive green, Murano glass chandeliers, and custom-made textiles define the atmosphere, along with vegetation inspired by the south of France.
The cuisine reflects the same influence, focusing on fresh, shareable dishes inspired by Mediterranean cooking, from chilled gazpacho to grilled seafood.
Riviera Paris functions as a garden restaurant experience that connects Paris with a Mediterranean sensibility.
SEE
Paris
2023
Atelier of Villa Albertine
The restoration and design of the Atelier of Helen Hay Whitney at Villa Albertine in New York was developed in collaboration with Villa Albertine and the Mobilier National.
The project focuses on restoring the original character of the space, which had lost much of its decoration over time. The design references the building’s Gilded Age origins while introducing a more contemporary approach through color, materials, and craft.
Elements inspired by water and plant forms appear in the furniture and layout, including custom seating around the fireplace and a large central table designed for the space. Lighting is layered throughout the room, combining sculptural pieces and wall fixtures, including travertine lights from the Amanecer collection and a Murano glass chandelier.
The fireplace, carved from a single block of Burgundy stone, serves as a focal point. Selected pieces from the Mobilier National complete the project and reinforce its dialogue between historical restoration and contemporary design.
The project focuses on restoring the original character of the space, which had lost much of its decoration over time. The design references the building’s Gilded Age origins while introducing a more contemporary approach through color, materials, and craft.
Elements inspired by water and plant forms appear in the furniture and layout, including custom seating around the fireplace and a large central table designed for the space. Lighting is layered throughout the room, combining sculptural pieces and wall fixtures, including travertine lights from the Amanecer collection and a Murano glass chandelier.
The fireplace, carved from a single block of Burgundy stone, serves as a focal point. Selected pieces from the Mobilier National complete the project and reinforce its dialogue between historical restoration and contemporary design.
SEE
New York
2023
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
/ Terminal 1
The redesign of Terminal 1 at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Terminal 1 turns the space into a more welcoming travel environment.
The project brings together historical references and contemporary use, with inspiration from Paris in the 1920s. The design includes restored structural columns, lighting elements that animate the space, and materials such as leather and brass that warm the interior.
The seating and details are influenced by classic French cafés and bars, giving the terminal a more comfortable and informal atmosphere. The result is a transit space that feels more relaxed, while still functional for travel and work.
The project brings together historical references and contemporary use, with inspiration from Paris in the 1920s. The design includes restored structural columns, lighting elements that animate the space, and materials such as leather and brass that warm the interior.
The seating and details are influenced by classic French cafés and bars, giving the terminal a more comfortable and informal atmosphere. The result is a transit space that feels more relaxed, while still functional for travel and work.
SEE
Paris
2023
Saints-Pères Apartment
The Saints-Pères apartment is located in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area of Paris and highlights the character of stone and classical proportions within the space.
Hugo Toro introduces a contemporary reading of the interior while keeping its historical base. Nineteenth-century coloured stained glass windows bring rhythm and contrast to the space, while a monumental travertine fireplace anchors the dining room.
A sculptural four-panel rotating screen defines the living area and continues the spatial flow into the kitchen and bathroom, where marble appears in different tones. Leather, wood, brass, and rounded custom furniture complete the interior, creating a coherent and tactile atmosphere.
Hugo Toro introduces a contemporary reading of the interior while keeping its historical base. Nineteenth-century coloured stained glass windows bring rhythm and contrast to the space, while a monumental travertine fireplace anchors the dining room.
A sculptural four-panel rotating screen defines the living area and continues the spatial flow into the kitchen and bathroom, where marble appears in different tones. Leather, wood, brass, and rounded custom furniture complete the interior, creating a coherent and tactile atmosphere.
SEE
Paris
2022
Gigi Paris
Gigi Paris Montaigne opened in November 2021 as part of the Paris Society group.
The interior design is conceived like an apartment, combining comfort with a more expressive and theatrical approach. The layout is structured across different levels to create depth and a variety of atmospheres, including more intimate and secluded areas.
Each space is carefully arranged to offer different ways of experiencing the restaurant, from open dining areas to quieter corners.
The interior design is conceived like an apartment, combining comfort with a more expressive and theatrical approach. The layout is structured across different levels to create depth and a variety of atmospheres, including more intimate and secluded areas.
Each space is carefully arranged to offer different ways of experiencing the restaurant, from open dining areas to quieter corners.
SEE
Paris
2021
St. Pancras London, Autograph Collection
Located inside Booking Office 1869 at St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, the space was redesigned to reflect the character of its historic railway setting.
The renovation highlights the architecture of the station and restores the sense of grandeur of the original structure, while introducing a more contemporary and welcoming atmosphere. The design emphasizes openness, material contrast, and a warm, layered interior.
The culinary offer focuses on simple but refined dishes and cocktails, designed to match the rhythm of the place, where travellers pass through between London and Europe.
The renovation highlights the architecture of the station and restores the sense of grandeur of the original structure, while introducing a more contemporary and welcoming atmosphere. The design emphasizes openness, material contrast, and a warm, layered interior.
The culinary offer focuses on simple but refined dishes and cocktails, designed to match the rhythm of the place, where travellers pass through between London and Europe.
SEE
London
2021
Orient Express
/ La Samaritaine
In 2021, at La Samaritaine in Paris, Hugo Toro conceived a temporary corner for Orient Express, a brand of the Accor group, documented through the photography of Vladimir Partalo.
Following the reopening of La Samaritaine, much to the delight of Parisians and visitors alike, this exceptional setting became the stage for a refined and immersive installation.
