Discover how Hugo Toro blends history with modern design, creating timeless spaces with rich textures, bold colors, and visionary architecture.
Hugo Toro is a name that keeps popping up when it comes to thoughtful, visionary design. Known for his effortless ability to blend the past and present, AD100 designer Hugo Toro transforms every space he touches with a magic that only a true architect and artist can possess. His latest project — the redesign of a grand Parisian mansion — gives us a perfect example of his unique skill.
This stunning six-story, 10,000-square-foot mansion, built in 1911, had sat abandoned for 15 years. It was in a state of disrepair, with water damage and mold covering the intricate plasterwork, and peeling Empire-red paint showing just how much work was needed. But Toro saw something that many wouldn’t: a chance to revive a piece of Parisian history while making it fit for a modern family. It wasn’t about erasing the past but finding ways to bring its timeless beauty into today’s world.
Bridging Time with Visionary Architecture
Toro’s approach to this project was one of respect and innovation. The challenge was to balance the original grandeur of the mansion — its soaring ceilings, towering windows, and elaborate moldings — with modern needs. And in his hands, that balance is magical.
As an architect who loves freedom in his work, Toro’s style is all about trusting his instincts. From selecting bespoke furniture to carefully picking materials, everything in this mansion feels deliberate and crafted with purpose. Toro’s vision is clear: to create spaces that feel timeless yet fresh, where every detail has a reason for being there.
What makes his design stand out is the way he respects the building’s heritage while bringing in something new — something that has a sense of playfulness and energy. High ceilings and gilded moldings remind you of the building’s legacy, while curving, organic shapes bring warmth and comfort into the space.
Color as a Canvas: The Playful Boldness of Hugo Toro
One of the things that makes Toro’s designs so special is his love for color. But it’s not just about choosing shades that pop — it’s about creating an experience that you feel as soon as you step into the room.
In this Parisian mansion, color plays a huge role. For instance, in the family room, hues of amber and orange blend into each other, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. If you’ve ever seen the playful colors of the 1970s, you’ll recognize Toro’s tribute to that era, but with a sophisticated twist. These colors are soft yet bold, helping the room feel both lively and inviting.
But it’s not just about color. Toro has a knack for pairing rich, tactile materials that add depth and dimension to a space. The velvet cushions on the sofas, the custom ceramic tiles in the fireplace, and the sleek aluminum finishes all come together in a way that feels balanced and full of life. Every material is chosen not just for how it looks, but for the feeling it brings.
Textures and Materials: Crafting a Sensory Experience
Texture plays an equally important role in Hugo Toro’s design philosophy. It’s not enough to create a space that looks beautiful: it should feel incredible too. Whether you’re sitting on a plush velvet sofa or running your fingers over a smooth, custom ceramic tile, Toro’s attention to texture ensures that every corner of the home invites you to touch, to feel, and to experience.
Take, for example, the show-stopping two-and-a-half-ton aquarium in the family room. Embedded in the wall, this unique element doesn’t just serve as a visual feature but also brings a touch of nature into the space. It’s a brilliant way to connect the natural world with architectural beauty — something Toro excels at.
Upstairs, in the primary bedroom, the textures continue to captivate. From the platform-style bed to the soft, water-like motifs on the carpet, every piece of the room is designed to feel as good as it looks. The textures in this room help guide the flow of energy, creating a peaceful, dreamlike atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.
Creating Spaces to Live and Entertain
One of the reasons Hugo Toro is so well-regarded is that he designs spaces with people in mind. It’s not just about creating beautiful rooms to look at: it’s about creating spaces where you can live, relax, and connect.
In this Parisian mansion, every room has a purpose. The layout flows seamlessly, with spaces for family gatherings and moments of solitude. Each piece of furniture, every window, every light fixture was carefully chosen to make sure that the space works not just visually, but practically for the people who live there.
A great example of this is the grand central staircase. The seven-meter-long Murano glass chandelier that Toro designed himself isn’t just a lighting fixture — it’s an artistic centerpiece. It casts shadows and light across the room, changing the mood of the space throughout the day and night. It’s a perfect example of how Toro blends practicality with beauty, making each design element part of a greater experience.
Designing Spaces to Inspire and Connect
What really sets Hugo Toro apart is his ability to design spaces that inspire. He doesn’t just create beautiful rooms: he creates environments that encourage you to live in them, to engage with them, and to make memories.
Every element of the design — whether it’s the choice of color, the layering of textures, or the thoughtful placement of furniture — has a purpose. It’s all about creating a space that not only looks amazing but feels right at home, too. Hugo Toro believes that great design isn’t just about admiring from afar — it’s about living with it, interacting with it, and letting it enhance your everyday life.
Designing Your Own Immersive Space with Hugo Toro’s Philosophy
If you’re drawn to the kind of thoughtful, layered design that defines Hugo Toro’s work, there’s no reason why you can’t incorporate some of his principles into your own home. Toro’s design philosophy is all about balancing form and function, ensuring that your space is not only beautiful but also inviting, comfortable, and perfect for how you live.
Whether it’s through the use of textures, a carefully selected color palette, or the incorporation of unique materials, you can create a space that feels just as immersive and inspiring as the Paris mansion Hugo Toro designed. With his emphasis on timeless elegance and contemporary style, you too can turn your living space into something truly special — where every corner is a work of art, and every moment spent there feels like magic.
To truly elevate your home with the same attention to detail that Hugo Toro brings to his designs, consider adding a statement piece to your space. A carefully chosen rug can serve as the perfect foundation, bringing warmth, texture, and character to any room. Explore TAPIS Studio’s collection of luxurious, handcrafted rugs, and transform your living space into an inspiring masterpiece, just like the ones created by Toro himself.
Photography: William Jess Laird
