Residential project in Lucerne (Switzerland)
Near Lucerne, where the Swiss lakeside landscape meets contemporary architecture, a residential project takes shape that redefines the concept of bathroom environment, transforming it from a purely functional space into a private sensory sanctuary. Here, in a newly built structure that complements a historic residence, Livingdreams — an interior design studio based in Switzerland and Mallorca — demonstrates how design expertise and the ability to master innovative materials can generate atmospheres of rare emotional impact.
At the heart of this transformation, Golden Leaf wallpaper by Instabilelab emerges as the real protagonist: not merely a decorative covering, but a true architectural element capable of enveloping the entire space in a continuous visual narrative. The large-scale leaves, enriched with gold foil on a Tex Prestige substrate, transform the full-height walls into a theatrical backdrop that interacts with the natural light of the lakeside landscape and the design of contemporary furnishings.
The result is a space where luxury and nature, ingenuity and poetry coexist in perfect balance. The private spa proves Livingdreams‘ ability to translate ambitious visions into effective reality, supported by Instabilelab‘s technical expertise and innovative solutions.
We met with Nicole Hoch, founder of Livingdreams, to explore the design strategies and technical challenges that made this transformation possible.
– Transforming a bathroom into a sensory spa requires a design vision that goes beyond mere functionality. How did you develop the concept for this space, and which role did Golden Leaf graphic play in defining its emotional identity?
We wanted a modern, airy and delicate area that could connect with the trees and clearly stand out from the historic house. Thanks to the wide frameless windows, the centre of the pavilion feels like a green cave, offering scenic views among the trees. The close connection with nature is an essential part of both the architecture and the interior design.
– The choice of Instabilelab’s Tex Prestige substrate was crucial to the project’s technical success, ensuring moisture resistance in a spa environment. Beyond its functional performance, the integrated gold foil creates reflections and depth that interact with lighting. How did you approach the lighting design — from the backlit mirror to the illuminated niches — to enhance these textural qualities?
Through the many exhibitions I organised with my company, I’ve always valued staged lighting setups, because they create a dreamlike atmosphere. The eye is drawn to specific corners, etc., and the various materials take center stage, coming together to form a unified whole, a specific mood. With the help of Instabilelab, we were able to extend this wonderful staging all the way into the moist environments — and the Instabilelab team did a fantastic job in giving shape to the many design requirements. My wish was for the wallpaper pattern to look perfect whether the door was open or not; that was not so easy, but it worked out!
– The use of cladding flush doors with the same graphic represents a sophisticated technical and stylistic choice that requires millimetric precision in alignment and pattern continuity. Which were the main challenges during this phase, and how did the collaboration with Instabilelab help achieve such seamless narrative continuity?
Instabilelab‘s graphics team is highly professional, and it quickly becomes clear that such challenges are in their DNA — demanding, but absolutely achievable.
– Livingdreams operates between Switzerland and Mallorca, two very different geographical and cultural contexts. How do these two landscapes — alpine-lakeside and Mediterranean — influence your design approach? In this Lucerne project, the use of lush tropical imagery creates a deliberate contrast with the exterior: is this “sensory journey” strategy part of your design philosophy, or was it a specific response to the client’s needs?
The collection by Livingdreams offers durable, no-frills, custom-made furniture and home accessories, characterised by the use of valuable materials and a timeless design. The pieces are designed to be practical and blend into their surroundings, thus merging into a harmonious whole. A harmony that cannot be imagined in any other way. A perfect symbiosis: this is our commitment to our clients. That is why we are a good fit for both the city and the countryside, north and south.
– Designing for oneself is one of the most complex challenges: the filters of client expectations disappear, and personal desires emerge, often clashing with rational design thinking. How did you manage this dual role — designer and client — in the choice of Golden Leaf graphic?
This project felt no different than when my team and I put our heart and soul into other projects for our clients. The choice of colours and materials was very clear from the beginning and didn’t change. But surprisingly, this newly built house was almost more complex than the many renovations we’ve done for ourselves in the past. It was more complex because almost anything was possible. And it was clear that a beautiful design and the materials used also had to be practical — we didn’t want to compromise on that.
The Lucerne project demonstrates how wallpaper can transcend its decorative role to become a defining architectural element. Golden Leaf graphic does not simply cover the walls, it transforms them into a theatrical backdrop that interacts with light, the lakeside landscape, and the experience of those who inhabit the space.
Nicole Hoch’s words reveal a clear philosophy: design and functionality are not compromises, but allies. Every choice — from the moisture-resistant Tex Prestige substrate to the millimetric alignment around flush doors, up to the careful calibration of the lighting to enhance the reflections of gold foil — reflects this integrated vision.
This confirms that when the materials are able to meet complex technical challenges, creative freedom can fully express itself without constraints. A bathroom environment can become what Livingdreams has managed to create: a sensory sanctuary designed to be lived in, not merely passed through.