The Orient Express embodies travel, movement, and a sense of escape : an identity that is fully expressed in the scenography imagined by Hugo Toro. The space unfolds as a journey across the four corners of the globe, enveloped in the subtle hues of dusk and the depth of night.
Carefully selected noble materials evoke a feeling of well-being and serenity, while the overall composition conveys a timeless sense of luxury, comfort, and elegance.
At the forefront, the iconic blue Orient Express carriage appears in the windows of La Samaritaine, staged within a dynamic scenographic composition, as if suspended among the clouds.
Following the reopening of La Samaritaine, much to the delight of Parisians and visitors alike, this exceptional setting became the stage for a refined and immersive installation.
The Orient Express embodies travel, movement, and a sense of escape : an identity that is fully expressed in the scenography imagined by Hugo Toro. The space unfolds as a journey across the four corners of the globe, enveloped in the subtle hues of dusk and the depth of night.
Carefully selected noble materials evoke a feeling of well-being and serenity, while the overall composition conveys a timeless sense of luxury, comfort, and elegance.
At the forefront, the iconic blue Orient Express carriage appears in the windows of La Samaritaine, staged within a dynamic scenographic composition, as if suspended among the clouds.
SEE
Paris
2021
GIGI RAMATUELLE
Gigi Paris Montaigne is conceived as an Italian character: elegant, playful, and pleasure-driven, rooted in a rich cultural heritage and expressed through a warm, indulgent way of living.
The place evokes a fantasy version of the Italian “dolce vita”, inspired by seaside villas and Mediterranean holidays. Designed by Hugo Toro, the space is imagined like a multi-level beach house, with a narrative approach that creates depth, intimacy, and variation in atmosphere.
From the entrance, the setting suggests a sun-drenched coastal home, with textured finishes and natural materials. The restaurant unfolds like a private house, where each level offers a different mood, from open, lively areas to more discreet corners.
Every detail is carefully designed: rope-covered columns, hand-painted ceramic tabletops with lemon motifs, custom rattan armchairs, and layered textiles. Travertine is used for key architectural elements such as the bar and fountain, while jasmine and climbing plants soften the structure.
The lemon theme runs throughout the project, appearing on fabrics, tableware, umbrellas, and decorative details, reinforcing a coherent Mediterranean atmosphere.
The result is a theatrical yet domestic environment where architecture, furniture, and decoration form a continuous narrative inspired by Italy and its art of living.
The place evokes a fantasy version of the Italian “dolce vita”, inspired by seaside villas and Mediterranean holidays. Designed by Hugo Toro, the space is imagined like a multi-level beach house, with a narrative approach that creates depth, intimacy, and variation in atmosphere.
From the entrance, the setting suggests a sun-drenched coastal home, with textured finishes and natural materials. The restaurant unfolds like a private house, where each level offers a different mood, from open, lively areas to more discreet corners.
Every detail is carefully designed: rope-covered columns, hand-painted ceramic tabletops with lemon motifs, custom rattan armchairs, and layered textiles. Travertine is used for key architectural elements such as the bar and fountain, while jasmine and climbing plants soften the structure.
The lemon theme runs throughout the project, appearing on fabrics, tableware, umbrellas, and decorative details, reinforcing a coherent Mediterranean atmosphere.
The result is a theatrical yet domestic environment where architecture, furniture, and decoration form a continuous narrative inspired by Italy and its art of living.
SEE
Ramatuelle
2021
Gigi Val d’Isère
Gigi Val d’Isère is set in the mountains at 2551 meters altitude, overlooking the peaks of the Vanoise area. The restaurant is located within a large wooden and stone chalet, fully open to the surrounding snowy landscape through expansive windows.
The project designed by Hugo Toro continues the identity of Gigi as a character-driven universe, here adapted to a winter setting. The interior combines warmth and scale, with large communal spaces, a monumental travertine fireplace, and oversized lighting fixtures that structure the atmosphere.
The materials—wood, stone, leather, and textiles—create a strong contrast with the exterior snow, reinforcing a feeling of shelter and comfort. The restaurant comes alive in the evening with music and a festive mood, shifting from dining space to a more social and animated environment.
The project designed by Hugo Toro continues the identity of Gigi as a character-driven universe, here adapted to a winter setting. The interior combines warmth and scale, with large communal spaces, a monumental travertine fireplace, and oversized lighting fixtures that structure the atmosphere.
The materials—wood, stone, leather, and textiles—create a strong contrast with the exterior snow, reinforcing a feeling of shelter and comfort. The restaurant comes alive in the evening with music and a festive mood, shifting from dining space to a more social and animated environment.
SEE
Val d’Isère
2021
Oscar Apartment
The apartment is designed around the idea of travel, imagined both as a luxury hotel suite and as the interior of a high-end train moving without boundaries.
L’Appartement Oscar develops a refined and colourful atmosphere, where red and green set the main tone, expressed through softer and more nuanced variations across the space.
In the bedroom and living room, large sections of the walls are covered in aluminium, adding depth and a slightly reflective, unexpected quality to the interiors.
Extending from the living area, the kitchen combines ebony, brass, and marble in a retro-inspired but elegant composition, reinforcing a cohesive and tactile approach to materials throughout the apartment.
L’Appartement Oscar develops a refined and colourful atmosphere, where red and green set the main tone, expressed through softer and more nuanced variations across the space.
In the bedroom and living room, large sections of the walls are covered in aluminium, adding depth and a slightly reflective, unexpected quality to the interiors.
Extending from the living area, the kitchen combines ebony, brass, and marble in a retro-inspired but elegant composition, reinforcing a cohesive and tactile approach to materials throughout the apartment.
SEE
Paris
2021