This April, our Mattoboard Challenge transported designers to the sun-drenched rooftops of the Mediterranean, with a brief inspired by the bold, opulent world of Dolce & Gabbana. Participants were tasked with crafting rooftop lounge concepts that encapsulate the brand’s signature mix of rich textures, vibrant colors, and luxurious Italian flair.
From citrus-laden courtyards to velvet-draped lounges, the submissions dazzled with their creativity and attention to detail. After careful vetting by our tutors, these entries stood out, capturing the essence of Mediterranean elegance.
🥇 1st Place: Sana Saleh Abood
Sana’s mood board is inspired by Dolce & Gabbana’s aesthetic, featuring a vibrant colour scheme of navy blue, gold, and sunny yellow, accented with pops of red from the flowers. The inspiration is clearly a luxurious, sunny rooftop lounge. The images showcase lemon trees, patterned fabrics featuring lemons, patterned tiles, and a gold candle all elements that convey a sense of high end, Mediterranean style. The overall effect is sophisticated, cheerful, and inviting.
Tutor’s Take:
Sana’s entry captures the indulgent decadence and timeless luxury associated with Dolce & Gabbana, providing an evocative freshness through a dyadic color scheme that encapsulates an elevated sense of Mediterranean style, elegantly captured in her use of materiality.
About Sana
I recently completed my one year Interior Design degree in India and also earned a diploma from the National Design Academy in Dubai. I never gave up on my dream, and I’m so proud to be a graduate. Interior design is my true passion. I’ve completed many projects and love working with colours, materials, and shopping for décor and furniture. I’ve learned so much about creating portfolios, technical drawings, selecting paints and materials, and more.
Now I’m excited and ready for training and job opportunities. I believe in hard work and never giving up and one day, I can’t wait to design and decorate my own home!
Connect with Sana:
Instagram: @_theartofsana_
Facebook: Sana Saleh
LinkedIn: Sana Saleh Abood
🥈 2nd Place: Clare Meaton
Clare’s vibrant entry offers a sophisticated and colourful take on Mediterranean design. Utilising a backdrop of orange, blue, and white, she creates a cosy space that transitions seamlessly from day to night. Floral archways, structural curved designs, and beautiful tiles complement Dolce & Gabbana’s aesthetic, while silk fabrics featuring oranges add light, glow, and warmth to the scheme.
Did You Know?
Clare previously won our February Mattoboard Challenge with her “Japonica Spa” concept, a serene, Japanese-inspired retreat. Read more about her winning design here.
Tutor’s Take:
Another fresh and vibrant entry submitted by Clare, offering a sophisticated and colourful take on Mediterranean design, capturing the elevated nature of contemporary luxury that Dolce & Gabbana are often known for.
About Clare
Connect with Clare:
Instagram: @worn_and_reborn
Facebook: Clare Meaton
Portfolio: www.wornandreborn.co.uk
🥉 3rd Place: Jamie Ackrill Rush
Jamie’s submission captures the lively appeal of Mediterranean design, especially the relaxed Italian nature of hospitality. His selection of terracotta, greens, blues, and yellows represents the Sicilian countryside and Dolce & Gabbana’s roots, blending iconic Italian tiles, lemon trees, and bold prints to create a refined aesthetic that celebrates alfresco entertaining.
Tutor’s Take:
A positive, colorful submission, Jamie captures the lively appeal of Mediterranean design, especially the relaxed Italian nature of hospitality, while still offering a refined aesthetic that celebrates the feeling of alfresco entertaining.
About Jamie
After working in hospitality most of my life I took the plunge and completed the professional interior design diploma to enhance my knowledge and learn to design spaces that I have spent most of my working time in. I intend to move onto the degree in retail design and look for opportunities in retail and hospitality design, I particularly enjoying using natural elements to bring the outdoors in.
Connect with Jamie:
Instagram: @jsrstudios01
Don’t Miss Out on the Next Challenge! 🚀
A heartfelt congratulations to all our winners and participants! Each submission showcased remarkable creativity, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the brief.
Stay tuned for May’s Mattoboard Challenge, where we’ll explore new themes and design inspirations.
Which design resonates with you the most? Let us know in the comments or tag us on our socials with your thoughts! Follow us on social media to be the first to hear about upcoming challenges, and who knows? You could be our next winner!🤩
