In the heart of Cannaregio, one of Venice’s most vibrant sestieri, architect and designer Cristina Celestino presents her latest interior architecture project: Elizabeth Unique Venice for Design Hotels. The transformation of a mid 17th century palazzo into an intimate residence dedicated to contemporary hospitality.
“Venice moves at its own rhythm, shaped by its waterways, history, light and atmosphere. My objective was to strip away the layers accumulated over centuries and return the palazzo to its original essence, while integrating a contemporary design language capable of creating a new hospitality experience.”
Cristina Celestino
The interiors reflect Cristina Celestino’s distinctive design approach, expressed through materiality, colour and craftsmanship. She creates a conversation between the past and present, where traces of history and contemporary scenography coexist through a refined process of aesthetic and conceptual layering.
Traditional Venetian materials, including seminato flooring, marmorino plaster and timber detailing, are reinterpreted through three colour palettes inspired by the city itself: lagoon green, crimson red and soft sandy tones, while bespoke furnishings and carefully selected design pieces establish a harmonious balance between the historic character of the building and contemporary life.
“Color plays a large role in shaping the hotel’s identity and forming a strong bond with its setting. The suites and rooms on the middle floor are washed in a soft shade Celestino calls “lagoon green,” so that looking out the front windows, “you can match the color of the canal with the atmosphere of your own room.”
Interior Design, September 2026
The restaurant
Particular attention was dedicated to the restaurant spaces on the ground floor, where the project explores the expressive potential of glass through light, colour and reflection. Shades of yellow and azure animate surfaces, textiles and marble finishes, creating vibrant contrasts and reflections.
