A Tour of Vincenzo De Cotiis' Spectacular Home on Venice's Grand Canal

Vincenzo De Cotiis, the renowned architect and designer, has breathed new life into the historic Palazzo Giustinian Lolin, located on Venice’s iconic Grand Canal. By seamlessly blending the grandeur of the past with a modern sensibility, De Cotiis adds a new layer to this centuries-old building, creating a continuous dialogue between history, art, and contemporary living.

Martin Morrell

Palazzo Giustinian Lolin, originally constructed in the 15th century by the Miani family, was later acquired by the Lolin family and rebuilt in 1630 by the Venetian architect Baldassarre Longhena. While the palazzo’s grand baroque façade reflects its illustrious past, remnants of its earlier Renaissance structure, such as slender windows and the original floor plan, remain intact, adding to its architectural charm. Throughout the centuries, the building has served various functions, including housing the Ugo and Olga Levi Foundation for music studies, located on the second floor.

Martin Morrell

When De Cotiis and his wife Claudia Rose discovered the palazzo in 2019, they were captivated by its Venetian essence, particularly the way the Grand Canal’s light reflects off the walls, connecting the home to the city’s lifeblood. Inspired by the building’s rich history, De Cotiis set out to restore the space with sensitivity, creating a balance between its historic identity and contemporary Venice.

In the study, the walls are covered with the original silk brocade. The fiberglass and Murano glass furnishings are by Vincenzo De Cotiis, and the artwork is by Michail Pirgelis. On the pedestal are fragments of a Roman statue. / Martin Morrell

The restoration was executed with a light touch, revealing the purity of the original space. Silk tapestries were carefully restored, terrazzo floors were brought back to their former glory, and vermilion-red wall panels were refreshed. The interior colors, rich blues and deep reds, are reminiscent of Venetian hues, with the blue reflecting the nearby lagoon and the red echoing a neighboring palace.

Martin Morrell

Throughout the home, De Cotiis’ contemporary sculptural furnishings coexist with baroque details, creating a stunning juxtaposition. In the living room, avant-garde furniture pieces like a cocktail table made from cast brass, recycled fiberglass, and malachite sit alongside a velvet mohair-upholstered sofa. These pieces are set against an opulent backdrop of 19th-century marmorino plaster walls, walnut burl doors, and a massive Murano glass chandelier, creating a dynamic interplay between the old and new.

Martin Morrell

De Cotiis also incorporated cutting-edge design elements, subtly integrating modern conveniences such as hidden radiators and sleek lighting systems into the palazzo’s historic framework. Outdated renovations from the 1980s were stripped away, revealing the essence of the space, while updated materials, such as silvered panels and track lighting, were tastefully added to enhance the architectural features without overwhelming them.

In the master bedroom, a plywood chair by Rick Owens and a wardrobe made of German silver, hand-painted fiberglass, and white bronze. / Martin Morrell

Art plays a central role in De Cotiis’ vision for the space. A striking triptych by artist Anne Imhof, made of glass and steel, divides the living room and reflects the surrounding baroque details, while sculptures by Girolamo Campagna and contemporary works by artists like Sterling Ruby and Michail Pirgelis create a rich visual dialogue with the palazzo’s interior. These artistic interventions, paired with the opulent use of materials like German silver, hand-painted fiberglass, and white bronze, reinforce the home’s avant-garde yet timeless character.

Martin Morrell

Martin Morrell

De Cotiis sourced materials from around the world, adding a global touch to the project. In the main bedroom, an enormous cabinet made of German silver, hand-painted fiberglass, and white bronze evokes the shape of a ziggurat, while a green Malachite Challant marble dining table adds a splash of bold color to the dining room. Even as De Cotiis incorporates luxurious materials, the contrast between opulence and modernity is ever-present, maintaining a sense of balance within the space.

Martin Morrell

The Palazzo Giustinian Lolin is not just a home; it is an exploration of how the old and new can coexist harmoniously. De Cotiis’ restoration honors the building’s past while embracing the present, creating a home that feels both timeless and forward-looking. In this space, art, architecture, and history come together, embodying the spirit of Venice and its enduring legacy.

The facade of the palace, facing the Grand Canal, was designed by Baldassarre Longhena around 1630. / Martin Morrell