Veronica Mishaan, a renowned designer, recently completed a 6,250-square-foot penthouse project in Bogotá. The space blends art, family heirlooms, and contemporary pieces, reflecting her philosophy of evolving interiors. Mishaan’s journey into design began alongside her mother, Susana Mishaan de Millán, a successful designer in Bogotá and Cartagena. Together, they founded M De M Designs, where they crafted bespoke interiors and furnishings for over a decade. What started as a six-month collaboration evolved into 16 years of work, shaping Mishaan’s career and creative vision.
A Family Home Reimagined
The apartment, owned by the same family for over 30 years, underwent a renovation that honored its history. Mishaan relocated the primary suite, enveloping it in rich navy wallcovering and custom furnishings, including a bed upholstered in paisley wool and a Kelly Wearstler bouclé chaise. The primary bath features a unique transition from pink marble floors to blue-and-white waterjet marble walls, creating a seamless blend of luxury and functionality.
A standout feature is the “dream dressing room” with mirrored walls, a custom parchment vanity, and a curved bench upholstered in Pierre Frey velvet. Guest rooms were tailored to the family, including custom bunk beds for the grandchildren. Mishaan carefully reused furniture and artwork, placing them in new locations to preserve cherished memories. For instance, a desk once in the living room now resides in the primary bedroom, maintaining the home’s emotional connection to the past.
Inspired by Bogotá’s Environment
The penthouse’s design draws inspiration from Bogotá’s lush greenery and the majestic Andes Mountains. The playroom, with its sage green millwork, honey oak floors, and natural marmorino plaster walls, mirrors the surrounding environment. Dark wood doors and baseboards add depth, while the earthy tones evoke the city’s natural beauty. Mishaan notes, “The view of the mountains of Bogotá is not a view you get in many metropolitan cities, so I thought it was something worth using as an inspiration.”
Related Post: Valencia’s Feria Hábitat kicks off with home and design trends
In the primary bedroom, dark blue blossom wallpaper by Phillip Jeffries creates a serene, garden-like atmosphere. Mishaan’s use of wood and botanical motifs throughout the apartment reinforces the connection to Bogotá’s environment, making the space feel both grounded and transportive.
Art, Materials, and Colombian Craftsmanship
The owners’ art collection, featuring works by Peter Halley, Sophia Vari, Pedro Ruiz, and Larraz, anchors the space with cultural and emotional significance. However, Mishaan emphasizes that the selection of materials drove much of the project. “There was no clear storyline,” she explains. “It became a balanced combination of the materials that felt right to the client and myself.”
The penthouse features a thoughtful mix of materials, textures, and patterns, including leopard Stark carpets, printed linen window treatments, and a reused antique Aubusson rug. Custom furnishings, millwork, bronze hardware, and architectural details add a personal touch. Honey-toned wood flooring, dark wood accents, and bespoke doors create warmth, while a custom family room bookcase wrapped in white parchment adds elegance. Extensive use of marmorino plaster in common areas enhances the space’s softness and warmth. Many of these pieces were crafted by artisan workshops throughout Colombia, further connecting the apartment to its cultural roots.
